Sightseeing · Chitlang
Markhu Village
A lakeside village on Kulekhani reservoir near Chitlang, the main base for boating and fish meals.
Markhu is the small lakeside village on the shore of Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar), and the natural base for getting out on the water near Chitlang. A short drive from the valley, it is where most boat trips begin and a relaxed place to settle in for a fresh-fish meal with the lake spread out below the forested hills of Makwanpur. Together with the neighbouring settlement of Kulekhani, it forms one of the most popular weekend escapes for Kathmandu families looking for a quick change of air.
What to do
The main draw is boating on the reservoir — calm, scenic trips launched from the Markhu shore, often in simple wooden or fibreglass boats hired by the hour. The water is flat and sheltered, so it suits a leisurely paddle rather than any kind of watersport, and the reflections of the surrounding pine-clad ridges are the real reward. Beyond the water, the village is simply a pleasant place to slow down, watch lake life unfold and eat well at the cluster of small, family-run eateries that line the bank.
The lakeside is known above all for fresh fish raised in and around the reservoir, usually served fried or in a curry with rice. It is a low-key, unpretentious food scene rather than a restaurant strip, and prices and menus vary, so it pays to ask before ordering. The village is at its liveliest with domestic visitors at weekends and on public holidays, when the shore fills with families and the boats are in constant use.
Pairing it with Chitlang
Markhu works best as a half-day outing from a Chitlang homestay. Combine it with the wider Kulekhani reservoir experience, and ask your hosts at the community homestays to help arrange transport and a boat. Because the village sits on the main route between the Tribhuvan Highway and the Chitlang valley, many travellers also stop here on the drive in or out rather than making a special trip.
Good to know
- Bring cash for boats and meals; there are no ATMs nearby.
- The lake can be breezy — carry a light layer, and a hat for the sun on the water.
- It is quietest on weekdays outside holidays, when you may have the boats almost to yourself.
- Agree the boat price and duration before setting off to avoid confusion later.
Plan the routing with how to get to Chitlang, and slot the lake into your day using our Chitlang itinerary. To compare Markhu's lake with others around the country, see the best lakes in Nepal and our overview of the lakes of Nepal.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Markhu?+
Markhu is a village on the shore of Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar) in Makwanpur, a short drive from the Chitlang valley. It is the main launch point for boating on the lake and a popular weekend outing from Kathmandu.
What can you do in Markhu?+
Markhu is the base for boat trips across Kulekhani reservoir and a relaxed place to eat fresh fish at simple lakeside eateries. It pairs well with a Chitlang homestay stay as a half-day lake excursion.
How do you get to Markhu from Chitlang?+
It is a short drive from Chitlang valley toward the lake shore. Most visitors arrange a vehicle through their homestay, or pass Markhu when travelling in or out via the Kulekhani route to the Tribhuvan Highway.
Is Markhu worth visiting?+
Yes, as an easy add-on to Chitlang — the calm lake, boat trips and fresh-fish meals make a pleasant half-day, especially in clear weather outside the monsoon.
