Bhedetar Viewpoint | Dharan

Bhedetar Viewpoint (also known as Charles Point) is a prominent hill station and tourist destination in Eastern Nepal, located at an altitude of approximately 1,420 meters (4,659 feet) on the border of Sunsari and Dhankuta districts.

Visual Characteristics

The viewpoint is characterized by its dramatic transition from the humid Terai plains to the cool Himalayan foothills. It frequently experiences rapid weather shifts, often becoming engulfed in thick fog within minutes. The site features the Skywalk Bhedetar View Tower, a modern glass-floored structure that replaced the original wooden tower. From the summit, visitors have a 360-degree view encompassing the massive Sapta Koshi River to the south and the peaks of Mt. Everest (8,848m) and Mt. Makalu (8,485m) to the north on clear days.

Location & Access Logistics

Coordinates: 26.8611°N, 87.3193°E.

Access: Situated about 16 km north of Dharan.

Road: Reachable via a 30–45 minute drive from Dharan on the well-paved Koshi Highway (Dharan-Dhankuta segment).

Transport: Regular shared jeeps and buses depart from the Dharan Bhanu Chowk bus park.

Skywalk Bhedetar View Tower: A primary attraction offering an immersive viewing experience.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The viewpoint was famously named "Charles Point" after Prince Charles of the United Kingdom visited the site in the 1980s to view the surrounding landscape. Geographically, Bhedetar acts as a "gateway" to the hilly regions of eastern Nepal, including Dhankuta, Tehrathum, and Sankhuwasabha.

Key Highlights & Activities

Panoramic Views: Views of the plains of Sunsari, Morang, and Jhapa, along with the Kumbhakarna and Makalu Himalayan ranges.

Namaste Falls: A major waterfall located about 8 km further down the road toward Dhankuta, often combined with a visit to Bhedetar.

Pathivara Temple: A local shrine dedicated to the goddess Pathivara, located on a nearby ridge, accessible by a short hike.

Cool Climate: It is the nearest "summer retreat" for residents of the hot Terai plains.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Bhedetar Bazaar: A thriving transit town at the base of the viewpoint with numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Dining: Famous for local delicacies like "Bhedetar ko Masu" (local spiced meat) and organic vegetables.

Connectivity: Strong 4G and 5G signals (Ncell/NTC) due to proximity to urban centers and telecommunication towers.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best for clear Himalayan views and stable weather.

Spring (Mar–May): Mild weather and visibility of blooming vegetation.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and often foggy, popular for experiencing "cloud-walking."

Nearby Landmarks

Dharan – 16 km South.

Namaste Falls – 8 km North.

Dhankuta Bazaar – 35 km North.

Rajarani Lake – A scenic lake located approximately 20 km away via a branch road.