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The Himalayan range is known throughout the world as the highest, most spectacular range of mountains on this planet. While not everyone, of course, has either the time or the inclination to ascend a peak or embark on a 14-day trek, no one need despair of missing the mountain experience while in Kathmandu Valley. Fortunately for all, there is a wide offering of destinations famous for their viewpoints in and around the Valley rim. There are excellent roads to these hill resorts and you can get there in comfort by car or tour bus. Spend a few hours or a few days - there is fine accommodation and good food. NagarkotOf the possible resort destinations, Nagarkot (altitude 2171 m) is by far the most popular. Located 30 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite weekend getaway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty. For those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh morning air, there are charming walking trails as well as a lookout tower from which the sights can be taken in. DhulikhelThe Newar town of Dhulikhel (population 9812; altitude 1440 m) offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Situated just past Banepa some 32 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings found along the shop-lined streets and in the temples. Furthermore, it is a marvelous spot from which to embark on one or two day hikes. Namobuddha, a picturesque pilgrimage site where the Lord Buddha in a previous incarnation is believed to have allowed himself to be devoured by a starving tigress, is a mere three-hour walk from Dhulikhel. Other destinations are Nala, Palanchok and Panauti. KakaniKakani, 23 km northwest of Kathmandu, is a less crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurnas. The offerings of the nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani (1,982 m) and nature-lovers will hail the close-up view of Ganesh Himal to the north, as well as the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests on the south slope leading down to Balaju. DamanFor those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view and willing to travel extra distance to find it, Daman is the place to go. Located 75 km south west of the Kathmandu Valley on the highway to the Indian border, Daman (2,400 m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range, a sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for the days to come. From horizon to horizon, the full majesty of the world's highest mountain range can be taken in.
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