Kakani
In Nepali: काकनी
A strawberry-growing ridge north-west of Kathmandu with close views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang.
Kakani sits at about 2,000 m on the road from Kathmandu to Trishuli. Its old British-era summer bungalow, rhododendron forest and ridge-top memorial park look straight at Ganesh Himal and the Langtang range.
Local farms grow strawberries in spring, and the area is a popular weekend picnic and walking spot, with a trail along the ridge to Shivapuri.
What to see and do
Enjoy the view of Ganesh Himal and Langtang from the ridge, walk in the rhododendron forest, visit the memorial park, and pick or buy fresh strawberries in season. The ridge walk to Shivapuri is a longer option.
Good to know
Kakani is often visited as a day trip from Kathmandu. Weekends are busy with picnickers. Mornings are clearest.
Quick answers
- Where is Kakani?
- Kakani is in Nuwakot district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Kakani?
- About 2,070 m (6,792 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Kakani?
- Kakani is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
- How many days do I need for Kakani?
- Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Kakani?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Kakani?
- October–April; strawberries in March–April
- How do I get to Kakani?
- About 1 hour by road from Kathmandu. It is about 12 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Kakani called in Nepali?
- काकनी
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