Kakani: The Hill Above Kathmandu with Ganesh Himal and Langtang Views
Last updated 17 October 2026.
Short answer: Kakani is a hill village at about 2,030 metres on the north-west rim of the Kathmandu Valley, in Nuwakot District, on the road from Kathmandu towards Trishuli. It is one of the easiest places above 2,000 m to reach from the city, about 25 to 30 km by road, with views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges on clear days. It is also where our Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour, 5 days begins, from USD 499 on Budget, USD 899 on Standard and USD 1,699 on Luxury per person for one to four people.
I am Shreejan. Kakani is not famous like Nagarkot, which is part of its charm. It is quieter, greener and closer to the mountains on the Langtang side. Here is what it is like and how you can visit.
Where is Kakani?
Kakani sits on the ridge north-west of Kathmandu, in Nuwakot District of Bagmati Province. The Pasang Lhamu Highway, the road from Kathmandu towards Trishuli and the Kerung border with China, runs through it. The edge of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is close by, and its forest trails run east from here along the valley rim.
Kakani at a glance
| Fact | Kakani |
|---|---|
| Height | About 2,030 m |
| District | Nuwakot, Bagmati Province |
| From Kathmandu | About 25 to 30 km by road on the Pasang Lhamu Highway |
| Mountain views | Ganesh Himal and the Langtang range on clear days |
| Known for | Strawberry farms, cool air, forest walks and mountain bike trails |
| On our trips | Day 1 of the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour, 5 days |
| Best months | October to April |
What is Kakani like?
Kakani is a spread-out rural area of farms and forest along the ridge. At over 2,000 metres it is noticeably cooler than Kathmandu. It is one of Nepal's main strawberry-growing areas, and in season you will see farms selling fresh fruit by the road. There is also a memorial park for the victims of the 1992 Thai Airways Flight 311 crash.
The main reason to come is the view. On a clear morning the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges stand up to the north, much closer than they look from the city. After the monsoon, in October and November, the views are at their sharpest.
How can you visit Kakani?
On a bike. Our 5-day mountain bike tour rides from Kathmandu up to Kakani on day one, then follows the valley rim through Shivapuri to Chisapani, across to Nagarkot and down to Balthali before riding back. The first day is a climb of about 630 metres over 3 to 4 hours, with downhill forest trails as the reward. My Kathmandu Valley biking trails guide lists the Kakani loop and other rides, and what a bike tour costs breaks down the prices.
On foot. Kakani is a good easy day hike, with forest trails and views and no altitude to worry about. My day hikes near Kathmandu post compares it with Nagarkot, Shivapuri and the other rim walks.
As a stop on the way north. If you are driving to Langtang or Gosaikunda, the Pasang Lhamu Highway passes through Kakani, and a short stop for the view is worth it on a clear day.
Mountain bike tour prices, 2027
| People | Budget | Standard | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | USD 499 | USD 899 | USD 1,699 |
| 5 to 8 | USD 449 | USD 849 | USD 1,499 |
Prices are per person, the same for private and group trips. The tour page lists what each tier includes.
When is the best time to go?
| Months | What it is like |
|---|---|
| October and November | Clear skies, the sharpest mountain views and dry trails. |
| December to February | Cold mornings and evenings, very clear days. Bring warm layers. |
| March and April | Warmer, with more haze later in the day. |
| May | Warm and hazy. |
| June to September | Monsoon. Green but wet, muddy trails and mountains mostly in cloud. |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kakani from Kathmandu?
About 25 to 30 km by road, north-west of the city on the Pasang Lhamu Highway.
How high is Kakani?
About 2,030 metres, a little lower than Nagarkot.
What mountains can you see from Kakani?
The Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges to the north, on clear days.
Is Kakani good for mountain biking?
Yes. It is the start of our 5-day Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour, and the ridge has popular downhill trails close to the city.
Do I need a permit for Kakani?
Not for the village itself. If you walk or ride into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, the park fee is NPR 1,000 for foreign visitors.
Kakani or Nagarkot?
Nagarkot has the wider sunrise panorama and more hotels. Kakani is quieter and closer to the Ganesh and Langtang side. If you only have one night, my Nagarkot or Dhulikhel post may help too.
How do you plan this with us?
Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you there are and whether you want to ride or walk. I will tell you how I would fit Kakani into your days and send you the exact quote.
Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.
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