Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Daman
A quiet ridge-top hamlet at around 2,300m in Makwanpur on the old Tribhuvan Highway, famous for arguably the widest Himalayan panorama in Nepal, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east.
Daman is a quiet ridge-top hamlet at around 2,300m in Makwanpur, central Nepal, perched on the old Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and Hetauda. Its claim to fame is simple and hard to beat: arguably the widest Himalayan panorama in Nepal, an unbroken arc from Dhaulagiri to Everest that takes in Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Gauri Shankar on a clear dawn. Far fewer travellers make it here than to busier viewpoints, so the ridge feels calm and local.
The classic thing to do is climb the Daman view tower before sunrise, when the long line of peaks turns gold one summit at a time. Below the ridge, the fertile Palung valley vegetable farms carpet the hills in green, while the small Risheshwar Mahadev Temple gives a quiet pilgrimage stop. In spring the Daman rhododendron forests flush red and pink, and the whole journey is a destination in itself along the historic Tribhuvan Rajpath, Nepal's first highway.
Start with our roundup of the top things to do in Daman and our guide to the Daman mountain views, then plan the practicalities: where to stay, how to get there and the best time to visit. For a ready-made plan, follow the Daman itinerary. For the wider country, see our national guides to the best viewpoints in Nepal, the best sunrise spots in Nepal and the best time to visit Nepal.
Where to stay in Daman
Sights & attractions in Daman
What to do in Daman
Getting around in Daman
Plan your trip in Daman
Frequently asked questions
Is Daman worth visiting?+
Yes — Daman offers arguably the widest unbroken Himalayan panorama in Nepal, sweeping from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east, with far fewer visitors than Nagarkot. It rewards anyone who wants a big mountain view, a scenic drive on the old Tribhuvan Highway and a quiet ridge-top night.
Where is Daman located?+
Daman sits at around 2,300m on a ridge in Makwanpur district, central Nepal, on the old Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and Hetauda. It is roughly 80km southwest of Kathmandu via the winding Tribhuvan Rajpath, Nepal's first highway.
What is Daman famous for?+
Daman is famous for its panoramic Himalayan view — said to be the widest in the country — best seen from the Daman view tower at sunrise. It is also known for the spring rhododendron forests, the Palung valley vegetable farms and its place on Nepal's historic first highway.