If you are looking for a place to relax but not too far from Kathmandu, Chitlang is one of the best options. Most people visit this place in a group of family/friends/colleagues but coming here with your partner or alone is also fun. On Friday, after completing my working hours, my husband and I took an instant decision to go there. To go to Chitlang from Kathmandu, we took a cab to Chandragiri cable car base station (Chandragiri hills). From there, we walked downhill following a trail and reached there in just 45 minutes. If you are traveling during/after winter, you can see many rhododendrons, which I suggest not to pick because it looks great in the trees. I luckily found one that was fallen on the way.
There is no mountain view seen from Chitlang as we see from the top of Chandragiri. However, compared to Kathmandu, the place is very peaceful, quiet, and fresh. Chitlang is famous for its homemade/local wine and goat cheese (there is a factory). There are many homestays and resorts for those who want to spend a day and night. Staying in a homestay is more reasonable than staying in a hotel. The resorts might have a comparatively higher price and standard.
We preferred to stay in a homestay because it is comparatively reasonable and comfortable. If you are staying in a homestay, there is a package system, and Nrs. 1500-2000 is enough per person. The package includes dinner, a bed, and breakfast. In the evening, you can try local wine and local raksi (if you prefer hard-drink). Hike from Chandragiri to Chitlang is also a parent-friendly walk. On the next day, my mom and dad hiked to visit us. It took them 1.5 hours (because they missed the right direction) to come downhill. We had lunch together and continued our journey to Markhu. From Chitlang to Kulekhani (Markhu), it took us exactly 2.5 hours. Kulekhani is well known for its local fish, boating, and weekend chill. We stayed at Atithi Hotel, located across the river (they come to pick and drop you via boat), and enjoyed a scenic view of the river and mountains. Another morning, we returned to Kathmandu with 6 kgs of local fish from the Kulekhani river. It took three hours to reach Kathmandu from Markhu by bus.
Total budget: Nrs.4000 per person
Total days and night: 2 days – 2 nights or a day and night depending on how much you walk and the time you have