Things To Do
in Shikharpur

Shikharpur is a small hill-side settlement in central Nepal known for terraced rice fields, traditional stone-and-wood houses, and close-knit farming communities. It offers sweeping views of the surrounding mid-hills and distant Himalayan ridgelines on clear days. Visitors will find a slow pace of life, friendly locals, and easy access to village trails and local temples.

Though modest in infrastructure, Shikharpur is a good base for short hikes, cultural homestays, and experiencing everyday rural Nepali life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Shikharpur
morning
:

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and take a scenic flight to Bhairahawa. From Bhairahawa, begin your journey to Shikharpur, enjoying the lush landscapes along the way. After checking into your accommodation, take a moment to settle in and refresh.

afternoon
:

Explore the local area on foot, familiarizing yourself with the captivating culture and friendly locals. Visit a nearby village to see traditional farming practices and interact with the community. Don’t miss the chance to savor local delicacies for lunch at a recommended eatery.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful stroll around the village, taking in the serene environment. Find a cozy spot for dinner, where you can indulge in Nepalese cuisine. Wrap up your day by resting and absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day with a guided tour of the Shikharpur local temples, immersing yourself in the rich cultural history. Capture photos of the intricate architecture and participate in traditional morning rituals if possible. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Stupa, an important spiritual site, and learn about its significance. Engage with local artisans, observing traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving. Take some time for lunch at a familiar spot, enjoying vibrant conversations with locals.

evening
:

Find a quiet terrace or viewpoint to watch the sunset paint the sky over the valleys. Attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music, connecting more deeply with the local customs. End your evening with a relaxed dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant or homestay$2-6
Cup of tea or coffee$0.5-2
🛏️Basic guesthouse room$8-25
🚌Local bus ride to nearby town$0.2-2
🥤Bottled water (1.5L)$0.5-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Nepali experience with welcoming communities
  • Beautiful terraced landscapes and good photography opportunities
  • Low tourist density — peaceful and uncommercialized
  • Affordable travel and homestay options
  • Limited infrastructure — few ATMs, medical facilities or modern conveniences
  • Travel can be slow due to winding rural roads
  • Language barrier possible; English less common than in cities
  • Weather (monsoon) can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
  • "Namaste" - Hello / Greetings (with respect)
  • "Dhanyabad" - Thank you
  • "Kati ho?" - How much?
  • "Shauchalaya kahã chha?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "Maile bujhina" - I don't understand
  • "Sanchai hunuhunchha?" - Are you well? / How are you?

Places to Visit in Shikharpur

Visit one of these nice places.

Terraced Rice Fields

Golden in harvest seasons and lush green in monsoon/summer, terraces provide layered compositions and foreground interest for landscape photos.

Ridge Sunrise Viewpoint

A nearby ridge offers sunrise panoramas over the valley and distant snow-capped peaks on clear days—ideal for wide-angle shots.

Village Square and Temple

Traditional wooden and stone architecture, prayer flags, and routine rituals create rich cultural photo opportunities—ask permission before close portraits.

Riverbank and Footbridges

Small rivers with bamboo/wooden bridges and rock-strewn banks are picturesque, especially after monsoon when water levels and reflections add drama.

Culinary Guide

Food in Shikharpur

Cuisine in Shikharpur reflects rural Nepali home cooking: hearty, starch-forward meals centered on rice and lentils, seasonal vegetables, and occasional meat. Meals are simple, fresh, and often cooked over wood or gas in homestays and village kitchens. Street snacks, chai stalls and small market vendors provide quick bites. Expect locally sourced ingredients and flavors that are less spicy than city restaurant versions.

Shikharpur Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dal Bhat

The staple meal of lentil soup, steamed rice, seasonal vegetable curries and pickles — available at homestays and local eateries; served twice daily in many homes.

Must-Try!

Momo

Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or buff (water buffalo); common at tea stalls and small restaurants nearby.

Gundruk and Achar

Fermented leafy-green dish (gundruk) and various pickles (achar) that add sour and spicy notes; often homemade in village kitchens.

Sel Roti

A ring-shaped fried rice bread, slightly sweet, commonly eaten for breakfast or special occasions and found at market stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Shikharpur Local Market

A weekly market where villagers sell vegetables, pulses, spices and snacks — try fresh seasonal fruits, roasted maize and tea from roadside vendors.

Tea Stalls (Chiya Pasal)

Small roadside stalls serving chiya, momos, and fritters — great for people-watching and tasting local snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Shikharpur sits in the mid-hills climate zone: warm and humid in summer with a pronounced monsoon season, pleasant and dry in autumn and spring, and cool to chilly in winter nights. Elevation introduces temperature swings between day and night, and weather can change quickly on exposed ridges.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Use 'Namaste' with hands pressed together and a slight bow when meeting locals; it is polite and widely used.

Temple and Home Customs

Remove shoes before entering temples and many homes, dress modestly, and avoid loud behavior in religious spaces.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and rituals; a small gift or exchange is appreciated for close portraits.

