Trip Facts

  • Duration:1 Day
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Max Altitude:2175 Meter
  • Min group sizeAny
  • Best TimeMarch to May and September to November
  • Holiday typeHiking trip

About Nagarkot day hike

Nagarkot day hike is a 5 to 6-hour one-day gateway program from Kathmandu. This short trip from Kathmandu offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and a cultural quest. Not only that, but you will also get to see a gorgeous sunrise and the eastern Himalayan mountains of Nepal, which also includes Mount Everest

Join our Nagarkot day hike from Kathmandu, which is well-planned and offers a smooth and hassle-free experience. Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you on this short yet incredible adventure. Enjoy Kathmandu's stillness as you drive early in the morning. Hear birds chirping, inhale fresh morning air, and enjoy the countryside as you get out of the main city area.

You will first drive to Nagarkot viewpoint, from where you get to see a gorgeous sunrise along with a stretching panorama of the Himalayan mountains. Even though it will be a distant view of the mountains, it's incredible. You will feel the power of the great Himalayas. It's just mind-blowing. After the sunrise view, visit a hotel for a delicious breakfast. 

Breakfast choice and expense are up to you. It is not included in our Nagarkot day hike cost. We highly recommend you carry Nepali money for personal expenses like breakfast or if you want to buy a souvenir. Payment via card may be accepted in some places but is not guaranteed. After breakfast, you will begin hiking.  

You will hike via lush forests and terraced fields to the historic Changu Narayan Temple. The hiking route is rugged and tranquil. Enjoy beautiful scenery during the hike and meet with locals from different communities. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes during the hike. Pack a windcheater, water bottle, some snacks, and sunhat. 

Upon reaching Changu Narayan Temple, you will explore it and the surrounding area. You can have some local snacks if you wish. The driver will pick you up from the temple, and you will drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu. The guide and driver will bid you our last goodbyes. Tipping guide and the driver are highly recommended at the end of the Nagarkot hike. 

Why do the one day Nagarkot hike?

The Nagarkot day hike presents a holistic experience that combines outdoor adventure, nature, culture, and a glimpse into the lifestyle of some Nepalese ethnic groups residing in the suburbs. The landscapes are like paintings, which you may see on the internet or around Thamel painted by artists. 

If you are in Kathmandu and have nothing to do, or if you are bound by time and cannot go on a multi-day hike or trek, you can do the Nagarkot hiking. Additionally, it is also a great nature exploration option for travelers who cannot enjoy the long mountain trekking in Nepal because of its high altitude. 

The Nagarkot day hike is perfect to do with your kids and senior members of the family. You will get to unwind, enjoy nature and tranquility, and feel rejuvenated at the end of the journey. Even though it is a short day hike, it will be memorable.
 

    Trip Highlights

    • An excellent one-day gateway program from Kathmandu
    • Enjoy a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and a cultural quest
    • Hear birds chirping, inhale fresh morning air, and enjoy the countryside views
    • Witness a gorgeous sunrise and the eastern Himalayan mountains of Nepal from Nagarkot's view point
    • Get to see stunning views of eight mountain ranges- Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, Everest, Jugal, Rolwaling, Numbur, and Annapurna
    • Have a delicious breakfast of your choice
    • Hike through lush forests and terraced fields
    • Enjoy beautiful scenery during the hike and meet with locals from different communities
    • Explore Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples for Nepalese

    Itinerary

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    Our team will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning. As per the group size, we will send a private four-wheeler with a friendly driver and your hiking guide. Be ready on time to leave the hotel, and carry a backpack with you for the essentials like water bottle, lip balm, snacks, cash, camera, etc.
     
    We also recommend getting an insect repellent and carrying a small first aid kit in case you get scratched. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and have a windproof jacket on you as well. You will drive to Nagarkot, enjoying the countryside views of Kathmandu. The drive will be around one and a half long. 

    You will directly drive to the viewpoint to witness a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Relish the panoramic view and capture the moments. After enjoying the view and fresh air for some time, you will walk to a hotel for breakfast. Breakfast expenses are not covered in our package cost, so bring enough money with you.

    Enjoy the breakfast of your choice and get ready to walk to Changunarayan temple. It will be a 3 to 4 hour hike through lush forests and hillsides. You will enjoy serenity and come across small villages on the way. Changunarayan temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important and oldest temples in Nepal. 

    After exploring the temple, the car and the driver will be there to pick you up. You will drive back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel and bid you goodbye. If you are happy with their service, make sure to tip them as much as you wish.

