Nagarkot Day TourNagarkot Day Tour

Nagarkot Day Tour

Nagarkot day hike
  • Duration1 Day
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Activity Driving and Trekking
  • Max. Altitude 2195m/7202 feet
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
1 - 3 paxUS$95
4 - 8 paxUS$85
9 - 14 paxUS$75
15 - 20 paxUS$65
Price Per PersonUS$95US$95All-inclusive services
Nagarkot Day Tour Highlights
  • Witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, including Everest, Langtang, and other major peaks.
  • Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and landscapes from the Nagarkot Viewpoint Tour. 
  • Explore the beautiful natural surroundings with easy hikes and nature walks. 
  • Savor a traditional breakfast with stunning views, and enjoy local flavors in restaurants with Himalayan backdrops.
  • Capture unforgettable moments, from the sunrise to the mountain vistas and local culture.

Nagarkot Day Tour

For those with limited time and a desire to experience the basics of trekking our Nagarkot Day Hike fits the bill perfectly. Situated 32 kilometers from Kathmandu, an hour’s drive brings us to the town’s lofty perch and its glorious outlook towards the mighty Himalayas and the imposing massifs of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar, as well as the numerous villages scattered across the broad Kathmandu valley. Formerly an ancient fortress strategically built to overlook the various approaches to the valley, in later times it became a favored summer retreat for the royal family, then morphed again into a renowned hill station.

Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike:

We begin the journey by heading downhill along a ridgeline that offers us a scenic outlook across the valley to Sankhu and the historic town of Bhaktapur and then make our way by several Hindu temples to a rest stop where we pause for lunch and a relaxing opportunity to observe local life. After the break, the trail picks up again and takes us through a wide stretch of pine forest that occasionally opens to reveal fleeting glimpses of the Himalayas before we finally arrive at Changu Narayan.

UNESCO-listed as a world heritage site of major significance to Hindus, Changu Narayan’s temple complex and its glorious Licchavi sculptures are a testament to the stunning artistic ability of the Newar period in Nepal, the intricately carved and lavishly decorated structure a work of art in its own right that complements the extraordinary and famous statuary. Of note is the figure of Vishnu Vikrantha, the six-armed God, as well as the lion-headed statue of Vishnu Narasimha. With a history dating back well over 1,000 years and a level of artistry amongst the finest in all of Asia, Changu Narayan truly is one of the crown jewels of Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Altogether the excursion will take approximately four to five hours depending on your walking pace, and once our visit to Changu Narayan is concluded we’ll drive back to Kathmandu.

Additionally, you may also choose Chandragiri Hill Day Hike, Nagarjun Day Hike, Champa Devi Day Hike, Kathmandu city tour, and many more stunning packages.

Views And Scenic Beauty During Nagarkot Day Tour

Nagarkot is renowned for its stunning views and scenic beauty and of course, the main highlights of the day tour is the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayan range. On clear days, you will get the sights of snow-capped mountains, including Mount Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu rising above the clouds. From the Nagarkot View Tower, the panoramic mountain views are truly remarkable, offering a 360-degree perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Moving on, the views are not just about the mountains but also the rolling hills, terraced fields, and dense forests. In fact, the valley views from Nagarkot are equally impressive. During morning, you will find a thin mist surrounding the valley. 

Best Time For Nagarkot Sightseeing Tour

The best time for a Nagarkot sightseeing tour depends on your preferences for weather and the kind of experience you seek. Generally, the ideal months to visit are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). 

Autumn is particularly favored for Nagarkot visits because it brings cool, crisp air. During these months, you will get a chance to witness clear views of the majestic peaks. These scenes are made more vibrant with the changing foliage in the trees. 

Spring, on the other hand, offers mild temperatures and a gentle breeze. This season brings blooming wildflowers and the greenery of the surrounding forests. 

Now, you can also enjoy this tour in off-season (Winter and Monsoon), however, the conditions may not be favorable. However, if you don't mind the cold and are eager to experience snow-covered views of the Himalayas, Winter can be a magical time in Nagarkot. As in Monsoon, the heavy downpour makes the route muddy and brings the potential risk of landslides.

Who Can Join The Nagarkot Adventure Day Tour?

The Nagarkot Adventure Day Tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of travelers, making it suitable for people of varying fitness levels, interests, and ages. Whether you are looking for a quick day trip, adventure, or a short hike, it caters to all your desires. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will particularly enjoy the opportunity to capture breathtaking mountain views and scenic landscapes.

Additionally, its accessibility and presence of facilities make it doable even for families with kids or elderly. The tour is also ideal for beginners and casual trekkers. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, or simply looking for a break from Kathmandu’s bustling city life, Nagarkot offers a tranquil escape with its fresh air, panoramic views, and peaceful atmosphere. 

Book Nagarkot Day Tour With Nepal Trekking Experts

To book Nagarkot Day Tour with us, you have to send a 10% deposit of the total cost. Please also forward a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and full flight details if and when available. For your convenience, you may forward the deposit online through our website. It is completely safe, and as soon as you make it, you will get an automatic receipt in your inbox. The rest of the payment can be paid upon arrival. 

Useful Information

Tips For A Successful Day Excursion To Nagarkot

  • Plan to leave Kathmandu early in the morning, especially if you want to catch the sunrise.
  • Check the forecast before heading out to ensure a pleasant experience.
  • Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, but the temperature rises during the day. 
  • While there are restaurants and cafes in Nagarkot, carrying some light snacks and water if you are planning to hike. 
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a good camera or smartphone. 
  • Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
  • For the clearest views, plan your visit during the Autumn (September-November) or Spring (March-May) seasons.
  • If you are staying for sunset, plan your return to Kathmandu before it gets too dark, as mountain roads can be tricky at night.

