Bethanchowk Narayanthan

Bethanchowk Narayanthan

Bethanchowk Naryanthan is a hill station near Kathmandu valley. Situated at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level, Bethanchowk is popular for its amazing natural settlement.

Deepak Raj Bhatta
Author | Deepak Raj Bhatta Date Published:
How to reach bethanchowk

Bethanchowk Naryanthan is a hill station near Kathmandu valley. Situated at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level, Bethanchowk is popular for its amazing natural settlement. This hill was recently explored and is gaining popularity as one of the finest places for camping near Kathmandu valley.

A diverse range of flora and fauna and a complete nature camp that is unspoiled by human interference makes it a popular destination. It lies in the Kavrepalanchowk district and is considered as the highest mountain of the Mahabharata range.

Bethanchowk Narayanthan got its name after the enshrined Vishnu deity in the hilltop. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu and many people from the neighbouring places visit this place during Bishnu related festivals. The mountain panorama stretched from Mount Dhaulagiri to Makalu is spectacular and the best views of sunrise and sunset are added attractions to it. The beautiful reflection of sun rays to the snow-capped mountains is amusing and prismatic. 

Some of the major Himalayas seen from the top of Bethanchowk Narayanthan hill are Mount Everest, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang range and many other adjacent and neighbouring mountains. Because of its immense offerings and serene atmosphere, this place is becoming a wonderful hub for nature explorers and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle.

Narayanthan is a beautiful symbiosis of religion, adventure and nature. The isolated mountain terrains and very few human traces in the top are very admirable. Hiking up to the Narayanthan temple from the Dhungkharka of Kavrepalanchowk district is itself a wonderful getaway and offers an excellent hiking experience.

Table Of Content

Table Of Content

    Bethanchowk Facts

    Name

    Bethanchowk Narayanthan

    Altitude

    3000m.

    Location

    Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal

    Major Attractions

    • Himalayan Views

    • Sunrise

    • Sunset 

    • Serene Atmosphere

    Things to do

    • Camping

    • Photography

    • Nature Exploration

    Distance from Kathmandu

    Approx. 60 KM

    Hiking distance

    About 5 Km

    Best Time to Visit

    Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter (Monsoon is not favourable)

    Where is Bethanchowk?

    Bethanchowk is a part of southern hills seen from the Kavrepalanchowk district. It is the highest hill of the Mahabharata range and carries tremendous holy importance. The Bethanchowk Narayanthan is also known as the King of the Hills as it is the highest mountain in the area.

    Envied by forested hills and peaceful surroundings is one of the major things that makes the Bethanchowk excursion a wonderful experience. The top of the hill acts as a vantage point and offers the majestic mountain views along with some views of the lowlands like Janakpur and Makwanpur districts.

    As Bethanchowk boasts a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the whole hill part is named as Narayanthan. During the time of Fagu Purnima, the locals from Kavrepalanchowk visit this place to worship the Lord and stay there enchanting the religious mantras and enjoy the camping night.

    Attractions and Activities

    Bethanchowk Narayanthan is an amazing place that offers diverse experiences. From the religious importance to the impeccable natural beauty, Bethanchowk is a complete refreshing package. Furthermore, camping in Bethanchowk is an added advantage as you will get to explore more of that area while enjoying it with family and friends. During wintertime, the place also observes snowfall. For the people who want to enjoy snowfall while exploring the amazing mountain beauty, Bethanchowk could be a potential destination.

    Camping

    Bethanchowk Narayanthan is getting popularity as an amazing camping destination near Kathmandu valley. In the hilltop, there are no accommodation facilities available, so camping is an option to stay overnight in Bethanchowk. Camping and campfires in Bethanchowk are as astonishing as the nightclubs in some busy towns. Maybe that’s why camping in some rural mountains is sometimes called the nightclub in the hills.

    Snowfall

    During winter months (December, January, February), Narayanthan observes snowfall. Enjoying the snowfall could also be a wonderful activity in Bethanchowk. However, you need to be aware of the slippery trail.