    • Time5-6 Hours
    • Altitude2175 Meters

    What's included

    Included

    • Private tourist vehicle with friendly driver (vehicles are assigned according to group size)
    • A Government licensed Holder and well-experienced Tour Guide
    • 1 Bottel of Water each Complementary
    • Pick up from the hotel
    • Drop off at the hotel

    Excluded

    • Any kind of drinks
    • Accommodation in Kathmandu/Nagarkot 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
    • Tips for Guides / Driver

    FAQs

    The Nagarkot day hike is an affordable 5-6 hours program that you can complete in one day. The package cost starts at USD 120 per person. If you are in a group of 6 or more hikers, you may do this hike under USD 80 per person.

    If you want to do a short trek in Nagarkot, then you can go for our Chisapani Nagarkot Trek. It is a family-friendly trek at a low altitude. Hikers enjoy green hills, waterfalls, terraces, mountains, sunrises, sunsets, and local communities.

    Nagarkot is a hill station near Kathmandu. It is famous for its beautiful sunrise and views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range of Nepal, which also includes Mount Everest. Nagarkot offers a wide range of hotels and resorts where travelers can unwind and relax.

    You can watch the sunrise in Nagarkot from its viewpoint. It requires a few minutes of walking on rugged terrain to reach the viewpoint. If you want to see a sunrise, you have to wake up early in the morning.

    If you are from a SAARC country, the Nagarkot entrance fee will be Nrs 250 per person. Likewise, for travelers from other countries, the Nagarkot entrance fee will be Nrs 350 per person.

    Yes, visiting Nagarkot is worth it. It is a popular getaway place near Kathmandu. Visitors get to enjoy serene surroundings, stunning mountain views, and a range of hotels/resorts for overnight stays. If you are looking for a quick getaway from Kathmandu, then consider going to Nagarkot.

    The elevation of Nagarkot is 2,175 meters (7,136 ft). This altitude will not affect you in any way. Likewise, there is also no risk of altitude sickness.

    Yes, Mount Everest is visible from Nagarkot, however, it should be a clear day.

    The best time to visit Nagarkot is from October to April. You can also visit Nagarkot between May to September, however, the road conditions are bad in these months because of rainfall, and views are also obstructed.

    Sarangkot and Nagarkot are located on two different sides of Nepal. Sarangkot is a hill station for Pokhara, whereas Nagarkot is a hill station for Kathmandu. Both places are fantastic for taking a quick break from either city.

    Nagarkot offers a view of numerous mountain ranges, which include Everest, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, Jugal, Rolwaling, Number, etc

    Kathmandu to Nagarkot distance is 30 kilometers. Nagarkot is located in the east of Kathmandu. The road is well-made in most places, however some sections are a bit bumpy. During the monsoon season, the road conditions may get very bad with small potholes.

    Dhulikhel is also a great place if you are looking for a short getaway from Kathmandu. It offers beautiful views and tranquility. Both Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are excellent places to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
     

    From Bhaktapur, Nagarkot is located around 12 kilometers away (7.5 miles). You can get a taxi or local bus to drive there.
     

    Useful Information

    Witness surreal mountain views and excellent landscapes

    Nagarkot offers one of the best mountain views in Kathmandu. You will get to see eight out of the thirteen Himalayan mountain ranges from Nagarkot. This includes Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, Everest, Jugal, Rolwaling, Numbur, and Annapurna. Similarly, the landscapes along the hiking route are fantastic. 

    The gorgeous sunrise from Nagarkot's view point

    Nagarkot day hike is famous for its sunrise. If you love seeing the sunrise, then you will love the sunrise from the Nagarkot viewpoint. Amidst the stillness of the morning, as the sun rises, you will witness the divine beauty of nature and hear the soothing chirping of birds.

    Enjoy serenity and take a break from the noise of the city life

    The Nagarkot day hike also stands for its serenity. If you want to take a quick break from Kathmandu and its noise, then the Nagarkot hike is a fantastic option. During the hike, you will be surrounded by trees, hills, and terraced fields. The trail is not crowded, so you will enjoy tranquility. 

    Changu Narayan Temple

    Changu Narayan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple's history dates back over 1,500 years. It is one of the oldest and most significant temples for Nepalese, with a rich cultural heritage. While exploring the temple, you will see the intricate art, architecture, and statues all over the complex. Witness devotees praying. You can also pray and get blessings.  

    Nagarkot day hike packing list

    You will need the following things during the Nagarkot day hike:

    • Comfortable clothes
    • Hiking shoes
    • Windcheater
    • Jacket (as per the weather)
    • Sunhat (optional)
    • Insect repellent
    • SPF and lip balm
    • Small first aid kit
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Backpack
    • Map
    • Hiking poles (optional)
    • Camera
    • Powerbank
    • Snacks
    • Money