Bheda Farm is one of the largest and most beautiful pastures in Nepal, which translates to भेडा फार्म (Sheep Farm) in English. It is situated only a half an hour’s hike from the old village of Chitlang, as well as 15 minutes away from Markhu. From here, there are stunning views of green terraces, dome hills, and Kulekhani Lake, situated at an elevation. Anyone who visits Chitlang should go to Bheda Farm, especially if they enjoy nature and pastoral charm out of reach from the city.
History of Bheda Farm and Chitlang
Chitlang is a historical नेवार (Newar) village dating back to the लिच्छवि काल (Lichchavi era), a period of Nepalese history of ancient record. The people living in Chitlang are named Gopalis, in relation to their descendancy to the Gopal dynasty, the first documented rulers of Nepal. According to a reporting inscription, King Amshubarma gifted lands in the region to shepherds, therefore, deriving settled villages named टौखेल and कुञ्छल (Toukhel and Kunchhal). This shepherding ancestry refers to the establishment of Bheda Farm that eventually made a name as a sheep farm.
In the 19th Century, Chitlang and the surrounding area were spaces of the Rana dynasty, who controlled Nepal with sweeping power. The Ranas understood the strategic and cultural significance of Chitlang and the surrounding area and put in place different administrative reforms, as well as infrastructure improvements. The Rana regime is noted for its autocratic rule, but it also created an architectural and infrastructural legacy for the region and the country, even increasing connectivity and development. Establishments of farms, like Bheda Farm, happened during or after this decade to spur agricultural and livestock productivity on rural landscapes in Nepal.
Chitlang also had a strong significance as part of Nepal’s independence movement. It served as hiding grounds for the political dissidents opposing the Rana regime’s rule and played a role in the resistance and eventual democratic reforms in Nepal, layering another level of meaning and cultural and historical significance for the area surrounding Bheda Farm.
How to Reach Bheda Farm
Bheda Farm is situated at a close distance, accessible by road and trekking trails from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu.
Route 1: Kathmandu-Thankot-Godam-Chitlang-Bheda Farm
The most common method of travel, for many tourists, is to take local buses from Kathmandu via Kalanki/New Bus Park. Usually, it takes approximately two hours of exhilarating fun, on roads that combine scenic beauty with a few bumps along the way, to reach the farm from Kathmandu and additionally to Godam. From Godam, visitors have the option to jeep for around 30 minutes or trek (if you still have energy) for up to two hours to Chitlang and then place your feet back on the ground to trek for a further 30 minutes from Chitlang to finally reach the farm!
Route 2: Kathmandu-Pharping-Markhu/Kulekhani-Bheda Farm
Another option would be to first travel early in the morning from Balkhu, via Chovar then visiting Pharping, Salle, Kulekhani Dam, arriving in Markhu, taking about four hours to arrive by bus. From Markhu, the farm is a 15-minute trek. On this route, travelers can enjoy a boat trip at Kulekhani Dam, where they can take their time for lunch by the lake before continuing to the farm.
Alternate routes: Via Chandragiri
However, if travelers are looking for a lesser-known road that happens to lead through lush green hills with incredible mountain views, travelers can choose that route. Travelers can take a hike or ride buses and motorcycles toward Markhu and then trek from Markhu to Bheda Farm.
Ideal Time to Visit
Bheda Farm is located close to Kathmandu and has a pleasant climate throughout the year; therefore, it can be visited at any time. However, the most common travel periods are:
- September to November: The weather is clear, and daytime temperatures range from 23-26°C and nighttime temperatures range from 10-13°C, which can be cool and pleasant—ideal for outdoor activities or witnessing nature.
- March to May: Because the monsoon season has not started, the days are dazzlingly bright, the air is very clear, and the forest and lake views are breathtaking.
Any time between December and February can be slightly cold, and any time between June and August can bring heavy rains and muddy trails, and also leech activity—and travel can be uncomfortable during these periods.
Sites Nearby Bheda Farm
In addition to Bheda Farm, travelers can also visit a variety of attractions nearby to further enrich their experience culturally and environmentally.
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Goat Cheese Factory:
Since 2002, this small goat cheese factory has been owned by a couple, making goat cheese in Nepal, and it is the only goat cheese factory. The organic cheeses made at this facility are both soft and hard and are sent to 5-star hotels in Kathmandu, and they are famous with tourists for their taste and affordability (approximately Rs. 150 for serving).
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Satdhara (Meaning Seven Taps):
This historic and religious site has seven stone taps of freshwater said to be located at the sites where various Hindu deities Lord Ganesh, Shiva, Krishna and Goddess Saraswati used to dwell. This site is a very busy spot for devotees on बसन्त पंचमी (Vasant Panchami) when Pujas honor Devi Saraswati.
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Mohini Waterfall (मोहिनी झरना ):
This breathtaking waterfall has gained popularity, mostly through social media, and is about 1.5 walking distance from Bheda Farm. The best time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoon season, when it is at its fullest. On the walk to Mohini Waterfall, you can interact with friendly locals and enjoy seasonal fruits, such as plums and guavas.
Conclusion
Bheda Farm Chitlang is an excursion that combines raw natural beauty with rich historical and cultural heritage. It provides opportunities for seeking adventure or a cultural experience or simply unwinding while enjoying the great outdoors. Bheda Farm offers a variety of activities in the stunning setting of hills, rivers, forests, and farm land. It invites you to experience organic agricultural customs, fresh produce from the farm, and nature and farm animals while living in a tranquil rural setting.
By coming to Bheda Farm, one can find enjoyment in hearing more economical hillsides and a pastoral lifestyle while also engaging with a distinctive aspect of Nepal’s historical development and sustainable living. You can also easily visit nearby attractions in the area, including the Goat Cheese Factory, Satdhara, and Mohini Waterfall and experience it all for yourself.
Consider visiting Bheda Farm and experiencing a wonderful side of Nepal characterized by its historical and cultural enrichment, along with its further environmental consideration; all this happens under a broad expanse of Chitlang skies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to go to Bheda Farm in Chitlang?
The best time to make contact with Bheda Farm is during the months of September to November when it is still mild and pleasant with a daytime temperature range of 23-26°C and cooler evenings. A second time frame is from March to May, prior to the monsoon season, which also is a rite time due to the definitely blue skies, combined with its running natural sights always at their brightest. Winter is problematic because of the cold and monsoon season because of rain and certainly leeches.
2. How to get to Bheda Farm from Kathmandu?
You will have primarily two popular routes to reach Bheda Farm from Kathmandu via bus, jeep, or hiking. One is via Thankot, Godam and Chitlang Farm by bus and then jeep/hike to the farm. The other is via Pharping, Markhu and Kulekhani- which can stop at quiet, beautiful natural places at Kulekhani Dam. Both routes have their own scenic views of mountains, hills and valleys and are suitable for trekking as well. There is another route, but not taken often, via Chandragiri Mountain which is beautiful.
3. What activities can visitors participate in at Bheda Farm?
Visitors can enjoy mixing with the farm animals- sheep goats- learn about eco-friendly organic farming practices-who grows our food, buy fresh local organic produce and/or dairy products at the farm from local farmers. The farm offers tranquil ambience to relax, hiking available, hiking trails and for nature photography, reading books, and your time there. The farm can also serve as a base to tour and visit things upstairs like the Goat Cheese Factory, the Satdhara (7 taps), Mohini Waterfall (scenic)- more to do outside the farm which can be cultural, educational, recreational events to participate in.