    Sunrise view

    Bethanchowk is popular for its astonishing sunrise and sunset views. It offers the best sunrise views that reflect the mountain. The sun rising from the east makes the mountains in the west shine. The cloud beneath the mountain and sunrise radiating the golden colour all around, who wouldn’t love to observe the best rays of the time.

    Cave

    There is a small cave adjacent to the Bethanchowk hill. It is also an interesting part to explore in Narayanthan. The cave system is beautiful and small, however, the attempt to get inside the cave can be fatal, so it’s not recommended to get inside the small cave. 

    Cloud gazing

    The floating cloud beneath the hill is very wonderful. Gazing the cloud and drawing the imagination around gives a new perspective to life. Cloud gazing from the top of Bethanchowk hill is one of the best things that you can do. The mountains playing hide and seek with the clouds at Bethanchowk is very astonishing and helps to develop things bigger than us, better than us. 

    Photography

    Narayanthan is an incredible destination for Photography. A diverse range of flora and fauna, beautiful mountain views, sunrise and sunset views and the captivating atmosphere of this place lure the photography enthusiasts. Photography is the perfect way to  capture the moments in a very physical form that portrays the lifestyle and nature, and the moment of very survival.

    Equipment and Preparation

    While visiting Bethanchowk for Camping, you need to have some important things that you might need there. Some information about Bethanchowk Narayanthan would come handy to better understand the place.

    Camping gears

    – Tent

    – Dry Food, Snacks, Knife

    – Bowl, Small Frying Pan

    – Sleeping Bag, Trekking Poles

    – Fire Starter

    – Firewoods

    – Water, Nutritious Fluid

    – Foods etc.

    Responsible Ecotourism

    Narayanthan is an amazing destination in the outskirts of Kavrepalanchowk district. In a pristine and adventurous settlement, Bethanchowk is an emerging and highly preferred destination for nature geeks. But the environmental protection for such destinations is highly concerning at this time and it becomes the responsibility of every visitor. Littering and throwing garbage rampantly can have adverse impacts on the destination. So, responsible ecotourism practice is a huge concern for today’s tourism activities.

    Minimizing the negative social and environmental impact generates a greater possibility of protecting the beautiful destination. So, while visiting camping sites such as Bethanchowk, it is very necessary that we care about the place we visit. While visiting the place, we should take back what we took there. It helps to protect the climate and atmosphere, enhancing sustainable practice.

    While visiting Bethanchowk, the visitor should take things that are biodegradable. After exploring the beautiful place, keeping it clean and leaving it as it was before is another way that helps to keep the climate clean and pleasant. There are not any legal enforcement and law-abiding agencies to make people visiting Narayanthan aware to keep it clean and healthy. So, the voluntary and ethical practice of not harming the atmosphere from a personal level could minimize the impact that we are seeing in the newly explored areas nowadays.

    Bethanchowk Packages

    Bethanchowk is popular for its camping adventure. It is best suitable for camping which allows you to explore the destination thoroughly. The sunrise views in the morning, sunsets in the evening and spectacular views of the mountains from the Bethanchowk Narayanthan are incredibly beautiful. For the people who want to explore the beauty of this place, we have a customized 2 days to 3 days packages.

    1 Night 2 Days Bethanchowk Tour from Kathmandu

    Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhungkharka, Hike to Bethanchowk

    Early in the morning, you will have a drive from Kathmandu to Dhungkharka. It takes around two hours to drive from Kathmandu. The drive follows Kathmandu-Sanga-Banepa-Dhulikhel-Panauti-Dhungkharka route.

    From Dhungkharka, you can buy some needy foods and beverages. A tent is needed, so upon request, we will arrange a porter to carry the tent up to the hill. It takes around 5 hours to hike up to the hill. You will explore the sunset and Himalayan views in the evening. Camping at night.

    Day 2: Hike back to Dhungkharka, Drive to Kathmandu

    After exploring the beautiful Bethanchowk, you will hike back to Dhungkharka. From Dhungkharka, you can get a drive back to the Kathmandu valley.

