Nagarkot Day Hike Highlights
- The best viewpoint: Nagarkot.
- One of the best day hike places around Kathmandu.
- World Heritage site visits: Changunarayan & Bhaktapur.
- Mountain People, Amazing Landscapes.
- Panoramic Himalayan view from Nagarkot, including Mt. Everest on a clear day.
Within the Kathmandu Valley, there is one way to see Mount Everest (8848 meters), the highest peak in the world. Hike with us to Nagarkot, a scenic hilltop village that lies at 2195 meters / 7201 feet. Just a short 32-kilometer winding drive from Kathmandu leads us to a peaceful place to see not only Everest but also the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges as well.
Leave from Kathmandu and head towards Changu Narayan in Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is said to be the oldest active Hindu temple in the valley. Not only that, but it was built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma, making it one of the oldest (if not the oldest) temples in the valley. We take some time to explore the detailed wood- and stone-carved medieval buildings and shrines—true works of art.
Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the Newari architecture, art, and heritage while wandering in and around the ancient palace. Fuel up on some traditional Newari cuisine so you have the energy for the hike. You could spend weeks in Bhaktapur and still not see all that the city offers.
Time to begin the hike! Enjoy passing through village after village, nestled in the lush jungle-covered hills. Villagers carry out traditional practices and live much simpler lives than those who live in Kathmandu. Time seems to move a bit slower here. Surround yourself with natural and cultural beauty from the moment the hike begins until the moment you are back in Kathmandu. Escape the dust and noise of the capital city and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonder of Nepal’s middle hills. Let your mind relax as you listen to the birds chirping and the sound of the wind in the trees. You will feel at peace as you watch the sunset next to the most majestic peaks in the world.
Arrive in Nagarkot by sunset to see the glorious mountains take on a red-orange glow. Watch as the last sunrays of the day strike Everest and its neighboring peaks. This just might be the most memorable sunset for you. Afterward, we take a peaceful drive back to Kathmandu and drop you at your hotel.
If you are limited with your time in Nepal but do not want to leave without seeing the mountains, the Nagarkot-Bhaktapur Day Hiking is the way to go! The hike is perfect for people of all ages and abilities and can be taken all year round.
If you want to extend your trip for a night to see the sunrise in Nagarkot, we can arrange that. Or, if you would like to start at Nagarkot and end at Changu Narayan, we can arrange for that. The hike itself takes approximately 3.5 hours, and we return by private vehicle to Kathmandu. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
