indradaha Kazi Kalu Pandey Memorial Park Hiking - 1 Days

Indra Daha Switzerland Park Day Hiking

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Short Brief about Kazi Kalu Pande: Kazi Kalu Pande, whose real name was Vamshidhar Pande, was born in the Gorkha district in 1713 A.D. He was the son of Kazi Bhimraj Pande. Kalu Pande was a prominent politician who later became the chief commander of the Gorkhali forces during the unification of Nepal under King Prithvi Narayan Shah. He was killed in the first battle of Kirtipur in 1757 A.D. during the campaign to annex the Kathmandu Valley.

Facts about Kazi Kalu Pande Park: Kazi Kalu Pande Park is recognized as one of the historical and religious sites in Kathmandu, located in the western part of the city within Chandragiri Municipality. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding hills of the Kathmandu Valley, including the borders of Makawanpur and Dhading districts. This area is famous for its panoramic vistas, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Although I am unable to provide an image, I can describe the breathtaking view from the top of Kalu Pande’s hill tower. Imagine vast green mountains stretching out beneath a bright sky, with a historic stone tower standing proudly. In the distance, rolling hills lead up to towering, snow-capped peaks, creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape.

Recently, the Nepalese government has begun construction on a viewing tower within the park, which is still underway. From this tower, visitors will be able to see the entire Kathmandu cityscape alongside the majestic Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung Mountains. Additionally, a small Manakamana Temple, established by Gorkha soldiers after their victorious battle, is located near the park. Visitors can also see the stone memorial dedicated to Kazi Kalu Pande, a great warrior, along with his statue, which are popular attractions for tourists.

How to Reach by Hiking: There are two options for reaching Kalu Pande Park via hiking. The first option is the best way to go, taking foot trails through Baad Bhanjyang, which is one of the most straightforward and short hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The actual hike begins at Nagdunga (Thankot), which serves as a gateway to the valley. Nagdunga is the last border with the Dhading district and is connected to the Prithvi Highway. You can start your journey from Kathmandu to Nagdunga, passing through Kalanki, Naikap, Balambu, and Satungal.

The second option involves following a footpath route similar to the first option, but starting from a motorable road. While the gravel road is easier to navigate, it is longer and curves more than the foot trail. For the best experience, it is recommended to take the foot trails that run through the village, which consist of steep uphill paths. During your hike, you will encounter local people working in their fields. You can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery, including the hills of Chandragiri, the city of Kathmandu, and lush green pine and rhododendron forests. On a clear day, you may also see Ganesh Himal and Langtang from this vantage point.

On your return to Kathmandu, consider visiting Indradaha Pond and Temple (which is a 10-minute walk away) and Switzerland Park (a nice picnic spot), as well as the Bindyabasini Temple, which is just a half-hour walk away. You can also visit Balambu Monastery before re-entering the city area.

Trip Highlights

A clear view of the entire valley, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and other areas like Dhading, Makawanpur, and Nuwakot.
Breathtaking panorama of mountains such as Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, and Mt. Gaurishankar, among others.
Popular burial site of Kalu Pandey, chief commander during the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
During the hike, you will encounter local people working in their fields while enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery.
The White Monastery and red rhododendron flowers bloom only in the spring season.
Indra Daha, also known as Indra Pond, is a popular picnic spot, along with Switzerland Park.

Outline Itinerary:

Detail Itinerary Short Itinerary

Day 01:Drive to Naagdhunga by car and indra Daha Kazi Kalu Pandey Memorial Park Hiking.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up and drive you about 10 kilometers to the hiking starting point at Naagdhunga, which is near a police checkpost. From here, your hike will begin as we follow a gentle, flat trail toward Dhaireni Dada, also known as Heaven Dada. This picturesque hill is located in Indrasthan, Chandragiri Municipality, near the Kathmandu Valley. The area is renowned for its lush greenery and tranquil environment, making it an ideal spot for hiking and picnicking. The hilltop offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets, giving visitors the feeling of being above the clouds. The landscape features dense forests and open grassy fields, creating a perfect escape for nature lovers and anyone seeking to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hike continues along the Indra Daha foot trails. For most of the uphill journey, we follow motor roads that take us through various villages. Along the way, you’ll experience beautiful pine jungles, rhododendron forests, and the Bindabasini Temple. After about an hour of walking on the motorable road, we arrive at Indradhaha, a religious pond located near the park, which is just a 10-minute walk away.Additionally, there is the Manakamana Temple, originally established in Gorkha by Gorkha soldiers after they captured the area. Kaju Kalu Pandey Park features a stone memorial dedicated to the great warrior Kaju Kalu Pandey, who played a significant role during King Prithvi Narayan Shah's unification of Nepal. He was killed in the first battle at Kirtipur during the annexation of the Kathmandu Valley in 1757 AD.
After spending some time in the park, we will proceed for lunch at a nearby restaurant before starting our downhill hike. On the way back, we will pass through the picturesque Switzerland Park, hiking down trails that wind through agricultural fields and villages, eventually reaching Sitapaila. From there, our representative will provide transportation back to your hotel.