.webp)
A one-day hike to Nagarkot is one of the rare opportunities to view the top of the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), close to the hustling and bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Therefore, nestled in the heart of the historic Bhaktapur District and situated at an altitude of approximately 2,195 m (7,201 ft) above sea level, Nagarkot indeed serves as an excellent trekking and hiking destination.
The journey to Nagarkot goes through the beautifully ornate terraced slopes tumbling down the undulating hills from where the majestic Himalayas appear to be just a short distance away, especially Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Mt. Everest (8,848m) in the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the west.
Relatively easy access from Kathmandu, a hiking trip to Nagarkot begins with a scenic driveway passing en route by one of the religious and cultural monuments of the city listed as one of the world’s UNESCO Heritage Sites, Changunarayan Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, which is also believed to be the most ancient temple in the valley, aging more than 3,000 years old.
Hence, travelers, hikers, and trekkers are expected to leave an excellent impression as top-level responsible tourists and respect the local customs and traditions, along with admiring the architecture reflecting ancient history, which might require additional permission to be captured in your camera lens while making it to Nagarkot, which is often regarded as the photographer's paradise.
The sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot are a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, creating an otherworldly sight that must be captured as the background of your memories in pictures passing by the typical Tamang villages, adding much to the cultural engrossment even in a short, only-a-day hike from Kathmandu.
To conclude, Nagarkot Day Hike is a fantastic journey to breathe the serene air of the hills and Himalayas of Nepal, perfect for every age group and each level of travel, trekking, and hiking aspirants, which provides an amazing insight into the laidback, simple yet fulfilling life of the indigenous communities of Gurung and Tamang.
What makes a day trek to Nagarkot special?
The mesmerizing amalgamation of stunning mountain vistas, tranquil natural surroundings, and the untouched culture of the ethnic communities of Gurung and Tamang relatively in unbelievably easy access from the chaotic capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, truly makes the hill station of Nagarkot a must-visit destination.
In addition, during a day trip to Nagarkot with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, all your logistics will be taken care of by us, so all you will be left to do is enjoy yourself to the fullest while we make sure you get the best out of everything, including the experience, which is guaranteed by:
The spiritual haven of Bhaktapur, Changunarayan
Considered the oldest temple in Nepal, dating back more than 3,000 years to the 4th century, Changunarayan Temple was built by the Lichhavi dynasty King Mandev and is located in the Bhaktapur district of the Kathmandu Valley, lying on the hiking route to Nagarkot.
Elevated at 1,600m above sea level, the shrine of Changu Narayan is dedicated to one of the supreme Hindu deities, Vishnu, and is not only artistically beautiful but also religiously and historically substantial. It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 A.D and hence requires an entrance permit.
Whether you are a committed devotee or not, the temple encompassment of Changunarayan is indeed compelling to get yourself charged spiritually during a day hike to Nagarkot.
The jaw-dropping Himalayan Panorama
The Nagarkot Day Hike is often referred to as the Nagarkot Panorama Trek for an obvious reason, which is due to its stunning lookout over some of the iconic top peaks on the planet, such as the tallest mountain giant on earth, Mt. Everest, the tenth highest summit, Annapurna, along with the refined backdrops of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gauri Shankar, along with the Manaslu range on exceptionally clear days.
These completely whitewashed snow-capped peaks craft an interesting contrast to the lush valley below and the turquoise sky above is a dreamland of every nature lover for sure.
The stunning sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot
One of the most enchanting aspects of a day trek to Nagarkot is witnessing the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the silhouettes of iconic Himalayan peaks, as mentioned above, against the backdrop of the gradually brightening sky, for which trekkers and travelers start the journey early in the morning to catch the first light of dawn or stay until the evening to capture the golden hue over the mountains.
At both times, the hill town of Nagarkot evokes a great sense of awe and wonder, adding much to the serene natural beauty of the Himalayas when the air is comparatively crisper and the stillness of nature gives rise to the ultimate peaceful ambiance that might help you to self-reflect and find a new purpose in your life.
The outdoor adventure for everyone
For each outdoor enthusiast, whether an experienced technical mountaineer, a novice hiker, or a medium-versed trekker, the trails to Nagarkot cater to all skill levels of adventure, offering unbelievable flexibility in terms of route options, itinerary, and budget.
Trekkers can fully unwind themselves in the thrill of traversing the amazing blend of diverse landscapes, adventurous ascents and descents, and culture, whether they are seeking a short, leisurely stroll or a longer, more challenging expedition.
Further, you can customize your hiking itinerary to Nagarkot as per your needs, requirements, area of interest, and abilities, ensuring the active participation of everyone to enjoy the adventure to the fullest, leaving none behind.
One of a kind of scenic hiking trail to Nagarkot
The hike to Nagarkot meanders through verdant woodlands, picturesque countryside, and tiny yet charming villages with terraced fields and farms bearing their own kind of culture and tradition, offering spellbinding views of the Himalayas along the way that are coupled with the serene and tranquil natural setting, making the hike itself a sublime feat.
This marvelous natural and cultural beauty of the Nagarkot appeals to every outdoor enthusiast, nature aspirant, and photographer alike to appreciate the simplicity of rural life.
The enriching cultural Immersion on the way to Nagarkot
The one-day trip to Nagarkot passes through several typical Nepalese villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities, including Tamang, Newar, and Brahmin, ensuring a golden opportunity to interact with locals, gain insights into their customary life, and even get to experience the warmth and hospitality of locals.
On the way to Nagarkot, trekkers, and hikers may notice traditional Nepalese architecture featuring intricately carved wooden houses, pagoda-style temples, stone-paved streets reflecting the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the local communities hiking past the prayer flags, small to larger pagoda-style temples, and village markets along the way, adding depth and cultural richness to the experience.
Nagarkot Day Hike Itinerary
According to our 1-day itinerary for a pleasing hike to Nagarkot, the bus, taxi, car, or private jeep departs very early in the morning from your accommodation in Kathmandu around 4:30 am, granting you more hiking and exploration time on making it to the hill station of Nagarkot.
Serving as an excellent viewpoint, in Nagarkot you will get a cozy spot to sit and marvel at the changing colors of the sky when the first ray of sunlight sparsh several vibrant colors in the blue sky, specifically above the gorgeous snow-clad mountain ranges.
After grabbing breakfast at the hilltop of Nagarkot and watching the sunrise, now will be the time to hike down to the world’s UNESCO religious heritage site which is treasured as the most ancient shrine of the entire Kathmandu, Changunarayan.
Thereafter, on the day hike to Nagarkot board a private jeep, car, or local bus back to Kathmandu.
Cost for a day hike to Nagarkot
At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, you can enjoy a surreal guided hike to Nagarkot at a standard price of USD 100 per person, on which we are further offering a group discount, i.e.:
- USD 100 for 1 pax
- USD 85 for 2-3 pax
- USD 75 for 4-6 pax, and
- USD 65 for 7–14 pax
