Daman
In Nepali: दामन
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Daman lies at about 2,300 m on the Tribhuvan Rajpath, the winding road built in the 1950s as Nepal's first highway link between Kathmandu and the plains. From its view tower, on a clear day, you can see a 300 km sweep of the Himalaya from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east.
The ridge is cool and forested, with a small botanical garden and a few resorts. The drive itself, with its hairpins and old roadside settlements, is part of the experience.
What to see and do
Climb the view tower at dawn for the Himalayan panorama, walk in the rhododendron and oak forest, and visit the botanical garden. The Rajpath continues south to Palung, famous for its vegetables and strawberries, and down to Bhimphedi and Hetauda.
Good to know
Daman is cold in winter and often foggy in the monsoon. Accommodation is limited to a few resorts and lodges. The drive is slow but scenic; buses are infrequent.
Quick answers
- Where is Daman?
- Daman is in Makwanpur district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Daman?
- About 2,322 m (7,618 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Daman?
- Daman is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
- How many days do I need for Daman?
- Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Daman?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Daman?
- October–February for clear skies
- How do I get to Daman?
- About 3 hours by road from Kathmandu via Naubise. It is about 21 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Daman called in Nepali?
- दामन
