Dharan

Dharan sits where the plains meet the first ridges of the Mahabharat. For decades it hosted the British Gurkha recruitment camp (now the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences), and many families of Limbu, Rai and Gurung ex-servicemen settled here, giving the city a cosmopolitan feel and a strong food culture — try pork sekuwa and tongba.

The Budha Subba temple, a Kirat shrine among bamboo groves, is famous for its bamboo without tips, and the hilltop temples of Dantakali, Pindeshwar and Panchakanya are important Hindu pilgrimage sites, especially during Shrawan. Bhedetar and its viewpoint lie just up the road.

What to see and do

Visit the Budha Subba temple and its tipless bamboo grove, climb the steps to Dantakali, Pindeshwar and Panchakanya temples on the hills, and walk around the Bhanu Chowk clock tower area. Eat at the city's many sekuwa restaurants and try local Kirati dishes. For views, drive up to Bhedetar or walk to the Chatara–Baraha Kshetra area.

Good to know

During Shrawan, thousands of pilgrims walk from the Koshi at Chatara (or Baraha Kshetra) to Pindeshwar in the Bol Bam pilgrimage. Dharan is a good base for eastern hill trips via the Koshi Highway. Evenings are lively; the city is known for its music scene.