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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛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.
Golden in harvest seasons and lush green in monsoon/summer, terraces provide layered compositions and foreground interest for landscape photos.
A nearby ridge offers sunrise panoramas over the valley and distant snow-capped peaks on clear days—ideal for wide-angle shots.
Traditional wooden and stone architecture, prayer flags, and routine rituals create rich cultural photo opportunities—ask permission before close portraits.
Small rivers with bamboo/wooden bridges and rock-strewn banks are picturesque, especially after monsoon when water levels and reflections add drama.
Food in Shikharpur
Shikharpur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or buff (water buffalo); common at tea stalls and small restaurants nearby.
Fermented leafy-green dish (gundruk) and various pickles (achar) that add sour and spicy notes; often homemade in village kitchens.
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
A weekly market where villagers sell vegetables, pulses, spices and snacks — try fresh seasonal fruits, roasted maize and tea from roadside vendors.
Small roadside stalls serving chiya, momos, and fritters — great for people-watching and tasting local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Namaste' with hands pressed together and a slight bow when meeting locals; it is polite and widely used.
Remove shoes before entering temples and many homes, dress modestly, and avoid loud behavior in religious spaces.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and rituals; a small gift or exchange is appreciated for close portraits.
Show deference to elders, accept food or tea when offered, and avoid public displays of affection which can be frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Shikharpur
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, good visibility for mountain views; ideal for hiking and cultural festivals.
Warm and humid with frequent heavy rain and slippery trails; terraces are green and dramatic but landslide risk increases — check local conditions before hiking.
Clear skies, stable weather, and festival season; the best time for panoramic views of the Himalaya and outdoor activities.
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.
Shikharpur at Night
Hiking in Shikharpur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
A gentle loop through terraced fields and small hamlets that showcases agricultural life and is ideal for short walks and photography.
Follows a small tributary with shady sections and rustic footbridges; good for birdwatching and cool afternoon walks.
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.
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.
Regional airport with domestic flights; useful if connecting from southern plains, then travel by road to the hills — transfer time varies.
Larger domestic airport for western Nepal; not the closest to central hill villages but an option if combining with Pokhara travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
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.
Majority of residents rely on terrace farming, livestock and small-scale trade; extended families often live together and agriculture shapes daily life.
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.
Locally popular across age groups; informal matches are common on flat fields or school grounds.
Increasingly played by younger residents, often in improvised spaces and during festivals.
Games like dandi biyo and local variations of wrestling or stick games may be played during festivals and community gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shikharpur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
Possible but requires advance notice — ask homestays to skip dairy in curries and provide vegetable-based side dishes and oils instead of ghee.
Many Nepali staples (rice, dal, vegetables) are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for fried snacks with wheat flour and request plain preparations.
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.