Trip Overview
Escape to Khulekhani for Overnight: Lakeside Bliss in Nepal – 2 Days 1 Night
Khulekhani, also known as Indra Sarovar, is a quiet place just 45 kilometers south of Kathmandu. It’s an easy 2-hour drive from the city, making it a perfect spot for a quick 2-day, 1-night trip. This area is famous for Nepal’s biggest man-made lake, created in the 1980s by the Khulekhani Hydropower Dam to make electricity. The lake is surrounded by green hills, terraced fields, and small villages where people live a simple life. It’s a great place to escape the noise of Kathmandu and enjoy some calm time in nature.
The lake itself is beautiful, with clear water that reflects the sky and hills like a mirror. You’ll see birds flying around, fish swimming in the water, and sometimes a soft mist covering the lake in the morning. The air is fresh and cool, and the hills are covered with pine trees and small trails. It’s a great spot for taking photos, relaxing, or just sitting quietly. You can also try fun things like boating on the lake, walking to a nearby waterfall, or watching the sunrise over the hills.
You’ll stay at Damside Hotel Khulekhani, a cozy little hotel right by the lake. The hotel has simple rooms with big windows so you can see the water and hills. The staff is very friendly, and they make you feel welcome with big smiles. They serve tasty local food, like dal-bhat and grilled fish from the lake, which tastes fresh and homemade. At night, they can set up a campfire where you can sit, talk, and look at the stars.
Khulekhani also lets you see rural Nepal up close. The villages around the lake are home to people who farm the land and fish in the water. They’re happy to chat and share stories about their lives, like how the dam changed their village or what it’s like to live by the lake. You might even get to try some of their homemade snacks or learn a few Nepali words. This trip is affordable, easy to plan, and perfect for anyone who wants a short break to feel refreshed and closer to nature.
Reconnect with yourself and nature in this serene lakeside destination Khulekhani awaits with open arms.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Kulekhani by private vehicle (2 hrs Drive)
Day 02 : Kulekhani to Kathmandu by private vehicle
Details Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Khulekhani – Boating & Overnight at Damside Hotel
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Khulekhani, taking either the Thankot–Daman route known for its panoramic mountain views, or the peaceful Pharping road passing through traditional villages. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, with a refreshing tea break along the way.
By midday, you’ll arrive at the serene Khulekhani Dam, also called Indra Sarovar, the man-made lake in Nepal. After checking in at the lakeside Damside Hotel Khulekhani, a delicious local lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy boating on the calm waters of the dam, surrounded by hills and forests. It’s the perfect time to unwind, capture beautiful lakeside photos, and take a peaceful walk along the shore.
As evening falls, gather around a cozy campfire and enjoy a hearty local dinner prepared by the hotel. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a short hike to a nearby viewpoint or seasonal fishing can be arranged. It’s a perfect escape from the city into the heart of nature.
Accommodation: Damside Hotel Khulekhani
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Visit Mohani Jharna – Return to Kathmandu
Start your morning with an early breakfast overlooking the tranquil lake and rolling green hills. After breakfast, take a short drive or walk to Mohani Jharna, a hidden gem nestled in the forest. This charming waterfall offers a peaceful setting for relaxation, nature photography, and quiet reflection.
After soaking in the beauty of the falls, return to the hotel to check out. Then, begin your drive back to Kathmandu, arriving by late afternoon. The return journey offers one last chance to enjoy the scenic countryside and reflect on the refreshing getaway.
This short yet rejuvenating trip is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.
Cost Details
Cost Includes:
- Private transportation
- 1 night stay at Damside Hotel Khulekhani (standard room)
- Boating fees at Khulekhani
- 3 meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Visit to Mohani Jharna
- Local guide assistance
Cost Excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Additional snacks/drinks
- Travel insurance
- Tips
FAQ
The country Nepal spread east to west. It lies between Chain and India. The land area of Nepal is 1,47,512km2. It is the second biggest country in water sources. The current population of Nepal is 2,90,00,000. Among them 34% < 15yrs, 61% from 15-64yrs, 5% > 64yrs & 1,800 births/day. More than 125 languages and local dialects are spoken but Nepali is the most speaking language in Nepal. English is understood in tourist and trekking areas. Many trekking and tour guides can speak other western and eastern languages. Religions: Hindus are 81%, Buddhists are 9%(especially living in high Northern regions), Muslims are 4.5%, and Christians are1.4%. Land area:-1,47,181km2 Low Terai 20.1%, Middle Hills 56.2%, High Himalaya 23.7%, Arable land 16.8%, Forest 25.4% Time Zone: Nepal is 5’45” ahead from GMT and 15 minutes faster than Indian Time.
