A 45-minute drive from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel offers the best views of the north-eastern Himalaya. Dhulikhel is situated at the foothills of the Panchkhal valley, about 21 miles east of Kathmandu on the Chinese-built Arniko Highway which leads to Tibet. On the way one passes Banepa, another former medieval city-kingdom that once boasted of diplomatic relations with China's Ming dynasty. Old Dhulikhel is a close traditional Newar settlement of remarkable architectural consistency with its four to five-storeyed brick mansions built in an almost Victorian style. Newari woodcraft is also kept alive at Dhulikhel's resorts such as the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort and Himalayan Horizon. Both incorporate traditional style of architecture along with modern amenities. The Dhulikhel resorts all offer panoramic vistas of the snow-capped central Himalaya in contrast to the temperate and lush valley below.
Dhulikhel is also a good base for a number of excursions. Most popular is the all-day hike leading to the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. For centuries Namo Buddha has drawn pilgrims to the sacred spot where, according to legend, Lord Buddha is Said to have sacrificed his own flesh to feed a starving tigress and her cubs. A carved stone slab depicts this Buddhist tale of selfless compassion and sacrifice. Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 30 km east of Kathmandu along the Kathmandu - Kodari or Arniko Highway (way to Tibet) is famous for its scenic beauty and tradition - a lovely place. From this place, one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of Annapurna range, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung etc. From here one has a good view of the sunrise.
