With the onset of the winter, people from Kathmandu and other urban areas have started going for picnics. According to the operators of various picnic spots around Kathmandu, the spots are full in December, January, and February. Hence, currently, bookings are being made in picnic spots around the Kathmandu valley.
These picnic spots do not have fixed rates, but the prices are based on bargaining. Some picnic spots lack basic facilities like water and toilets while others shine in the area.
If you are looking for a place to go for a picnic with your friends and family, here are some popular spots around the Kathmandu valley.
1. Manjushree Park, Chobhar
Chobhar is the picnic spot at a short distance from the Kathmandu Ring Road. Just four kilometres away from Balkhu, this area can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The spot is operated and managed by Manjushree Park Management Committee.
Parking: Enough space
Facilities: Water for cooking free, drinking water available for purchase
Toilets: Two
Booking: One week in advance
Fees: Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000
2. Tribhuvan Park, Thankot
Tribhuvan Park is a spot where everyone has gone picnic once. It was the nearest and easiest place to go in the 90s. There are 15 picnic spots inside Tribhuvan Park, each with a capacity of 150 to 400 people. Located at a distance of six kilometres from Kalanki, this place can be reached in just about 15 minutes by car.
Parking: Enough space
Facilities: Water for cooking free, drinking water available for purchase
Toilet: Separate for each spot
Booking: Must be booked in the morning on the day of the picnic
Fees: Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500 depending on the spots and their capacity
3. Switzerland Park
Switzerland Park is a park in the Chandragiri municipality, close to Kathmandu. This park is located in the middle of the forest in height. The management has stated it has more facilities than other picnic spots at the same fee. Located at a distance of seven kilometres from Kalanki, this place can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.
Parking: On the side of the road
Facilities: Water for cooking free, drinking water available for purchase
Toilet: Four toilets each for women and men
Booking: Not required
Fees: Rs 2,700 for each group
4. Godavari
Godavari Botanical Garden in the Godavari municipality of Lalitpur is one of the nearest picnic destinations from Kathmandu. This place is about eight kilometres away. If you go by car, you can reach the destination in about 30 minutes. This place is considered to be one of the popular picnic destinations for many Kathmanduites to enjoy picnics in a peaceful and green environment.
Parking: On the side of the road
Facilities: Water available for drinking and cooking
Toilet: Inadequate (Most spots have no toilet.)
Fees: Rs 300 to Rs 700
5. Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is one of the busiest picnic spots around Kathmandu with about 30 picnics each Friday and Saturday. This place is located some 25 kilometres away from Koteshwar. This area can be reached in about 55 minutes by car.
Parking: On the side of the road
Facilities: Water for cooking free, drinking water available for purchase
Toilet: Available, though not for each spot
Booking: One week in advance for Fridays and Saturdays
Fees: Rs 2,000 for up to 25 people and Rs 7,000 for those with 300 people
6. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a popular tourist area around the Kathmandu valley. At all times of the year, many tourists flock here not just for picnics. For picnics, however, there are 10 spots to choose from. Apart from this, other business owners who have a space in their personal property allow people to use their empty space and collect money. It is at a distance of 22 kilometres from Koteshwar and takes about an hour by car to reach.
Parking: Enough
Facilities: Drinking water is available
Toilets: Two
Total number of spots: 10
Fees: Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000
7. Dolalghat
Dolalghat is one of the main tourist areas of the Kavre district. Located on the banks of the Indravati and Bhotekoshi rivers, this area is about 50 kilometres away from Kathmandu and takes about one and half hours of travel. There are more than a dozen picnic spots on the riverside.
Parking: Enough
Facilities: Tap water is available
Toilet: Separate for each spot
Booking: Not required
Fees: Not set, however, Rs 500 to Rs 700 is charged for water and electricity
8. Palanchok
Another historical and tourist area of the Kavre district is Palanchok Bhagawati. There are nine picnic spots to choose from. It takes about an hour and 45 minutes by car to reach this area, which is at a distance of 47 kilometres from Kathmandu.
Parking: On the side of the road
Facilities: Water for cooking free, drinking water available for purchase
Toilet: Two each for men and women
Booking: Must be booked one week in advance
Fees: Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000