Respect for Elders

Show deference to elders, accept food or tea when offered, and avoid public displays of affection which can be frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Shikharpur is generally safe for travelers — petty theft is the most common issue so keep valuables secure. During monsoon, be cautious of landslides and slippery trails; check local weather reports. Road travel on rural roads can be hazardous after rain; always use reputable drivers, and carry basic first-aid supplies. Tap water should be boiled or filtered; food hygiene is good in homestays but use discretion with roadside food.

Tipping in Shikharpur

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in villages. For homestays or guides, a small tip of a few dollars (or equivalent NPR 200–1000) is customary if you received good service.

Payment Methods

Cash in Nepali rupees is king in Shikharpur. ATMs and reliable card acceptance are usually only available in larger towns; e-wallets (eSewa, IME Pay) are used in some places but require local accounts and mobile connectivity.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (Mar–May)

Pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, good visibility for mountain views; ideal for hiking and cultural festivals.

Summer/Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Warm and humid with frequent heavy rain and slippery trails; terraces are green and dramatic but landslide risk increases — check local conditions before hiking.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Clear skies, stable weather, and festival season; the best time for panoramic views of the Himalaya and outdoor activities.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cool to cold nights and chilly mornings, occasional frost at higher elevations, fewer tourists — daytime hikes can be comfortable in sunshine but pack warm layers.

Nightlife Guide

Shikharpur at Night

Nightlife in Shikharpur is quiet and community-focused: evenings are spent at homestays, tea stalls and small gatherings. There are no large clubs; occasional musical evenings or cultural performances happen during festivals. For bars, nightlife and live music you will need to travel to the nearest town or city (e.g., Dhulikhel or Kathmandu).

Hiking in Shikharpur

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Shikharpur Ridge Trail

A sunrise-friendly ridge walk that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks; suitable for a half-day hike.

Terrace Loop Trail

A gentle loop through terraced fields and small hamlets that showcases agricultural life and is ideal for short walks and photography.

River Valley Trail

Follows a small tributary with shady sections and rustic footbridges; good for birdwatching and cool afternoon walks.

Temple Hill Ascent

A short but steep trail to a local hilltop temple with 360-degree views — often used for sunrise or sunset visits and cultural stops.

Airports

How to reach Shikharpur by plane.

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu

The main international gateway to Nepal; reach Shikharpur by road (1–3 hours depending on exact location and traffic) or via a private transfer arranged with a homestay or local driver.

Bharatpur Airport (BHR)

Regional airport with domestic flights; useful if connecting from southern plains, then travel by road to the hills — transfer time varies.

Pokhara Regional Airport (PKR)

Larger domestic airport for western Nepal; not the closest to central hill villages but an option if combining with Pokhara travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village is highly walkable for short distances: narrow lanes and footpaths connect homes, fields and temples. However, terrain is hilly with steps and uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For longer trips between valleys or towns, motor transport is more practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hill Ethnic Communities

A mix of ethnic groups common to central Nepal — Brahmin/Chhetri households, Newar families (especially near valley areas), and indigenous hill groups such as Tamang or Gurung depending on the exact locality.

Farmers and Agrarian Families

Majority of residents rely on terrace farming, livestock and small-scale trade; extended families often live together and agriculture shapes daily life.

Youth and Migrant Workers

Many young people work seasonally or overseas, so some villages have an older-skewed population and fewer young adults during certain months.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Locally popular across age groups; informal matches are common on flat fields or school grounds.

Cricket

Increasingly played by younger residents, often in improvised spaces and during festivals.

Traditional Games

Games like dandi biyo and local variations of wrestling or stick games may be played during festivals and community gatherings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic near Shikharpur is light and dominated by motorcycles, small buses and local trucks on narrow rural roads. Expect slow travel speeds, winding roads and occasional congestion at market times. Public transportation consists of infrequent local buses and shared jeeps to nearby towns; private taxis and hired vehicles are the most reliable option for flexible schedules.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Shikharpur.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; dal-bhat with several vegetable sides is the standard. Always confirm that dishes are cooked without ghee or meat-based broth if strictly vegetarian.

Vegan

Possible but requires advance notice — ask homestays to skip dairy in curries and provide vegetable-based side dishes and oils instead of ghee.

Gluten-free

Many Nepali staples (rice, dal, vegetables) are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for fried snacks with wheat flour and request plain preparations.

Halal/Religious Restrictions

Meat is often goat, chicken or buffalo; halal meat may be hard to find in a small village—plan ahead or stick to vegetarian meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is typically provided by a local health post or clinic for minor ailments. For more serious care, travelers will need to go to the district hospital or a larger medical center in the nearest town or Kathmandu, which can be 1–3 hours away depending on road conditions. Carry necessary medications, a first-aid kit, and health insurance that covers evacuation if needed.

Discover Nepal

Read more in our Nepal 2025 Travel Guide.

Nepal Travel Guide