Dhulikhel, 1,550 m
Dwarika's Sanctuary sits above Dhulikhel, an old Newar town on the eastern lip of the Kathmandu valley, about an hour's drive from the airport. Since January 2026 it takes guests for three nights or more, all inclusive.
Photo: Gary Ellis / Unsplash
Day one, 15:30
An Ayurvedic doctor sees you on arrival. Your health notes have gone ahead, so the talk starts from what matters, and the reading of your dosha shapes your meals and practice for the next three days.
Photo: Jeevan Katel / Unsplash
Dusk
The Sanctuary's highest deck looks north to the snow line. Watch the light go from gold to gray, then walk down to the Shiva Linga maze, where a priest lights the arati to mark the start of your stay.
Photo: Sanjeev Shakya / Unsplash
Day two
Sunrise prayers in a garden of nine terraces for the nine planets, then yoga. A Himalayan massage uses oils warmed with ajwain, fenugreek and camphor. Late afternoon, breathe slowly in the Salt House, built from 20 tonnes of Himalayan salt.
Photo: loki TGM / Pexels
Day three
The full footpath runs about 10 km through Tamang and Brahmin farm villages, climbing gently to about 1,750 m (5,740 ft), with a car to shorten either end. The hill is named for a prince who gave his body to a starving tigress.
Photo: Stan Tuladhar / Unsplash
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse
In the monastery above the stupa you sit down to the monks' plain lunch, then stay on with the Khenpo, the resident teacher, for an unhurried conversation about practice. It is the same however you arrived on the hill.
Photo: Aayush Lama Tamang
Day four
On the way down, Panauti's Indreshwar Mahadev, founded in 1294, stands where two rivers meet. Look up: newly married couples hang pots and pans under its eaves in hope of a happy home. The last night is at Baber Mahal Vilas, on Rana palace grounds.
Photo: Pranish Shrestha / Unsplash
Planning
Come between October and April, when the rim has its views; monsoon cloud usually hides the range from mid June. Three nights is the Sanctuary's minimum, and a fourth in Kathmandu keeps the drive to your flight short.
Photo: Falco Negenman / Unsplash