Between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in the hills south of the valley, small towns perch on ridges with wide Himalayan views. Their accommodation is mostly small and characterful, from restored Newar houses to family-run view resorts, and a night or two here makes a relaxing break on the long road west.
Bandipur
Bandipur is a beautifully preserved, car-free Newar bazaar town on a ridge above the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway. Stays are mostly in heritage guesthouses and small hotels in old trading houses along the main street. The best known is The Old Inn, a restored 19th-century house with views from its terrace (not star-classified in the HAN directory). Rooms are limited, so book ahead in October–November. See our Bandipur overnight trip and Bandipur guide.
Daman
Daman, on the road south of Kathmandu at about 2,300 m, is famous for one of the widest Himalayan panoramas in Nepal. Everest Panorama Resort (HAN resort member) is the main place to stay, along with simple lodges near the viewpoint. See our Daman overnight trip.
Kurintar and Manakamana
On the Trishuli River near the Manakamana cable car, Riverside Springs Resort at Kurintar (HAN resort member) is a convenient pool-side stop on the way to Chitwan or Pokhara.
Gorkha, Tansen and Chandragiri
- Gorkha: simple hotels in the bazaar below the palace.
- Tansen: small hotels and guesthouses in the old town, a good stop between Pokhara and Lumbini.
- Chandragiri: the five-star Chandragiri Hills Resort sits at the top of the cable car above Kathmandu.
Tips
- Hill-town stays are simple but comfortable; expect fewer facilities than in the cities.
- Views are best from October to April.
- Most hill towns are cool at night, even in spring.
Hotel directory: categories, rooms and facilities
All 3 Hotel Association Nepal members we list for this area, with their official category, address, number of rooms and main facilities as published by the association. Room numbers are shown where HAN lists them.
| Hotel | Category | Address | Rooms | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Janajibika | Two-star | Dhading Bensi, Dhading | – | – |
| Everest Panorama Resort | Resort | Daman, Simbhanjyang, Makwanpur | 30 | – |
| Riverside Springs Resort | Resort | Kurintar, Chitwan | 37 | pool, restaurant |
Hotel categories follow the Hotel Association Nepal member directory (checked October 2026). The directory lists HAN members only.