    2 Nights 3 Days Bethanchowk Tour From Kathmandu

    Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhungkharka, Hike to Bethanchowk

    In the morning, after breakfast, you will have a drive to Dhungkharka from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel and Panauti. From Dhungkharka, you will begin hiking to the Narayanthan hill and enjoy the lush beauty of the forest, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. In the evening, you will explore the mountains and sunset views. Setting up the tent and campfire would make a lovely and wonderful evening. Camping at night.

    Day 2: Hike back to Bethanchowk, Drive to Panauti

    Early in the morning, you can prepare some soup and breakfast in a primitive style bbq. And the beautiful sun rising from the east while radiating the beautiful rays reflecting the mountains seems incredible. After enjoying the morning, you will hike back to Dhungkharka. From Dhungkharka, you will have a short drive to Panauti where you can spend your night after the strenuous yet amazing hiking experience. Stay at Homestay.

    Day 3: Drive from Panauti to Kathmandu

    At Panauti, you can explore the beautiful heritages and Newari architecture and culture. The amalgamation of culture and nature at Panauti is amazing and many people love to explore the hidden gem of Panauti. There are some temples and old-style homes that give the perfect glimpses of the Newari lifestyle. After exploring Panaui, you will have a drive to the Kathmandu valley.

    Homestays in Bethanchowk

    Bethanchowk boasts incredible natural spectrums. And the homestays in the village are an added beauty. There are some homestays in Dhungkharka and Panauti which offer an amazing cultural experience. Staying in a homestay provides a home away from home experience.

    There are several homestays in Narayanthan such as Bethanchowk Community Homestay, Dhungkharka Homestay, Mount Mahabharat Homestay and Organic Farm etc. However, there are a few more homestays in Panauti that offer the incredible beauty of cultural conundrum and natural beauty.

    How to reach Bethanchowk From Kathmandu?

    Reaching Bethanchowk Narayanthan from Kathmandu is very easy and the trip can be completed in two days. A private drive/ride from Kathmandu can directly take you to Dhungkharka, the beginning point of hiking. However, if you want to use public transport, a bus directly goes to Panauti from Ratnapark. And from Panauti Buspark, you can use another bus to Dhungkharka. To reach Panauti from Kathmandu, it takes around 2 hours and to reach Dhungkharka from Panauti, a bus takes around 1 hour of drive.

    Rent a vehicle to visit Bethanchowk

    Vehicle Type

    Maximum Capacity

    Cost

    Scorpio Jeep

    6-7 Person

    NPR 10000

    Best time to visit Bethanchowk

    Bethanchowk is best favourable to visit during the Spring and Autumn months. However, all other months are good to visit except monsoon. But while visiting Bethanchowk, it is very important to check for a weather forecast for the visibility, humidity and climate conditions. In good visibility, you can explore the mountain views very clearly and that’s the best part of visiting Bethanchowk.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the altitude of Bethanchowk Narayathan?

      The approximate altitude of Bethanchowk Narayanthan is 3000 m above sea level. It is the highest hill of Mahabharata Range and for which it is known as the King of Hills. In the southern hills of Kavrepalanchowk, lies this beautiful mountain.

    • What is the best time to visit Bethanchowk?

      The best time to visit Bethanchowk are Spring, Autumn and winter months. The months of January, February, March, April, May, and August until December are the best time to visit. However, it is advised to check the weather forecast for a better experience.

    • Is Bethanchowk a Camping destination?

      Yes, It is an incredible camping place and it has a lot of experiences to offer. The very pristine settlement and no human habitat is there up in the hill. So, if you need homestays, you need to get down the hill where you can find some local homestays and teahouses that offer accommodation facilities. But if you are planning for camping, Bethanchowk is a good choice.

    • What are the best things to do in Bethanchowk?

      If you are a nature lover, you will totally love this place. This place is full of natural beauty and allows you to explore the panoramic Himalayan views. Alongside, the beautiful sunrise and sunset are the best part. Also, for Photographers, this place boasts an amazing content variation.

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