Local Culture And People In Nagarkot

Nagarkot is widely popularized for its rich local culture and warm hospitality. The area is home to a mix of ethnic communities, with the Tamang and Newar people being the predominant groups. Visitors in Nagarkot can observe traditional Tamang houses, which are often built with stone and adorned with prayer flags. Likewise, the Newar community of the area is more inclineed to the art and craft of the area. 

Most of the locals of this area are engaged in agriculture, hence, terraced fields of rice, millet, and other crops are a common sight. Additionally, you will also witness villagers tending their fields. 

Similar to many areas of Nepal, Nagarkot showcases a balance of Hinduism and Buddhism. If you time your tour right, you will stumble across various celebrations such as Dashain, Tihar, Budhha Jayanti, and so on. 

Meals During The Nagarkot Viewpoint Tour

Whether you are stopping for breakfast after catching the sunrise or enjoying lunch with a view of the Himalayas, the food options in Nagarkot cater to a range of preferences, blending local flavors with international favorites. If you are joining in for breakfast, you can also find several traditional items such as sel roti and alu tarkari. You can also enjoy continental choices like eggs, toast, and coffee. 

Moving on, lunch generally consists of dal bhat. It is a traditional Nepali meal consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curries, pickles, and occasionally, meat dishes like chicken or goat curry. Additionally, you should also give it a try to momo and chowmein. For those seeking international options, Nagarkot has several hotels and cafes that cater to tourists with menus featuring pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and salads. 

Lastly, light snacks are also readily available with items like roasted corn, pakoras, yomari, and so on. Altogether, you can enjoy all these dishes can be enjoyed in an outdoor seating area while soaking in the views of the Himalayas. 

Transportation To Nagarkot

Located just 32 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is easily accessible. The journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation you choose.

If you are looking for a comfortable ride, you should book a private vehicle, whether car, jeep, or vans, and all these can be managed by any local agency. This option offers you a flexibility to stop at any places you desire or even include nearby attractions like Bhaktapur Durbar Square or Changu Narayan Temple. 

However, if you are more budget conscious or would like a local adventure, you can choose to ride a local bus. However, mind you, the local bus ride can be congested and more time-consuming due to multiple stops. 

Another convenient choice is taking a tourist bus or shared jeep, which offers a middle ground between private and public transportation. These vehicles are more comfortable than local buses and provide a cost-effective solution for solo travelers or small groups.

Lastly, if you are would like to organize your own ride, you can even choose to book a bike or cab via local ride app such as Pathao and Indrive. 

Nagarkot Hiking Tour Route

If you are looking to take on a hike to Nagarkot, it is even suitable for solo hikers. The trails are well-marked and meander through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. You can also hike to other locations such as Dhulikhel, Changu Narayan, or surrounding villages from the Nagarkot viewpoint. 

Here, the trails of Nagarkot winds through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. During the spring season, the rhododendron forests burst into vibrant shades of red, pink, and white. You may also encounter wildflowers, moss-covered trees, and ferns along the way. For birdwatchers, the journey will be quite rewarding with the sightings of Himalayan monals, eagles, and cuckoos, to name a few. 

What To Pack For Nagarkot Day Tour?

While the Nagarkot Day Tour is not overly demanding, the weather and terrain can vary, so being well-prepared is crucial. Here's a list of items to pack for your day trip:

To wear

Clothing & Footwear:

  • Light, breathable layers
  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Sun hat
  • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip

Things to pack:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Raincoat
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera or smartphone

Nepalese Currency and the Payment:

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10,000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35,000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.

Itinerary

    At 5 am you meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby, then an hour's journey commences to the most beautiful view point Nagarkot. After exploring the sunrise with undisturbed Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Gaurishanker, Everest range, and many more outstanding snow-capped Himalaya surrounding. Likewise, we hike for 4 hrs toward the most interesting UNESCO world heritage site, Changu Narayan Temple. The exciting hike starts gradually downhill through the outskirts of Kathmandu valley and offers beautiful views of local villages, the lifestyle of people, temples, Bhaktapur, Sankhu, and Kathmandu valley. In the last part, the trail leads through the pine and Rhododendron forest and some beautiful picnic spots, which might be the final opportunity to capture panoramic Himalayan Vistas. Ultimately we reach Changu Narayan which is known as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and a major shrine of the Hindu gods Vishnu. In the end, we drive back to Kathmandu.

    Got a question about this tour?

    Or looking for customize trip, reach out to our travel experts.

    Customize Trip

    Note

    The above itinerary is just a guideline. If you are not satisfied, please feel free to customize your own.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Private Car with Driver
    • English-speaking professional trekking guide with his salary, meal ,and insurance
    • All necessary trekking/hiking permit 
    • Agency service charge & government tax/vat
    Cost Excludes
    • Meal, drinks, tips to guide & driver, etc.
    • Heritage sites entrance fee
    Dates & Availability
    Private Date

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

    Photos & Videos
    Sunrise View
    Nagarkot View Tower ()
    View From Nagarkot View Tower
    Villages During Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike
    Statu Of Sleeping Bishnu
    Bhaktapur Durbar Square ()
    Changu Narayan Temple
    Nyatapola Temple In Bhaktapur
    You may also like
    Related Packages
    Call us on WhatsApp+977 9841917136OrChat with us

    Ask a Question

    Call us on WhatsApp+977 9841917136OrChat with us
    Consult with a Travel Expert

    Do you have any questions about the trips? Contact our travel experts in various countries.

    Plan Your TripJoin Our Newsletter