Enchanting and attractive natural beauty
Dahachowk, located merely five kilometers northwest of Kalanki in Kathmandu, is quite an enchanting and attractive site for its natural beauty. It takes only one-and-a-half hous to reach Indradaha from Baad Bhanjyang. Passing through the community forest of Pataleban, though a moderately challenging hike, it is quite pleasant with the chirping of birds and fresh air. Pataleban, which literally translates to ‘thin forest’, shelters many bird species such as kalij pheasant, almpuchhre, cuckoo, et cetera and you get to spot deer and monkeys, if you are lucky enough.
After a 40- minute walk uphill through the forest, you come to a plateau, which looks like green carpet because of the grass. The view on the way to the hilltop becomes increasingly breathtaking with every ascending step. At the top, you will be greeted by the sight of mesmerizing green hills and you can see as far as Dhading, Kritipur and Kathmandu. Visit during winter for Spectacular Mountain views Lantang, Ganesh and Manaslu.
From there, it takes 30 minutes more to reach Dahachowk. The main attractions of the place are the Indradaha (daha means pond in Nepali), Manakamana temple and the grave of KAji Kalu Pandey. Rich in natural beauty, Dahachowk also has historical and cultural significance. Going by the folklore, it is said that during satya yuga (the era of truth), the King of Heaven, Indra descended upon th e pond and took a bath there. Hance, it is believed that one can get rid of any diseases by taking bath in the pond. In fact, the Indradaha bathing fair is held every year on Bhadra Shulkla Purnima (full moon day in the month of Bhadra.)
The grave of Kaji Kalu Pandey is a historic site which lies at the highest site of Dahachowk, at 10 minutes’ walking distance from Indredaha. Kaji Kalu Pandey, who died during the unification of Nepal, wished to be buried at Dahachowk from where Gorkha can be viewed. It is said that Prithivi Narayan Shah built Manakamana of Gorkha district for attaining power to defeat the rulers of Kathmandu valley, along with Parsa of Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.
Dahachowk has a mixed settlement of Tamangs, Magars, Brahmins and Chhetris.
Travel requirement
Hiking Shoes, sunscreen, hat or cap, water, sun glasses, wet tissue and dry tissue
Travel Tips
If you are planning to hike in the monsoon season, beware of leeches and slippery hiking trails. Scrubbing salt on your legs can help get rid of Leeches
Best time to visit
Hiking from June through August is ideal due to blooming orchids, while March till April is the best time when blooming rhododendrons dot the scenery. Visit during October through November for spectacular mountain views.
Source: The Himalayan Times, Trevel & Lifestyle, 12-Sep-2013
Dahachowk, located merely five kilometers northwest of Kalanki in Kathmandu, is quite an enchanting and attractive site for its natural beauty. It takes only one-and-a-half hous to reach Indradaha from Baad Bhanjyang. Passing through the community forest of Pataleban, though a moderately challenging hike, it is quite pleasant with the chirping of birds and fresh air. Pataleban, which literally translates to ‘thin forest’, shelters many bird species such as kalij pheasant, almpuchhre, cuckoo, et cetera and you get to spot deer and monkeys, if you are lucky enough.
After a 40- minute walk uphill through the forest, you come to a plateau, which looks like green carpet because of the grass. The view on the way to the hilltop becomes increasingly breathtaking with every ascending step. At the top, you will be greeted by the sight of mesmerizing green hills and you can see as far as Dhading, Kritipur and Kathmandu. Visit during winter for Spectacular Mountain views Lantang, Ganesh and Manaslu.
From there, it takes 30 minutes more to reach Dahachowk. The main attractions of the place are the Indradaha (daha means pond in Nepali), Manakamana temple and the grave of KAji Kalu Pandey. Rich in natural beauty, Dahachowk also has historical and cultural significance. Going by the folklore, it is said that during satya yuga (the era of truth), the King of Heaven, Indra descended upon th e pond and took a bath there. Hance, it is believed that one can get rid of any diseases by taking bath in the pond. In fact, the Indradaha bathing fair is held every year on Bhadra Shulkla Purnima (full moon day in the month of Bhadra.)
The grave of Kaji Kalu Pandey is a historic site which lies at the highest site of Dahachowk, at 10 minutes’ walking distance from Indredaha. Kaji Kalu Pandey, who died during the unification of Nepal, wished to be buried at Dahachowk from where Gorkha can be viewed. It is said that Prithivi Narayan Shah built Manakamana of Gorkha district for attaining power to defeat the rulers of Kathmandu valley, along with Parsa of Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.
Dahachowk has a mixed settlement of Tamangs, Magars, Brahmins and Chhetris.
Travel requirement
Hiking Shoes, sunscreen, hat or cap, water, sun glasses, wet tissue and dry tissue
Travel Tips
If you are planning to hike in the monsoon season, beware of leeches and slippery hiking trails. Scrubbing salt on your legs can help get rid of Leeches
Best time to visit
Hiking from June through August is ideal due to blooming orchids, while March till April is the best time when blooming rhododendrons dot the scenery. Visit during October through November for spectacular mountain views.
Source: The Himalayan Times, Trevel & Lifestyle, 12-Sep-2013
