With the COVID-19 situation engulfing the globe, of which Nepal is no exception, and isolating people to their own houses, the only thing I did during this lockdown period was to explore travelling destinations on YouTube and that’s when I saw or even heard about Marble Danda for the first time and decided to travel there.

The shut marble factory with Marble Danda in the background

Marble Danda lies in the Godavari municipality of Lalitpur district. I have been to Godavari multiple times, but the only thing that comes to mind is the botanical garden, one of the most visited places in the valley. Located at the base of the tallest peak in the valley—Phulchowki, Godavari gloats of a botanical garden, open spaces for picnics, lush green forests for birds and wildlife, and cool weather. Now, Marble Danda is yet another beautiful reason for people to travel to Godavari. 

View from Marble Danda

Soon after the lockdown was lifted, I along with my wife travelled to Marble Danda. Nothing fills my soul as much as the feeling of being on the road and exploring newer destinations. Marble Danda was also giving me that feel especially after being under house arrest for so many months. It felt like a breath of fresh air. However, I was having second thoughts: “What if the place was not as beautiful as it sounded and was overhyped?” All my doubts were quickly dispelled once I reached the place.

Marble Danda

Marble Danda is basically a viewpoint and was named after a marble factory that was shut down about five years ago. There are two ways you can reach this place: (1) by taking the hiking trail that is wide enough for bikes and (2) a walk through the forest. We chose to stick to the wider path. The hike from Godavari to Marble Danda takes about 20 minutes, though it looks like it may take more than that from the base of the hiking trail.

Though Marble Danda is relatively lesser known to the public, it has every potential to bloom as a tourist destination. For now, however, it is gaining more exposure among domestic travel nomads.

View of the valley from Marble Danda 

Travel Route

Marble Danda is about 10 km from Satdobato towards Godavari. From Godavari bus stop/micro stand, you need to travel towards Phulchowki. After 100 m, a house can be seen on the right where vehicles and motorcycles are parked. From there, you need to hike for about 20 min to reach Marble Danda.

Hiking trail 

Places to Visit Nearby

Godavari Botanical Garden

Godavari Botanical Garden is one of the most visited places in Kathmandu Valley by domestic travellers. It is also visited by schools and colleges as educational tours, given its collection of a wide variety of plants and birds that add colors to the lush green forest. It takes about a 15-20 min walk from Godavari bus stop to reach the botanical garden.

Phulchowki

Phulchowki is the tallest peak in the valley and offers pan Himalayan views of different mountain ranges and also the Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki is one of the most visited destinations during the winter because of snowfall. Phulchowki is a Nepali word meaning “hill full of flowers” and certainly, the hill comes alive here during springtime with a variety of flowers including rhododendrons and roses. It takes about a 1-hour ride from the base of the hill. You can hike uphill as well to reach Phulchowki.