There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal. Spring (From 3rd week of February to 1st week of May) and autumn(From 3rd week of September to 1st week of December ). These seasons are common to all trekking routes. The Everest and Annapurna regions are very crowded during march-April and mid-October to the end of November. The weather is warm with flowers in rain shadow areas during the monsoon seasons. But the flooding and landslide can be damaged to the mountain road which can make major delay in time schedule. Leeches also found in lower trails during the monsoon that can make uncomfortable while walking. The trekkers can explore all year round in Mustang but are cold from December to the beginning of March. Likewise, Dolpo can be visited from mid of August to the first week of October. Poon Hill and Helambu like short treks can do during the winter( December to February) but it is cold at night. It is also possible for Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Base camp treks but the weather is very cold which makes the treks to tough. The biggest season of tourist from October to December which is the best time to capture mountain views. There is also good temperature and clear sky after the monsoon. The Middle Hills and Terai region ( Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha) is the best time to explore in winter.
There are different races of people inhabitant in Nepal. So that they are having different culture and also celebrating different festivals throughout the country. You can found differ in culture and festivals by their religion too. The Hindu celebrates Dashain and Tihar which is held in October and November. Likewise, Buddist celebrates Loshar at different times. Gurungs and Tamangs are enjoying January and Sherpas are celebrating the month of February. But you can found some common festivals like holly(color’s festival) celebrating in every religion which held at end of February and March. You can get a chance to observe some cultural festivals like Indrejatra and Janai Purnima in August and Shiva Ratri in February. So many other festivals are celebrating throughout the country.
A six-month valid passport with some blank pages for a stamping visa is required. Do not forget to check your passport where correctly stamped arrival, departure, passport number, and visa date to avoid the possibility of complications. VISA Nepal provides an arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. But you should complete the visa form with a recent passport size photo and pay the visa fee in foreign currency, preferably USD. Other major currencies are also acceptable. A single entry visa fee cost is 15 days USD 25.00 30 days USD 40.00 90 days USD 100.00 A foreigner can stay a maximum of 150 days in a calendar year. They can be extended visa from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A minimum extension is USD 30.00(to be paid in Nepalese rupees) for 15 days. Visa applications can be pre-registered online. Read the requirements and have a photo and all requested details available before starting the process. http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa Spare passport size photos and Document copies Better to bring 6-8 recent passport size photos and some copies of your passport for use on the visa application, visa extensions, and Trekking permits.
Our guides are trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive medical kit, and can deal with most of the problems encountered on treks. However, in the case of a serious accident outside help needs to be available. That’s why comprehensive insurance is essential. Trekking is not possible without full insurance cover, which you can purchase in your home country. You need to have full, personal, travel insurance that covers personal belongings, trip cancellation plus medical, rescue, and evacuation insurance(for air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). You must carry the company’s insurance policy certificate with you, it must include your name, address, policy number, contact numbers, and procedure for the company’s rescue department.
Trekking entry permits are required to each of Nepal’s National Parks and Conservation Areas. The entry permits cost range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3000 per entry and additional permits are required for Restricted Region Treks. We can manage all types of permits. There are five Restricted Regions which are close to the Tibetan border were opened for outside in 1990. The treks only can do with a professional guide and minimum of two trekkers. Your original passport and extra photos are required to make permits for Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga trekking. The fees are according high and range from USD 90.00 - USD 500.00 for a week or 10 days then stiff daily amounts.
Credit cards are only accepted in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You have to make ready Nepalese Rupees to spend during the trek. That’s why you have to take a sufficient amount of Nepali Rupees on your trek. Your personal expenses should be only for hot showers, charging batteries, additional drinks, and snacks, the cost rising with altitude. You can make a ceremony with your trekking team at the end of the trek.
Regular walking or jogging activities for a few months before your trip will ensure high altitude trekking. People who trek so quickly and climb too high in a day may suffer Acute Mountain Sickness( AMS) so we call trekkers slow and steady walking. Stops for rests and do not carry more than 5 kg with you. Pre-fitness and stamina are required for trekking in Nepal. Spend at least two nights in the city before going to the trekking destination which gives time for acclimatization as well as easy to arrange necessary trekking permits.
We prefer the group size from 1-10 pax but more can be accommodated on request. There must be 2 persons accompanied by a registered guide in the Restrict Regions( Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga). Anyone who is reasonably fit and can walk for 5-6 hours a day in a hilly country can trek in Nepal. We suggest children up to 15 years stay below 3500m and above 15 years can tackle the higher routes.
A delegate from Snow Bank Adventure will meet you outside the terminal building and pick you up and take you to your hotel. We use cars or minibusses as the means of transportation in cities. For trekking, we use flights, local buses, minibusses or jeeps depends on the distance, terrain, and size of the group. There is a limitation on luggage up to 15 kg per person on small planes.
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