Getting around · Nepal
Araniko Highway Road Trip
Kathmandu east through Dhulikhel and the Bhote Koshi gorge toward the Tibet (China) border — Nepal's road to the Himalaya frontier.
The Araniko Highway is Nepal's eastern road to the Tibet (China) border, running about 110km from Kathmandu through the Newari hill towns of the valley rim and down the Bhote Koshi gorge to the frontier. Named after the 13th-century Nepali artist Araniko, who carried Newari art into Tibet and China, it is a drive of old towns, mountain views and dramatic river canyons.
The route
From Kathmandu the highway runs east through Bhaktapur and Banepa to the ridge town of Dhulikhel, then descends through Dolalghat to follow the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers up toward Tatopani and the historic Kodari border crossing. A separate branch climbs to the newer Rasuwagadhi crossing further west.
Highlights along the way
- The hill town of Dhulikhel, with its old Newari quarter and a celebrated sunrise viewpoint over the eastern Himalaya.
- The pilgrimage hill of Namobuddha and its monastery, a short detour from Dhulikhel.
- The Bhote Koshi gorge, home to some of Nepal's most thrilling Bhote Koshi rafting and bungee jumping.
- The hot springs at Tatopani near the Tibetan frontier.
Driving the Araniko Highway
The upper section to Dhulikhel is good, fast road; the lower river gorge is winding and has suffered landslide and earthquake damage over the years, so check current conditions before driving to the border. Crossing into Tibet requires permits arranged in advance through a tour operator — the road itself can be driven up to the frontier area. Travel in daylight and the dry season.
Times and logistics
Kathmandu to Dhulikhel takes about an hour by bus or car, making it an easy half-day or overnight trip. Continuing down the river valleys toward Tatopani is much slower and depends on current road repairs. Local buses and shared jeeps serve the route as far as the trade towns near the border, while rafting and bungee operators run their own transport to the Bhote Koshi gorge. Fuel and meals are easy around Dhulikhel but limited deeper in the gorge, so plan ahead.
Make it a road trip
The Araniko is ideal as a one- or two-day drive with an overnight in Dhulikhel for sunrise, the rafting put-ins on the Bhote Koshi, and a detour to Namobuddha. It pairs well with the historic Tribhuvan Highway road trip on the valley's far side and the fast BP Highway road trip down to the Terai.
Browse more drives in the scenic road trips of Nepal collection, and plan vehicles, permits and timings with getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Araniko Highway go?+
The Araniko Highway runs about 110km from Kathmandu east through Bhaktapur, Banepa and Dhulikhel, then down the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi river valleys toward the Tibet (China) border. It is named after Araniko, the 13th-century Nepali artist who worked in Tibet and China.
Can you reach the Tibet border on the Araniko Highway?+
The highway leads to the historic border crossing at Kodari and Tatopani on the Bhote Koshi, and to the newer Rasuwagadhi route further west. Crossing into Tibet requires special permits arranged through a tour operator in advance; the road itself can be driven up to the frontier area.
How long is the Araniko Highway drive?+
Kathmandu to Dhulikhel takes about an hour, and continuing down to the border area around Tatopani takes roughly five to six hours in total for about 110km. The lower river-gorge section is winding and has been prone to landslide and earthquake damage, so check conditions first.
What is worth stopping for on the Araniko Highway?+
The hill town of Dhulikhel is the classic stop, with old Newari streets and a famous sunrise Himalaya viewpoint. Lower down, the Bhote Koshi is one of Nepal's best whitewater rafting rivers, and the road passes dramatic gorge scenery toward the Tibetan frontier.
