Route · Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu to Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is about 30 km east of Kathmandu on the Araniko Highway, 1.5 hours by car via Bhaktapur and Banepa. Local buses run often. Make it a slow journey with a stop in Bhaktapur, or detour south from Banepa to Panauti.
The highway runs east from Kathmandu past Bhaktapur and through Banepa before climbing gently to Dhulikhel. It carries heavy trucks heading towards the Tibet border and has had long stretches of road works, so timing varies. A car lets you stop in Bhaktapur and detour 7 km south from Banepa to Panauti on the way.
Frequent buses run from Ratnapark in Kathmandu and from Bhaktapur to Banepa and Dhulikhel bus park. They are cheap and crowded, and usually fine for travellers with small bags. Buses to Banepa are more frequent; from there, short local buses or taxis continue to Dhulikhel and Panauti.
Hikers can walk from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel along ridges and through villages, about 15 km, mostly downhill. It is a good way to link the two viewpoints in a slow itinerary. Send main luggage by car and walk with a light daypack and a guide.
Worth a stop on the way
- Bhaktapur old town
- Banepa bazaar
- Panauti (detour)
Local tip
Leave Kathmandu before 7.30 am or after 10 am to avoid the worst traffic on the Araniko Highway.
Questions
How far is Dhulikhel from Kathmandu?
About 30 km east, a 1.5 hour drive along the Araniko Highway via Bhaktapur and Banepa, depending on traffic and road works. Local buses take 1.5 to 2 hours. Dhulikhel is also about an hour by road from Nagarkot and 30 minutes from Panauti.
Is there a bus from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel?
Yes. Local buses run frequently from Ratnapark in central Kathmandu and from Bhaktapur to Banepa and Dhulikhel. They are inexpensive but crowded. Some continue along the Araniko Highway beyond Dhulikhel. A private car is more comfortable with luggage.
Can I visit Panauti on the way to Dhulikhel?
Yes. Turn south at Banepa for about 7 km to reach Panauti, then return to the highway and continue 5 km east to Dhulikhel. A private car makes this easy. Panauti's temple and riverside ghats deserve at least two hours.
How is the road between Kathmandu and Dhulikhel?
The Araniko Highway is paved and busy, with heavy trucks heading east and frequent road works in recent years. Travel times vary widely with traffic. Monsoon rain can slow it further. Check current status before you travel and leave buffer time if you have a connection.