Chitlang Village Tour | One Day Tour Package 2025/26

Best Time To Visit Chitlang Village

If you want to see its absolute beauty, timing is everything, right? Let us break down the seasons for you.

Spring (March to May)

If you want to see Chitlang at its absolute best, plan your visit during spring.

Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron, creates a spectacular display of red, pink, and white colours across the hillsides.

With mild temperatures ranging from 19 to 27°C and minimal rainfall (just 10 to 16 rainy days per month), the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.

Moreover, the terraced fields come alive with fresh plantings, creating vibrant green landscapes that are a photographer’s paradise.

And speaking of photography, the crystal-clear mountain air provides excellent visibility for capturing those Himalayan mountain shots you’ve always dreamed of.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers the second-best visiting conditions with stable weather and comfortable temperatures around 20 to 21°C.

After the monsoon rains, the landscapes revive themselves, and you can find greenery everywhere. 

But here’s what makes autumn extra special. It’s festival season! 

You can experience Dashain celebrations and traditional Newari cultural festivities that’ll give you deep insights into local traditions of Chitlang. 

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Chitlang brings daytime temperatures of 13 to 15°C and chilly nights around 3 to 4°C.

Occasionally, you’ll experience frost and fog that create mystical landscapes, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch rare snowfall events like the one in February 2022.

While it’s cold, this season is perfect for cozy homestay experiences with traditional warmth and campfires.

As a matter of fact, winter is also an excellent time for birdwatching as various species migrate to this area.

Summer (June to August)

Summer temperatures range from 21 to 27°C, but expect plenty of rain. About 29 to 31 rainy days per month, to be exact.

If you’re into camping, this is actually an ideal season despite the occasional rainfall.

You’ll also get to witness the paddy planting season, which offers fascinating insights into traditional farming practices.

Besides that, there aren’t many perks of visiting Chitlang during this season. 

Major Festivals Celebrated In Chitlang Village

While festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated all over Nepal, there are some other festivals that are unique to this village. Some of them are: 

Note: Since Nepal follows their own lunar calendar, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact date of each festival. 

Key Attractions During the Chitlang Village Tour

Nepal’s First and Only Goat Cheese Factory

Here’s something you won’t find anywhere else in Nepal. Nepal’s First goat cheese factory was established in 2004 by Ashok Singh Thakuri and Rita Singh Thakuri.

When you visit this factory, you’ll receive hairnets, aprons, and shoe covers for a hygienic factory tour. Inside the plant, you can witness the entire cheese-making process.

This typical establishment is well known for producing soft cheese aged for 2 weeks. 

The cost of soft cheese starts at NPR 2,500 per kilogram, and hard cheese aged for 2 months starts at NPR 3,500 per kilogram.

But here’s something more fascinating! They use underground aging chambers that work even during power outages.

Furthermore,  they use Swiss Saanen goat breeds with higher yields, which are known to enhance the taste by multiple fold. 

In fact, their cheese now supplies 5-star hotels and international markets, and they even host study tours from colleges across Nepal and India.

And yes, you can taste the fresh cheese paired with local wine during your visit!

Ashoka Stupa

Imagine standing before a Buddhist monument built between 273 and 232 BC during Emperor Ashoka’s reign.

This ancient stupa in Chilanche represents one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monuments.

Here’s an interesting fact! The village name “Chitlang” actually derives from the Newari words “Chaittya Lhown,” meaning “Chaitya made of stones.”

As you explore this historical site, you’ll be amazed by the ancient stone construction techniques that have survived for over two millennia.

Satdhara

A 20 to 40-minute trek through peaceful trails will lead you to Satdhara. Seven stone taps with constant fresh water flow nestled in dense forest.

This sacred site holds special significance for Hindu devotees, with legends of seven sages associated with the springs.

It’s perfect for early morning meditation, photography, or simply peaceful reflection surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Traditional Temples In Chitlang

Swochhanda Bhairab Temple stands as the primary deity worship centre, featuring traditional pagoda architecture that showcases Newari craftsmanship.

