Gokarna is equally acclaimed for the wildlife and many species of birds it shelters in its natural park. Rhesus monkeys and deer can be seen roaming freely within this protected area.
To get to Gokarna, go past the Bouddhanath stupa and turn left at Jorpati. The unpaved way leads to Gokarna village, an old Newar settlement named after the sacred shrine. Although lying in the close vicinity of Kathmandu, Gokarna shows you a different face of the Valley, a face that is rustic but more resplendent. After Z, losing your- self in the beauty of its nature for a while, you can proceed to Sundarijai at a distance of five kilometers.
Sundarijal, literally meaning “pure water”, is a beautiful waterfall cascading down from the hill-top. To enjoy the best view, you will have to climb up a long stone stairway. Nearby lies one of the oldest hydro-electric power houses in the country. Besides being a popular picnic spot, Sundarijal is also the start-in- point for adventurers embarking on the popular Lan-tan—Helambu trek.