About Kakani

“Where hills, mountains meet at the horizon”

Kakani is popular hill side near by kathmandu that perfect for weekend getaway, day trips, nature hiking, mountain view,  strawberry farms, trout fish and some of soft adventure activities.

Ancient History of Kakani

Kakani, situated in the district of Nuwakot, is a small village which gave birth to the country we now know as Nepal. The unification campaign of Nepal, started by King Prithvi Narayan Shah (The first ruler from Shah Dynasty) of Gorkha, first spread its wings from these lands. Back then,Nepal was divided into small independent states “22 Saya  Ra 24 Saya Rajya“. Prithvi Narayan Shah was able to unite these states together starting from the heavenly lands of Kakani. This is one of the reasons why the culture followed by the Shah and Mallas who ruled these lands are deeply rooted in the people who still reside in these regions. In ancient times, the Kakani hill of Nuwakot was the main route for garnering the trade relations with Tibet and Kathmandu. The main fort Nuwakot Hill and its eight supporting hills i.e. Belkot, Bhairab Kot, Kalikot, Malakot, Dhuwankot, Phyaskot, Simalkot, and Salyankot combined together made Nawakotta (Nine forts) from where the name Nuwakot is said to be derived from. Also, the Saat Talle Durbar (Seven Storied Palace) is one of the major attractions in Nuwakot. This palace was made on the expense of the first victory of Prithvi Narayan Shah against the powerful kingdoms in Kathmandu Valley by extracting laborers from the valley.

Modern History of Kakani

In modern times, Kakani has made itself popular for the scenic views of mountains like Langtang (7227m), Ganesh (7422m), Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna (8091m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and so on. The hiking trails from Kakani to Kathmandu are even more popular because of the lush forests and the variety of flora and fauna.Along with this mesmerizing bio-diversity, the snow-clad mountains follow the travelers all along the trails. The strawberry and trout farming regions have become a new area of interest for travelers.Some parts of Shivapuri National Park also lie in Kakani, holding an array of vegetation and different types of animals and birds under its protection. The national park sports a collection of 318 species of birds and endangered animals like Himalayan Goral, Barking Dear, and so on. This is one of the factors Kakani is known for in recent times. Thai Memorial Park is the recent addition to the history of Kakani. This landmark commemorates the brutal crash of the Thai Airline in 1992 taking the lives of 113 victims who were on board.

People, Culture, and Religion

Most of the people living in Kakani follow Tamang culture and traditions. Hence, religion followed here is Buddhism and Hinduism. This is why tourists come across hanging Buddhist prayer flags on the hiking trails. Additionally, many small and large monasteries are strewn across the region. Many of the locals can be seen sporting their traditional Tamang costumes, giving travelers a peek into their lifestyle. A fleeting amount of people also follow Hindu culture, along with the rich culture of the previous rulers I.e. the Shah and the Rana’s can still be seen in the lives of the people living in Kakani. All in all, the culture that attracts tourists is the hospitality and friendliness of the hilly people in this region. The people of Kakani always seem to welcome visitors with a smiling face and a warm Namaste which gives off a welcoming vibe to the travelers. The local dishes found in Kakani are to die for. The favorite dish of the Tamang community- Thukpa is largely enjoyed by the local people as well as the hikers. The dish is a blend of thick homemade noodles soaked in a soup of spices and fresh vegetables. This dish, quite literally, gives tourists a taste of the local lifestyle and food culture.

Major Attractions of Kakani

Kakani Hill Top Hiking

The trip to reach Kakani Hilltop starts from the base village by the name of Kaule. The hiking trail is filled with deep pine forests making the floor slippery from the falling leaves. The overall hiking route is really enjoyable due to the dry and cool weather in this region. The final destination of the trip is Kakani Hill Top from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Central and Western Himalayas. Mt. Ganesh (7422m), Mt. Langtang (7227m), and Gaurishankar (7134m) among others.

