Nagarkot Sunrise Hiking Tour is an early morning trip to a hill station located in the district of Bhaktapur. Moreover, the total period of this excursion lasts for about 6 hours or less. The outing thus, is mostly famous among visitors with a very short span of leisure time. Additionally, it is just a little more than an hour’s drive from the capital city Kathmandu. The trip usually begins at 04:15 AM in the morning during the summer and at 04:45 AM during the winter.
Nagarkot Hill (2195 m)
The early morning trip begins with a pickup of travelers from their respective hotel / accommodation in Kathmandu. The drive then takes the visitors to a viewpoint tower located atop the Nagarkot Hill. Moreover, Nagarkot is also considered to be one of the most popular scenic spots inside Kathmandu Valley. Situated 28 km apart from Kathmandu, it is mostly famous for its sunrise with a panoramic view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest.
Furthermore, Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in Kathmandu valley (8 Himalayan Ranges of Nepal out of 13). The ranges include Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range) and Numbur Range. Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family before becoming a popular hill station.
Changunarayan Temple
The morning excursion then proceeds towards the ancient Changunarayan temple. This ancient Hindu pilgrimage site is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. Additionally, it also falls inside Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur District in Nepal. Moreover, the temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal as well. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is held in special reverence by the Hindu people. In ancient times, the temple was surrounded by champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. A Kashmiri king is said to have given his daughter, Champak, in marriage to the prince of Bhaktapur. The temple is thus considered to be named after her.
Note: For those outdoor enthusiasts, this tour provides an option to choose a hiking trip from Nagarkot to Changunarayan Temple. You may however skip the hike and choose the vehicle option to Changunarayan temple with no added extra costs.
Visit Nagarkot
Highlights of the trip:
1. Early morning drive to Nagarkot (Hill Station)
2. Spectacular view of sunrise
3. Majestic view of the surrounding mountains
4. Chance to sight Mt. Everest
5. Hike to Changunarayan Temple (Optional)
6. Experienced Guide and Driver
Places You’ll See :
Nagarkot, a municipality at an elevation of 2195 meters, is considered one of the popular scenic spots inside Kathmandu Valley.
1Nagarkot
Changu Narayan is an ancient Hindu temple, located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri in Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur District, Nepal.
2Changunarayan Temple
Kathmandu Valley consists of three districts namely Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal.
3Kathmandu
Travel Itinerary:
04:15 AM: Drive to Nagarkot (Max Altitude: 2075 m / 6807 ft)
The tour begins early in the morning with a Guide picking you up from your hotel. You will then take a little more than an hour's drive to Nagarkot.
05:30 AM: Witness the spectacular sunrise !! (Max Altitude: 2075 m / 6807 ft)
A short 5-10 minute hike will take you to Nagarkot View Tower. Here you will be climbing (if you will) the view tower for a mesmerizing 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Everest. In the meantime you may wait for the sunrise and witness the never seen before experience. The view of sunrise from Nagarkot is simply second to none.
06:00 AM: Explore the Nagarkot Hill Station (Max Altitude: 2075 m / 6807 ft)
After you have witnessed the sunrise, you may then choose to explore the Nagarkot Hill Station. There is a Military Barrack in the area so you may see some army men march past you as well.
On your way downhill, you will be enjoying the scenic view of the valley with a mountain range in the background. Here you will also be exploring a small town like settlement, their cultures and lifestyle.
Meals Available: Breakfast
07:15 AM: Hike to Changunarayan (Min Altitude: 1350 m / 4429 ft)
After your breakfast, you will then take a two hour hike down to Changunarayan Temple. Here you will be enjoying green forests and local villages on your way to the temple. The temple of Lord Vishnu alongside its surrounding monuments were built by Haridatta Barma c. 325 AD.
Optional: You may choose the vehicle option (no extra cost) if you want to skip the hiking experience.
10:00 AM: Drop back to your hotel in Kathmandu (Min Altitude: 1350 m / 4429 ft)
After a successful trip to Nagarkot and Changunarayan, you will be dropped back to your hotel at approximately ten in the morning.
F.A.Q
What are the places I will visit during this trip?
The places you will visit during this trip include Bhaktapur, Nagarkot View Point and Changunarayan Temple. On your way you will be passing via lush green forests and a few small villages.
What should I wear for the tour?
You may choose any outfit comfortable to you according to your season of visit. You must however choose a comfortable shoes for the hike though.
Note: There aren't any restrictions to your clothes whatsoever.
Is pick up and drop off service included?
Yes, we have pickup and drop off service included in your pay. A private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drop you off at the same hotel after your trip.
What's Included
Bottled Drinking Water
Monuments Entrance Fee
Pick Up and Drop
Private Vehicle
Specially Abled Friendly
Tour Guide
What's Excluded
Beverages
Gratitude for Guide / Driver
Personal Expenses
Activities
Day Tour
Hiking
Sunrise
Location Map
Why Book With Us?
Book your Trek / Trip /Tour with us for a secure, safe and joyful holiday experience.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City is the capital and most populous city of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).
