Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu
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Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu

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(465 reviews)
9h
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About this experience

Enjoy the beautiful view and sunrise from the best viewpoint of the valley on this Nagarkot Sunrise View one day package which also includes hike towards one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal, Changunarayan. This Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hike to Changunarayan will excite you early in the morning with a mesmerizing view of many glorious peaks of Nepal like Mt. Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Everest, and 8 out of 13 mountain ranges that shines in early sunrise including panoramic view of the valley and Shivpuri National Park. After such a fantastic start early in the morning, hike down to Changunarayan with beautiful nature walk amidst the forest of pine and terraced farms crossing typical and local villages of Tamang and Newar community. At Changunarayan, you will be impressed by the stone and wood carvings and sculptures of Hindu and Tantric deities which will show you the rich and old heritage of Nepal.

Available options

Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu

Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide
Transportation (hotel pickup & drop, air conditioned vehicle)
Fees (admission, fuel surcharge, parking, entry)

Detailed itinerary

1

You will start the trip to Nagarkot before dawn. The drive is about one and a half hours to Nagarkot View Point. Nagarkot is a hill station which is famous for it's sunrise and sunset view with panoramic scenery. The drive will be through the local settlements surrounded by trees. As you reach the viewpoint, grab a little spot to enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the towering Himalayas. The perspective will give you a glimpse of 8 Himalayan ranges, including many snowy peaks like Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna, and even Mt. Everest from the point. You will observe the bright rays of sun touching the tip of mountains, turning them from bright orange and red to snowy white in color. You can also look below to find the incredible view of the valley and Indrawati river in the east. Take at the moment to observe such beautiful natural phenomena before descending to Changunarayan.

2

With such a beautiful mountain view, the trail is filled with a forest of pines, terraced farms of local villagers and a typical small village. The nature walk is fresh and refreshing, with a beautiful atmosphere around you. You will hike peacefully within the womb of nature till you find yourself in the small villages of Brahmin, Newars and Tamang community. You will then gradually cross the path taking on the graveled road and local trail to Changunarayan.

3

After you have enjoyed your moment there, you will follow an excellent path downhill. The trail offers a panoramic view of mountains along the way. You will be refreshed by the fresh mountain air and serene atmosphere along the way. You can see the Himalayan peaks from the corners of your eyes that are shining brightly because of the sun’s rays.

4

While we go to Nagarkot sunrise view and day hiking, you will visit this small beautiful place of Buddha peace park. One of the small statues of Lord Buddha, a nicely decorated garden with a beautiful view of across jungle is amazing. Take a rest for a while and enjoy taking a beautiful picture of hiking here.

5
Stop 5

Prepare to be amazed by a true masterpiece of Nepali history: the Changu Narayan Temple. As the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a "living museum" of priceless art, with origins tracing back to the 4th-century Licchavi period.

Perched on a scenic hilltop surrounded by Champak trees, this sacred site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Your guide will lead you into a courtyard filled with artistic treasures. This is where you can see the finest wood and stone carvings in all of Nepal. Marvel at the temple's four entrances, each protected by a pair of mythical stone beasts.

The courtyard is a gallery of ancient statues, including the iconic Garuda, the terrifying Narasimha, and the multi-armed Vishworup (a form of Lord Vishnu). Don't miss the legendary stone pillar bearing the oldest known Sanskrit inscription in Nepal. This is an essential, must-see stop for any lover of history, art, and culture.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

The trip mainly departs from the main tourist hub from Thamel. If the customers are staying out of Thamel we do pick up them from most of the parts like the Lazimpat area, Durbar marg, Patan, Buddha, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot itself. This trip is unique and amazing. Don't miss out to see Nepal's best sunrise view, the Himalayas including Mount Everest and local Nepali village lifestyle.

What's not included

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
97 reviews
5★
83
4★
12
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.8
368 reviews
5★
327
4★
29
3★
6
2★
3
1★
3

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In the event of poor weather or bad traffic conditions, tour itinerary is subject to change without notice. No cancellations or refunds will be issued. See voucher for details
We recommend you bring warm clothing during winter

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Alternate Contact details: +977 9851104438
What's App: +977 9851104438
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant blend of ancient history, rich culture, and stunning Himalayan scenery. Known as the 'City of Temples,' it's home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. The city offers a unique mix of traditional Newari architecture, bustling markets, and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's also home to many monkeys, hence the nickname.

Religious/Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Pashupatinath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it's a major pilgrimage site with a lively atmosphere, especially during festivals.

Religious 2-3 hours Free for Hindus, NPR 1000 (USD 8) for non-Hindus

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath is a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding area is filled with monasteries, shops, and cafes, creating a vibrant cultural hub.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kathmandu Durbar Square

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic square is the heart of the old city and features ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. It's a living museum showcasing the city's rich history and Newari architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1-2 hours NPR 1000 (USD 8) for foreigners

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved example of Newari architecture. It features beautiful temples, palaces, and courtyards, offering a glimpse into Nepal's royal history.

Historical/Architectural Half-day trip NPR 1500 (USD 12) for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dal Bhat

A staple meal consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and vegetable curry (tarkari). Often served with pickles, salad, and sometimes meat.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian (can be made vegan by omitting ghee)

Momo

Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat (buffalo, chicken, or pork) or vegetables, served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Snack/Appetizer Vegetarian options available, can be made vegan

Sel Roti

A sweet, ring-shaped fried bread made from rice flour, sugar, and water, often served during festivals and celebrations.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (may contain eggs in some recipes)

Gundruk

A fermented leafy green vegetable, often cooked with spices and served as a side dish or added to soups and stews.

Side Dish Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free

Popular Activities

Trekking Mountain biking Paragliding Rafting Yoga and meditation retreats Spa treatments Café hopping Gardening

Best Time to Visit

October to November and March to April

These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility for trekking and sightseeing. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

20-30°C (68-86°F) 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Nepali
  • Widely spoken: English, Hindi, Newari, Maithili, Bhojpuri
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Time Zone

Nepal Standard Time (NPT, UTC+5:45)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Kathmandu is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime, scams, and pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas and crowded markets. Be cautious of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and trekking agencies
  • • Insist on using the meter when taking taxis
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Tribhuvan International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center
By bus

Galkopul, Kalanki

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport, but they can be crowded and slow. Microbuses are smaller and more frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Pathao, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Thamel Boudha Patan (Lalitpur) Bhaktapur

Day trips

Nagarkot
32 km (20 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip

A picturesque hill station known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days. Nagarkot is also famous for its sunrise and sunset views.

Dhulikhel
30 km (19 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip

A charming Newari town offering beautiful views of the Himalayas and historic temples. Dhulikhel is less touristy than Nagarkot but equally scenic.

Changunarayan
18 km (11 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day trip

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Changunarayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its intricate stone and wood carvings.

Festivals

Dashain • September/October (dates vary each year) Tihar • October/November (dates vary each year) Indra Jatra • September (dates vary each year)

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic Nepali phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
  • Hire a local guide or join a group tour for a more immersive and informative experience, especially when visiting temples and historical sites
  • Carry small denominations of Nepalese Rupees for small purchases and tips, as change may be limited
  • Be prepared for power outages and slow internet, especially during peak hours and in rural areas
  • Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the high altitude and intense sunlight can cause dehydration and sunburn
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-70
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 14
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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