Bhimsen Mandir is dedicated to the legendary strong man from the Hindu epics.

Kalidevi Temple displays impressive stone masonry craftsmanship honouring the Hindu goddess.

Each temple tells its own story and offers glimpses into centuries-old worship traditions.

Kulekhani Lake

Just a 40-minute hike from Chitlang village, you’ll discover Indrasarovar. Nepal’s largest man-made reservoir was created for hydroelectric power.

The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding colourful foliage and hills, creating picture-perfect moments.

You can enjoy boating, fishing, or simply relax lakeside while admiring mountain reflections.

There’s even a suspension bridge crossing that offers better lake views and photography opportunities.

In fact, if you wish to explore Kulekhani Markhu, it will take up a day as well. 

Bheda Farm

Nepal’s largest sheep farm provides stunning pastoral landscapes with panoramic vistas of Kulekhani Lake from elevated positions.

Watching traditional sheep grazing across picturesque green terraces is incredibly peaceful, and you’ll gain insights into traditional livestock management practices passed down through generations.

Rich Biodiversity for Nature Lovers

With over 160 bird species, including colourful Himalayan varieties and migratory birds, Chitlang is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

The dense subtropical forests feature rhododendrons, oak trees, and medicinal plants, while the rich biodiversity provides excellent wildlife photography opportunities.

Even during casual walks, you’ll encounter nature’s beauty at every turn.

Cultural Experiences In Chitlang Village

Get Your Hands Dirty with Organic Farming

Unlike commercialised tourist areas, Chitlang maintains its organic farming traditions with sustainable practices passed down through generations.

You can visit local farms practising sustainable agriculture without harmful pesticides, witness traditional farming methods, and even participate in crop harvesting depending on the season.

You’ll learn about organic composting, crop rotation, and natural pest control. Knowledge that’s becoming rare in our modern world.

Cheese Tasting and Local Wine Sampling

Beyond just touring the cheese factory, you’ll get to taste fresh goat cheese varieties with unique spice coatings and aging processes.

Pair that with homemade plum wine produced from local fruit harvests, and you’ve got yourself an authentic farm-to-table experience.

Meeting the pioneering cheese-makers and hearing their inspiring 18-year journey adds another layer of appreciation to every bite.

Traditional Craft Workshops

The village showcases centuries-old building techniques in stone masonry, traditional craftsmanship in wood carving visible in house windows and temple decorations, and handwoven materials and ceramic work by local artisans.

These aren’t tourist demonstrations. These are real artisans continuing their ancestral crafts.

Homestay Experiences: Live Like a Local

Here’s where Chitlang truly shines. Authentic homestay experiences that let you integrate into village life.

You can join family activities like tending animals, tilling fields, and food preparation. Walk with local children to schools, sit with neighbours sharing stories, and participate in traditional cooking sessions.

You’ll learn basic Nepali and local dialect, understand social norms and traditional etiquette, and gain insights that no hotel stay could ever provide.

Moreover, Chitlang showcases the peaceful coexistence of Tamang, Magar, Chhetri, Brahmin, Newar, and Gurung communities, each maintaining its distinct cultural practices.

Popular Foods In Chitlang Village

Let’s talk about the food, because honestly, this alone is worth the trip!

Dhindo: Nepal’s Traditional Soul Food

This traditional buckwheat or millet flour porridge represents authentic Nepali food culture at its finest.

Made with hot water and ground grain using traditional cooking methods, it’s typically served with Gundruk ko achar (fermented mustard greens pickle) and Khasi ko Masu (goat meat curry).

As the most traditional dish representing Nepali rural heritage, it’s a high-energy food that mountain communities have relied on for generations.

Samay Baji

This is the oldest Newari cuisine, traditionally served during Bajra Yogini Jatra in Chitlang.

The feast includes crisp chiura (beaten rice) as the foundation, fried soybeans called Bhatmas, Bara, which are lentil fritters, and spicy curries like Aalu Tama ko Jhol.

