9 answers

Sunrise and sunset points in Nepal, answered

Kakani, Chisapani, Bandipur, Phewa Lake, Swayambhunath, Chandragiri and Ilam: where to stand for first and last light, and what each gives you.

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Kathmandu sideKakani, Chisapani, Chandragiri

Pokhara sidePhewa, Sarangkot

Best monthsOct to Nov, Mar to Apr

StartBefore dawn

Choose 1

Should you choose sunrise or sunset for mountain views?Sunrise, almost always.

What is Kakani and is it worth it?Kakani is a hill ridge about 25 km north-west of Kathmandu with a viewpoint over the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges on clear days.
Why do people go to Chisapani?Chisapani (about 2,300 m) is a ridge village on the Shivapuri rim, a popular 2-day trek from Sundarijal to Nagarkot, with a famous dawn view of the...
Where do you watch the sunset in Bandipur?At the Tundikhel terrace at the edge of the bazaar or at the Thani Mai temple hill, with the Marsyangdi valley and distant peaks.
Where is the best place to watch sunset in Pokhara?From a boat on Phewa Lake or from the lakeside promenade, with the sun setting behind the western ridge and Machhapuchhre reflected on calm days.
Is Swayambhunath good for sunset?Yes.
Can you see sunset from Chandragiri?The hills above the cable car give wide valley views, and afternoon light can be lovely.
Where do you watch sunrise in Ilam?Antu Danda and Kanyam are the usual points, with tea gardens and, on clear mornings, a view towards Kanchenjunga.

How do you stay safe and get good photos at dawn?Carry a headlamp, warm layers and water, tell someone your plan and arrive before first light.

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