3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
15km by taxi from Kathmandu
When to go
From March to May and October to November
Minimum stay
Half a day
Sundarijal Kholagaun (Nepal)
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Clémence Zisswiller
Practical information about Sundarijal Kholagaun
Reviews of Sundarijal Kholagaun
Departure point for the Langtang and Helambu treks, Sundarijalis the perfect place to recharge your batteries before attacking the foothills of Annapurna.
My suggestion:
Don't arrive too late, for the simple reason that there's no hotel. Get your fill of doughnuts and samosas to build up your strength - over the next few days you'll be on a trekker's diet of rice, lentils and spinach.
Summary:
This quiet, little village is crossed by a river that flows down from the peaks we'd got to know so well. At the time of writing, I believe that it also suffered during the earthquakes that rocked Nepal on the 25th April and 12th May 2015. It's on the doorstep of rural Nepal and, being at a high altitude, is a place where locals and hikers alike share a simple, rustic life. Forget about the luxury of long, hot showers and make the most of its remarkable, unpolluted environment.
Even if there's no need to hang around for longSundarijal was our departure point for a couple of the best known treks in Nepal that would take us one to two weeks to complete. They're best done with a guide and/or porter.
You'll leave the village and head down 400m of steep steps that lead to the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Once you've paid the entry fee, you'll find yourself in the tiny village of Mulkharka. The amazing views are your first treat and you'll be ready for a peaceful night's sleep.
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Ananta Bhadra Lamichhane
Located around 15 km from Kathmandu, Sundarijal is the starting point of the Helambu trek.
My suggestion:
Although some people swim beneath the waterfalls, it is better to admire them from afar. The place is known to be dangerous.
Summary:
If you want to escape the bustle of the centre of Kathmandu, you can plan a getaway to Sundarijal during your visit to Nepal. To the north-east of Kathmandu, the village is next to the Shivapuri National Park. Whether you are coming by for the trek or just free one afternoon, spend a few hours here to make the most of this natural spot.
The destination is loved by the Nepalese, who come to admire the waterfalls on the Bagmati River. It is linked to the Hindu goddess Sundarimai, and appears to be a holy place. It is absolutely lovely to walk under the trees and savour the freshness of nature.
I remember coming to Sundarijal by motorbike, accompanied by some friends from the country. The dirt roads are chaotic, but what a pleasure it was to pass through the small villages! We stopped off in one of them and gulped down a few bowls of chang (millet beer). We had another authentic experience with a delicious dal bhat opposite the Sundarijal Waterfall.
I should add that I visited Nepal before the 2015 earthquake, so it is possible that the place has changed a lot since.
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Clémence Zisswiller
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