Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Chitlang
A green Newari farming valley in Makwanpur, south-west of Kathmandu, known for community homestays, an ancient salt-trade trail and Nepal's pioneering goat-cheese farm.
Chitlang is a green Newari heritage valley in Makwanpur, tucked just over the hills south-west of the Kathmandu Valley at around 1,800m. Despite being only a short hop from the capital, it feels genuinely rural: terraced fields, slate-roofed farmhouses, water mills and a slower rhythm of life. It is best known for its welcoming community homestays, the historic salt-trade trail that once linked Tibet's salt with Kathmandu, and Nepal's pioneering goat-cheese farm.
The classic way to arrive is on foot, walking over Chandragiri from Thankot and dropping into the valley — a half-day hike that retraces part of the old trade road. Once there, most travellers slow down: they tour the cheese farm, wander the lanes past Newari temples and heritage shrines, and drive on to Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar) for boating, with the lakeside village of Markhu a popular add-on.
Start with our roundup of the top things to do in Chitlang, then plan the practicalities: where to stay, how to get there and the best time to visit. Short on time? Follow our suggested Chitlang itinerary. For the wider region, see our national guides to the best day hikes near Kathmandu, Newar culture and heritage and getting around Nepal.
Where to stay in Chitlang
Sights & attractions in Chitlang
Trekking & treks in Chitlang
Boating in Chitlang
Food experiences in Chitlang
What to do in Chitlang
Getting around in Chitlang
Plan your trip in Chitlang
Frequently asked questions
Is Chitlang worth visiting?+
Yes — it is one of the easiest rural escapes from Kathmandu, blending a living Newari farming valley, well-run community homestays, an atmospheric old salt-trade trail and Nepal's first goat-cheese farm. It feels far more remote than the short journey suggests.
How far is Chitlang from Kathmandu?+
Chitlang lies just south-west of the Kathmandu Valley in Makwanpur. By road via the Tribhuvan Highway and Kulekhani it is roughly two to three hours, while the classic way in is to hike over Chandragiri from Thankot in about four to five hours.
What is Chitlang famous for?+
Its community homestays, the ancient salt-trade route that once carried Tibetan salt toward Kathmandu, the country's pioneering goat-cheese farm, Newari temples and heritage, and nearby Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar) for boating.