Strawberry Farming in Kakani

The Strawberry Farm opened through the initiation of JAITI Nepal (Japanese Agricultural In-service Training Institute) in Kakani has become a success story for many farmers around the nation. The sight is especially appealing to tourists because of over 1800 hectares of land in Kakani that is filled with the enticing red and green color of the fruit. 2 types of strawberry are mainly found in this area. These strawberries are popular for their sweetness and high yield. The weather of Kakani is also really favorable and the altitude of 2000m helps provide the strawberry the perfect elevation to grow. Thus, the people visiting Kakani don’t forget to visit the strawberry farming areas to get a taste of the fresh fruit.

Himalayan Rainbow Trout Farming

Another major attraction luring internal as well as international tourists to Kakani is the special trout fish. At the bottom of the hill of Kakani, one can visit the rainbow trout farm. This farm is popular for the special Japanese Rainbow Trout that suits the taste of most of the people gaining more attraction from tourists. There are around 13 terraced ponds around the farm which practice modern ways of fish farming. The flowing water from the nearby river flows into these ponds making it easier for fish farming. The rich taste and fresh fishes found in the restaurants are widely popular and one of the main attractions of Kakani.

Rhododendron Flavored and Strawberry Flavored Alcohol Brewery

Along the way are many local alcohol breweries. These breweries produce fresh alcohol that is sometimes strawberry flavored given the large production of strawberry in Kakani. The alcohol is sweet in taste and gives off a taste of how the residents enjoy their free time. Some local breweries produce special Rhododendron flavored alcohol which is a rare luxury item even in Nepal. This only adds to the popularity of the said drink. The fresh alcohol made from special local methods provides a rich taste and a unique experience to the travelers adding on to its value. These locally produced alcohol are also said to be healthier than the ones produced in factories.

Thai Memorial Park Kakani

On 1992, the Thai Airline flying to Kathmandu crashed on the hill of Gosainkunda, taking the lives of 113 victims. To commemorate this event and as a condolence to the grieving families of the victims, the Thai Memorial Park was established in Kakani. The park is truly a breath of fresh air for people taking a break from their hectic lives. The peaceful park is visited by almost every traveler who visits Kakani, which is why it is one of the pride of this region. The beautiful scenic view that can be seen from this memorial park is a specialty. The expanse of small to large hills accompanied by the range of mountain peaks and blue sky is something people don’t forget easily.

British Gurkhas Welfare Bungalow

The British Gurkhas Welfare Bungalow that now houses the British Gurkha Welfare Club is yet another attraction in Kakani. It is a training ground for Nepali and British Army where you can see them involved in various activities. Filled with the deep forest that covers most of the area, the welfare grounds give a secretive vibe to the surrounding and is also something you will come across as you go down the hills of Kakani.

Things to do in Kakani

Given the panoramic view of the mountain peaks, the most popular activity to do in Kakani is hiking. The hiking trails in Kakani take you through deep pine forests and high hills, keeping you further away from the hustling and bustling city of Kathmandu. The fresh air and peaceful nature despite being only a few km away from Kathmandu attract many customers. The end destination of these trails is even more fruitful because of the magnificent view of the tall mountains that can be seen from the higher grounds. The hiking trails lead to the Shivapuri National Park and allow you to enjoy the views of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounding hills, and Himalayas in the Langtang, Ganesh, and Gaurishankar ranges. These hikes are a way to learn about the diverse array of flora and fauna available in the Shivapuri National Park. The treks and trips in Langtang region also pass through Kakani on the way to Syabrubensi. Rock Climbing and wall climbing are also popular adventure sports in Kakani. The outdoor wall climbing spot at the Mountaineering Park offers a challenging experience. Similarly, there are a number of natural rock climbing spots throughout Kakani. Speaking of adventure sports, you can also indulge in motorcycle trips or mountain biking as well. Other than hiking, tourists also indulge in touring around and getting a taste of the Tamang culture and their cuisine. Kakani also offers the opportunity to witness the local culture and lifestyle. The Tamang culture and traditions can be enjoyed as you explore around. The local trout fish restaurants can also be explored for a taste of these delicious cuisine. Other than them, the local rhododendron and strawberry flavored alcohol is also something travelers can enjoy in Kakani.