Sightseeing · Kakani
British Gurkha Memorial at Kakani
A quiet, well-kept memorial and cemetery on the Kakani ridge honouring Gurkha soldiers.
The British Gurkha war memorial and cemetery at Kakani is one of the ridge's most reflective stops. Set among pines on the cool hillside above Kathmandu, the well-kept grounds honour Gurkha soldiers — the Nepali troops who have served with British and Indian Gurkha regiments for over two centuries. It is a quiet, dignified counterpoint to the big views, and a reminder of the deep, long-running bond between Nepal and the Gurkhas.
Why the Gurkhas and Kakani are linked
The cool, healthy ridge climate above the Kathmandu Valley made Kakani a favoured recreation and rest area long before the road and resorts arrived. Its association with the British presence in Nepal — and with the Gurkhas, recruited from Nepal's hill communities since the early nineteenth century — gave the ridge a lasting place in that shared history. For visitors, the memorial puts a human face on a story you'll hear referenced across the country: of villages that have sent sons to serve abroad for generations, and of the pride and sacrifice that come with it. To understand that wider context, read our overview of the culture and people of Nepal.
What to expect
The site is calm and carefully maintained, with neat headstones, lawns and shade. From the higher ground you still catch the ridge's Himalayan outlook, so a visit naturally folds into a morning at the Kakani Himalaya viewpoint. It pairs especially well with the nearby Thai Airways memorial park for travellers interested in the more sombre history of the ridge. Together the two sites make a thoughtful first half of a day before the lighter pleasures of strawberries, trout and a picnic in the afternoon.
Visiting respectfully
- Treat it as the resting and remembrance place it is — keep noise low and dress modestly.
- Photography is usually fine for the grounds, but avoid disturbing any ceremony or visiting family.
- Access to any adjoining active camp area may be restricted; ask at the gate if unsure.
Combine the memorial with the ridge picnic spots or fit it into the Kakani day hike from Kathmandu, and see more walking routes in our guide to the best day hikes near Kathmandu. For the full ridge itinerary, browse the top things to do in Kakani.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the British Gurkha memorial at Kakani?+
It is a well-tended memorial and cemetery on the Kakani ridge connected with the British Gurkhas, honouring Nepali soldiers who served with Gurkha regiments. The site sits within a former British camp area and is a calm, reflective stop with mountain views.
Can you visit the Gurkha memorial at Kakani?+
Yes — the memorial grounds are generally open to respectful visitors during daylight hours. Dress modestly, keep noise down out of respect, and check at the gate as access to parts of any active camp area may be limited.
Why is there a British camp at Kakani?+
The cool, healthy ridge climate above Kathmandu has long made Kakani a recreation and rest area, and it became associated with the British Gurkhas. The memorial and cemetery reflect that long historical link between Nepal and the Gurkha regiments.