Kakani lies at a height of 2073m and 24 Km northwest of Kathmandu. The place is a famous picnic spot among the locals. Kakani is also popular among the tourists for the magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and the central and western Himalaya. The 24km road to Kakani also offers a great bike ride from the capital. There are some government building one being century-old summer villa used by the British embassy, and large police training college and army posts.
The peaceful Thai Memorial Park commemorates the 113 victims of a 1992 Thai Airlines crash. The Shiva shrine across the road offers wider Himalayan views.
The International Mountaineer Memorial Park below the hillside is a Nepal Mountaineering Association project, under the supervision of a retired French engineer, Henri. Seventy-year old Henri, who is married to a Nepali from Solukhumbu started to construct the climbing wall after being inspired by his love for mountains and natural resources and to make a contribution in the Nepalese mountaineering and tourism industry and assist NMA.
The project includes picnic spots, museum, mountain zone, camping sites, memorial garden, clubhouse and several other sub-projects related to tourism industry.
A close view of the other peak of Himalayas which can be seen from here are Gaurishanker (7134 in), Choba Bhamte (6016 in), Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu (8163 in), Himalchuli (7893 in), Annapurna (8091 m) and the other several peaks. A majestic view of the sunset can also be seen from this place.
The fairly basic Kakani Guest House and Waiba Guest House were both closed in 2005 but are expected to reopen soon. The former Tara Gaon Hotel is currently occupied by the army.
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