Nagarkot Day Hiking

Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking is a memorable experience in rural Nepal with marvelous sunset views in Nagarkot. In particular, the hiking tour beginning at Changu Narayan is an opportunity to enjoy village life. Besides, the green hills, domestic animals, and twittering birds give a complete feel of a rustic rural atmosphere. The moderately challenging hike commencing from UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changu Narayan is complete within four hours. It is, indeed, a hiker’s pride to get soaked in far-reaching views of the Himalayas during the pleasurable walk.

The popular Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking officially begins after breakfast in Kathmandu followed by a pick-up from the hotel as early as 7 o’clock. It is about one and half-hour drive from Kathmandu to reach the trailhead at Sankhu. The trailhead is also the home to the famous Changu Narayan Temple. After a short sightseeing tour in the temple area, the spectacular hike of about 4km uphill kicks off. Panoramic views of renowned mountain peaks such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Langtang Lirung greet hikers en route. Hiking through Telkot Village and other similar villages witnessing the local lifestyle and people grazing their cattle, it is arrival time in Nagarkot.

By the time you arrive at the destination on this Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking, it is about 2.30 pm and time for lunch. Eventually, after lunch at a restful restaurant on the top of Nagarkot hill town, visitors wander around. It is the perfect time to stretch your worn-out legs as well as explore the local beauty until sunset. After a glorious sunset view in the evening, it is time to drive back to Kathmandu and wind up the fantastic tour in Nepal.

Trip Highlights

Changu Narayan Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. The sacrosanct temple is named after the daughter of a Kashmiri king who married off his daughter with the prince of Bhaktapur. The temple is built in the two-tiered pagoda style and the sides are guarded by mythical beasts including elephants, lions, and griffons. The statue inside the temple is of the creator of all life, Lord Vishnu. The doors of the temple are opened only for performing rituals, and only Hindu people are allowed to enter inside. The extraordinary carvings seen around the courtyard belongs to the Licchavi era. Lord Vishnu is seen to appear in his various incarnations in those carvings.

Nagarkot is a tiny picturesque town situated at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley on an impressive hilltop. It lies 32km away from the capital city and is known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. And it is also a well-known spot to witness the beautiful Himalayan peaks on a clear morning. Nagarkot is believed to be a rich home for different species of butterflies. The hill-town even offers a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. The scenic beauty of this tourist destination makes it a popular hiking route for foreigners as well as the locals. In addition, it is also a popular weekend spotlight for night-stays for Kathmanduites. There are plenty of hiking opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in and around Nagarkot.