Things to do · Kakani
Kakani Picnic Spots
A classic Kathmandu picnic ridge: pine shade, Himalayan views, strawberries and trout.
Kakani is one of the great picnic destinations for Kathmandu, and has been for generations. The cool ridge air at 2,070m, the pine shade and the long line of the Ganesh Himal make it a natural spot to spread a mat, and the local strawberries and trout mean you can eat well without carrying much up. It is the easygoing, family-friendly side of a Kakani day out.
Where to picnic
The ridge has several open, pine-shaded spots with mountain outlooks, many close to the Kakani Himalaya viewpoint and the resort gardens. Some private gardens and farms set aside picnic areas, occasionally for a small fee. Wherever you settle, an early arrival gets you the clearest views and the pick of the shady spots before weekend groups appear.
Make it a feast
- Buy fresh trout on the ridge — see the trout farms — and, in season, a basket of strawberries from the strawberry farms.
- Bring warm layers: the ridge is breezy and cool even on bright days.
- Carry cash, water and a rubbish bag; facilities are minimal, so pack out what you bring in.
A Kathmandu tradition
Picnicking is a genuine social institution in the Kathmandu Valley, especially in the cooler winter months when offices, families and friend groups pile into a hired vehicle, bring speakers and cooking gear, and spend the day outdoors. Kakani is one of the classic destinations for this, precisely because it combines easy access, cool air and a big view in one place. If you visit on a winter weekend you'll likely share the ridge with several such groups — part of the fun, if you're in the mood, and a reason to arrive early or pick a weekday if you'd rather have the quiet.
Good to know
- Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are calmer.
- Pair the picnic with the reflective British Gurkha memorial or the Thai Airways memorial park for a fuller day.
- Respect the fire and litter rules at private gardens and farms, and never leave waste on the ridge.
Time your outing with the best time to visit Kakani, and if you'd rather earn your lunch, combine it with the Kakani day hike from Kathmandu or browse more day hikes near Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kakani a good picnic spot?+
Yes — Kakani is one of the classic picnic destinations for Kathmandu families, with cool air, pine-shaded ridge spots and Himalayan views. The strawberry and trout farms add a tasty local twist that few other valley-rim picnic places can match.
What should I bring for a Kakani picnic?+
Bring warm layers for the breezy ridge, water, a mat or chairs, and your own food if you want, though you can also buy fresh trout and seasonal strawberries on site. Carry cash and a bag for your rubbish, as facilities are limited.
When is the best time for a picnic at Kakani?+
Autumn and winter give the clearest mountain views, while spring adds warmer days and strawberries. Go on a weekday or arrive early at weekends, when Kathmandu groups fill the popular ridge spots.