You’ll also get Aalu Sadheko, which is stir-fried potatoes, Chicken Chhoil, which is spiced grilled chicken, seasonal vegetables, and tangy chutneys. All served together in one magnificent spread.

Chatamari

This thin rice flour crepe, cooked on a non-stick pan, comes with your choice of meat, vegetables, or fried egg toppings.

What makes it special are the side crisps that provide extra texture and flavour.

Fun fact: This fusion dish was introduced when a Newari princess married into Tibet, blending two culinary traditions.

Other Must-Try Dishes

Momo Variations: Try Kothey, which is pan-fried, Jhol momo, which are soup dumplings, or steamed varieties with fillings of your choice, served with tomato chutney with herbs and sesame seeds.

Fresh Dairy Products: Farm-fresh goat cheese, buffalo milk curd called Juju Dhau, and locally churned butter taste completely different from what you buy in the city.

Traditional Preparations: Dyakula is buffalo stew with coriander, Swoo is fried mutton lungs stuffed with seasoned batter, and Sapu Mhicha is buffalo leaf tripe stuffed with bone marrow. These are for the adventurous eaters.

Sweet Treats to End Your Meal

Yomari: This steamed rice flour dessert with molasses filling shaped like a conch shell is absolutely divine.

Lakhamari: A crunchy sweet with sesame and rice flour that’s hard yet melts like clouds in your mouth.

Sel Roti: The ring-shaped rice doughnut traditionally made during festivals.

Where to Eat and What It Costs

Local cafes charge NPR 300 to 600 per person for authentic traditional meals.

Homestay dining costs NPR 400 to 700 per person, including the cultural dining experience.

Resort restaurants range from NPR 600 to 1,200 per person for premium organic dining with scenic views.

Street food like momo, bara, and chatamari costs just NPR 100 to 300.

Good news for vegetarians. Newari cuisine offers abundant vegetable-based dishes with fresh organic produce. For vegans, options are more limited, but if you inform your hosts in advance, they’ll prepare plant-based meals for you.

Health and Safety Considerations

The good news? At 1,928 meters, you won’t need any special altitude acclimatisation.

A moderate fitness level is sufficient for village walks and short hikes, though you should maintain adequate water intake during activities.

Food Safety: Stick to reputable homestays and established restaurants to avoid stomach issues. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets, though the natural spring water at Satdhara is considered safe.

The organic, farm-to-table food actually reduces risks from pesticides. Another advantage of visiting Chitlang!

Medical Facilities

Basic healthcare is available in the village, but serious conditions require a return to Kathmandu, which is 2 to 3 hours away.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for emergency evacuation coverage.

Emergency Contacts You Need

Police Emergency: 100 (works 24/7, equivalent to “911”)

Tourist Police Hotline: 1144 (English-speaking officers available)

Ambulance Service: 102

Nepal Tourism Board: +977-1-4256909

Tourist Police Bhrikuti Mandap: +977-1-4247041

Save these numbers in your phone before you go!

General Safety Guidelines

Stay with guides rather than exploring alone, especially on forest trails.

Use experienced local guides for hiking and cultural activities, and monitor weather conditions carefully. Avoid outdoor activities during heavy rain.

When visiting temples and interacting with families, follow local customs and show respect.

Follow environmental principles like leaving no trace, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.

Why Chitlang Should Be Your Next Adventure

Within just a few hours of Kathmandu’s chaos, you’ll find yourself in a place where time moves differently.

You’ll walk the same stone-paved routes that King Prithvi Narayan Shah used during Nepal’s unification campaigns, stand before monuments built 2,300 years ago, and taste cheese made from goats grazing on organic pastures.

You’ll meet families who’ve lived in these mountains for generations, maintaining traditions that are disappearing elsewhere.

And perhaps most importantly, your visit directly supports community development and cultural preservation. Helping ensure that this remarkable village remains vibrant for generations to come.

So, what are you waiting for? Chitlang is calling, and trust me, this one-day escape will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.