Diktel and Rawa valley
In Nepali: दिक्तेल र रावा उपत्यका
Diktel stretches along a ridge above the Rawa and Dudh Koshi valleys. Khotang is one of the heartlands of the Rai people, whose many languages and shared Kirat faith centre on the worship of ancestors and nature.
The best time to visit is during Sakela (Ubhauli in spring and Udhauli in late autumn), when villages dance in great circles imitating the movements of birds, animals and farming. Majhuwagadhi, an old fort site near Diktel, has wide views.
What to see and do
Walk to the Majhuwagadhi viewpoint and explore the ridge-top bazaar. In Sakela season, ask locally where dances are being held — visitors are often welcome to watch or join the circle. Nearby are Halesi–Maratika, the Rawa Khola valley and trails into traditional Rai villages.
Good to know
Diktel has basic hotels and is linked by road to Kathmandu, Gaighat and Halesi. Local food includes millet-based dishes, pork and fermented bamboo shoot.
Quick answers
- Where is Diktel and Rawa valley?
- Diktel and Rawa valley is in Khotang district, Koshi Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Diktel and Rawa valley?
- About 1,600 m (5,250 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Diktel and Rawa valley?
- For a 3-day trip from Biratnagar, about NPR 6,000 (≈ US$44) per person on a budget, or NPR 18,500 (≈ US$135) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 6,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Diktel and Rawa valley?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Biratnagar and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Diktel and Rawa valley?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Diktel and Rawa valley?
- Sakela season: April–May and November–December
- How do I get to Diktel and Rawa valley?
- By road from Kathmandu or Gaighat; limited flights to Lamidanda. It is about 97 km (straight line) from Biratnagar.
- What is Diktel and Rawa valley called in Nepali?
- दिक्तेल र रावा उपत्यका
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