Kurintar : Nepal's Best Kept Riverside Secret

Why Kurintar is Nepal’s Best Kept Riverside Secret

Have you ever stared out the window on the drive from Kathmandu, watching the Prithvi Highway twist and turn, just waiting for that perfect spot to stretch your legs? For the longest time, whenever someone asked me, "How do you get to Kurintar?" or "How far is Kurintar from KTM?", I would just brush it off as that halfway point about 100 kilometers out of the capital. It was just a place to grab a quick cup of tea and get back on the road.

But on a recent trip, we decided to actually stop, stay and see what this little village on the sandy banks of the Trisuli River was really all about. And let me tell you, treating Kurintar as just a transit stop is the biggest mistake you can make.

Here is why we finally hit the brakes and why you should too.

What is Kurintar Known For? (And Why You Should Stay)

Whenever I post photos of our riverside weekend, my inbox gets flooded with the same question: "What is Kurintar known for, besides the cable car?"

It is true that it has become a popular resting place for travellers due to the Manakamana Temple cable car station that is located there. But the real magic of this place is the atmosphere. Located perfectly along the highway (for those wondering about Kurintar which district, it sits beautifully in Chitwan, right on the border of Gorkha), it feels a million miles away from the Kathmandu dust.

When you make the trip from Kathmandu to Kurintar, you trade the sound of aggressive traffic for the roaring rush of the river. The climate is deliciously warm, making it the perfect spot to just sit outside and finally breathe.

Kurintar Places to Visit & Things to Do

If you are looking up Kurintar tourist places, you don't need to stress over a massive, exhausting itinerary. The beauty here is in the perfect balance of thrill and chill.

• The Manakamana Temple: You absolutely have to take a trip on the cable car up to the beautiful Manakamana Temple. Gliding above the clouds to reach the sacred Manakamana Kurintar shrine is breathtaking and doing it right from your riverside basecamp means you beat the massive highway crowds.

• Conquering the Trisuli: If you have an adventurous soul, you can embark on a river rafting excursion along the river. Nothing beats the rush of white water rapids followed by a lazy afternoon drying off on the sandy riverbanks.

Finding the Right Kurintar Resort

The hospitality here has skyrocketed. Gone are the days of basic roadside motels; today, a number of hotels provide decent accommodation options. The river is lined with stunning properties that make you want to cancel your onward bus ticket.

When planning our trip, my biggest hurdle was figuring out the budget. I found myself frantically googling, "How much does the Kurintar retreat cost per night?" and looking for full Kurintar packages.

Here is my ultimate traveler tip: do not wait until you are sweaty and tired to negotiate a room rate at the front desk. Whether you are looking for a luxury Kurintar resort with a massive infinity pool, a family-friendly hotel or a cozy tented camp by the water, you can find the exact pricing and secure your spot instantly on the eSewa Hotels. You can compare the amenities before you even pack your bags.

Next time you drive the Kathmandu Pokhara route, do yourself a favor. Stop driving. Book a room, sit by the water and let the Trisuli River wash your road trip fatigue away.