NEPAL TRAVELLER
Located approximately 80 kms southwest of Kathmandu valley, Daman is one of the
most beautiful hill stations in Thaha municipality of Makwanpur district. The valley offers
the only unimpeded panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range which is roughly 400
kms long.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle with scenic views, fresh mountain air and lush
greenery, Daman is definitely a must-visit place for tourists. It is one of the most popular
viewpoints of Nepal.
Beside its alluring natural beauty Daman also holds religious significance. The place is
home to an important religious site called the Risheshor Mahadev Temple. It is said that
when Lord Shiva was mourning and lamenting, carrying the dead body of his beloved
wife Satidevi, he rested here. Being thirsty he hit the big rock with his trishul resulting in
the emergence of water between the rocks, which continue to flow till date.
Daman is one of the most preferred tourist destinations and receives a large number of
visitors during the winter season when the surrounding areas are covered with snow.
Highlights of Daman
A telescope-attached to the view-tower on the hill of Daman can give you an
exhilarating view of the snow-capped mountains of Nepal on a clear day. The hill top
also presents a beautiful sunrise and sunset experience.
The Risheswor Mahadev temple attracts pilgrims, and Fagu Purnima and Thulo
Ekadashi are two key festivals celebrated here.
The Mountain Botanical Gardens spanning 15 hectares of forest is one of the oldest
botanical gardens in Nepal which holds a large variety of rhododendrons. February to
March is the best time to visit, when the rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal)
are in full bloom, forming a nice contrast with the Himalayas.
The longest iron stairs in the country at an altitude of about 2,400 meters which is 70
meter long and has 157 steps.
A walk around the surrounding area or lounging at one of the resorts is just a different
experience in itself.
Rock climbing, cycling, hiking are few of the many activities possible here.
In winter Daman often is covered with snow and so the place is popular for those who
want to experience snow.
Getting there
Despite having the vibes of being at the end-of-the-world, reaching Daman is quite
easy. One can reach there by driving from Kathmandu along the Tribhuvan Highway,
around 77 kilometres from the capital city. It is halfway to Hetauda. Many public buses
and private vehicles operate service along this route. It takes a 3 to 4 hour ride from the
capital city Kathmandu.
Compiled by Rina Kumari Mandal a content writer in Nepaltraveller.
