Rani Jhula, also known as the Queen Bridge of Nagarkot, has gone viral since its construction in 2022. You’ll be amazed by the crowd that gathers here on public holidays.
It’s a 250-meter-long suspension bridge located in An Danda, Bastola Gaun. Although it might have been built primarily as a means of transport, it has surprisingly grown in popularity among local tourists.
There are food stalls around, new resorts have opened, and waterfalls are nearby, making it an essential addition to your bucket list of things to do in Nagarkot.
But does the Rani Jhula Bridge truly live up to all the hype? Let’s find out.
Key Facts About Rani Jhula in Nagarkot
| Location | An Danda, Bastola Gaun, Mahamanjushree Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province |
| Length | 250m |
| Mode of Transportation | Public / Private Vehicle + Hiking |
| Distance | 18 km (from Sankhu), 13 km (from Sallaghari) |
| Riding Duration | 30-45 mins (on Private), 1-1.5 hr (on Public) |
| Hiking Duration | 10 mins approx. |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons |
How to Reach Rani Jhula Suspension Bridge?
Rani Jhula, whose actual name is Ban Padhero Jholunge Pool (also known as Bageshwori Nagarkot Suspension Bridge), is a very accessible destination for both Kathmandu and Bhaktapur residents.
You can reach this suspension bridge within an hour using your private vehicle from anywhere in the valley.
It’s possible to take either the Sankhu-Nagarkot road or the Bhaktapur-Nagarkot road—it’s entirely up to you!
However, if you are traveling by public vehicle, please note that you will need to catch a bus from Kamal Binayak’s Nagarkot Buspark. The bus operates a bit slowly, moving only once it is fully occupied.
No matter how you choose to travel, you’ll need to make a stop somewhere along the way at Buddha Peace Park. There’s a large board there, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
There is ample space to park both two-wheelers and four-wheelers before you start your hike. And vendors are already selling snacks right at the parking spot.
The walk is entirely downhill and takes about 10 minutes to reach the Rani Jhula Bridge. The trail is well-maintained, with more vendors available along the way.
Main Attractions in Rani Jhula
Once you reach the suspension bridge, you’ll find a queue waiting just to cross. Don’t be surprised if the bridge itself becomes overcrowded.
Since Rani Jhula is somewhat new, we don’t really know whether proper maintenance is being done there. I’d love to know in the comments if you’re aware of any information on this.
It’s essential to understand that accidents can happen. It takes me back to the devastating 2007 collapse of a 400-foot-long footbridge in Chunchu village, where 16 died and 100 went missing!
We certainly don’t want such incidents to occur in any part of Nepal in the future. And since Rani Jhula attracts hundreds of tourists on every holiday, it’s essential for the authorities to set up monthly, if not yearly, maintenance schedules.
Walking in Rani Jhula offers a refreshing way to connect with nature. As you move forward, you’ll love appreciating the beauty of the nearby pine trees.
And just as you reach the middle of the suspension bridge, you’ll be able to see the Nagarkot Waterfall. It may not be very clear, but it is still well worth stopping by.
Once you cross the bridge, you can follow the trail that takes you deeper into the pine forest. The trail has been well maintained for decades and still serves as a popular hiking destination.
Besides the Rani Jhula Suspension Bridge, you can head toward the nearby waterfalls, which happen to be the main attractions of this region. These include Nagarkot Waterfall, Muhan Pokhari, and Tudi Jharana.
Since I haven’t yet explored that part of the region, I’ll update this article soon with further details. So, bookmark this article right away if you’re seeking more information!
Is Rani Jhula Worth the Hype? Sharing My Experience
Now, here comes my honest review after my solo ride to Nagarkot.
If you’re only heading to visit Rani Jhula, you might be a little disappointed because it’s just a bridge, after all.
While it does serve as a refreshing option for Kathmandu Valley residents, it’s essentially a typical suspension bridge—one you’ve probably crossed multiple times in your life.
It’s simply a destination you can tick off your list when you’re in Nagarkot. That’s it!
So, while you’re here, don’t forget to visit the nearby attractions, like Bojinee Dam, Shree Panchamahalaxmi Temple, Ratnachundeshwor Mahadev Pokhari Temple, and Nagarkot’s Geodetic Survey Viewtower.
I visited Nagarkot Waterfall, which was the most refreshing part of this solo trip, only to later discover that the area is ‘restricted’ because it serves as a water source.
What confused me was that local guides had directed me there, and a lot of other tourists were heading there too.
This situation left me wondering: Why create a trail that leads to a restricted area if people are still being directed there? And how can such a beautiful spot be off-limits?
Since cops had arrived and I didn’t want to be in trouble, my natural instinct was to leave the spot immediately. It’s a funny story!
As I couldn’t explore the region on this trip, I’ll learn about this on my next trip after proper inquiries with the locals. Until then, I’ll just take it all with a laugh.
Expected Budget For the Trip
The good thing about Rani Jhula Bridge is that it’s completely free to visit, even for international tourists. I even saw tons of Indians who were excited to set their foot on the bridge.
There’s no entrance fee, nor are there any parking charges. For that reason, I’d say Rani Jhula Bridge is well worth stopping by when you’re returning from Nagarkot.
However, do keep in mind that if you’re going to buy snacks from the vendors, they might charge a little higher. This is usually the case at all of Nepal’s popular tourist destinations.
Still, don’t hesitate to spend a little extra, as I know you guys spend even more at fancy restaurants, right? Sometimes, it’s just better to help the locals gain some profit.
For just this Rani Jhula trip, it should be completed within a budget of Rs. 500.
Note that this cost excludes your other expenditure on your overall Nagarkot adventure, which can range from budget-friendly to luxurious. Totally depends on you!
Final Words
Hope you’ve got the basic idea on your way to Rani Jhula Bridge.
Don’t just make a quick in-and-out visit. Be sure to explore all the other Nagarkot tourist spots I mentioned above.
Happy traveling to Bhaktapur!
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