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Nagarkot Day Hike

"𝗢𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀" Hikers can spend a few hours in the cool mountain air during the Nagarkot Day Hike, which provides a welcome diversion from the bustle of the city. This hike offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and verdant surroundings as it winds across high ridges and hills close to Kathmandu. You'll go through sleepy forests with magnolias, rhododendrons, and other trees, as well as historic settlements. Nagarkot is easily reachable by short drive from Kathmandu, which is around 28 kilometers to the east. This trek is great all year round, including in the winter and monsoon, and is appropriate for novices, families, and small groups.
Trip Code: Hiking
Max. Altitude: 2175 m (7135.8268 ft. )
Group size: 2-14
Duration: 1 Days Days
Best Time for Visit: April-June & September-November
Transportation: Private Car, jeep, Bus
Activity: hiking
Difficulty: moderate
Accommodation: Hotels and Lodges during hike
Region: Bhaktapur District.
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Trip Duration
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Download PDF Itinerary

Highlights

  • Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Central, Mid-Western, and Mid-Eastern Himalayan ranges, as well as rolling hills and charming farm villages.
  • Tranquil Environment: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of Nagarkot, with its cool mountain air and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Cultural Exploration: Pass through traditional rural farm villages along the hike, providing opportunities to interact with locals and experience the local way of life.
  • Natural Beauty: Walk through forests adorned with rhododendrons, magnolias, oaks, pines, and fir trees, adding to the picturesque beauty of the landscape.
  • Accessibility: Located just 28 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is easily accessible by a short drive, making it an ideal destination for a day hike.
  • Suitable for All: The Nagarkot Day Hike is perfect for beginners, families, small groups, and elderly individuals, offering a relatively easy trekking experience.
  • Overall, the Nagarkot Day Hike provides a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate amidst nature, with stunning views, cultural immersion, and accessibility making it a highlight for any traveler in the Kathmandu Valley.

Overview

In search of a vacation away from Kathmandu’s bustle? The Nagarkot Day Hike is the perfect escape. This refreshing trek offers a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Kathmandu Valley. As you hike, you’ll experience breathtaking views of ridges, hills, and the majestic Himalayan peaks.

The trail takes you through charming rural villages and peaceful forests filled with rhododendrons, magnolia, oak, pine, and fir trees. Along the way, you’ll see panoramic vistas of the Central, Mid-Western, and Mid-Eastern Himalayas, as well as rolling hills and picturesque farms.

Located just 28 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is easy to reach with a quick drive of about an hour. The route passes through the outskirts of Bhaktapur and ascends to the tranquil area of Nagarkot, where you can enjoy crisp mountain air.

The Nagarkot Day Hike is suitable for everyone—whether you’re a beginner, a family, a small group, or an older traveler. Its accessibility and beauty make it a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience close to Kathmandu. You can enjoy this hike at any time of the year. Unlike high-altitude treks that can be challenging in winter or monsoon, Nagarkot remains a captivating destination throughout the seasons.

In summary, the Nagarkot Day Hike offers a fantastic way to experience the natural splendor of the Kathmandu Valley. With its stunning views, peaceful environment, and easy access, Nagarkot is a top spot for anyone seeking a memorable adventure in Nepal’s beautiful landscapes.

Itinenary

Morning:

  • 07:00 AM: Depart from Kathmandu by private vehicle to reach Changunarayan (approximately 1-1.5 hours drive). Changunarayan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu Valley.
  • 08:30 AM: Arrive at Changunarayan and spend some time exploring the ancient temple and learning about its history and architecture.

Hiking Begins:

  • 09:30 AM: Start hiking from Changunarayan to Nagarkot. The trail is mostly uphill but not too strenuous, passing through local villages, terraced fields, and beautiful greenery. Along the way, you’ll get great views of the Kathmandu Valley and glimpses of the Himalayas on a clear day.

Midday:

  • 12:30 PM: Arrive at Nagarkot, a popular hill station at 2,175 meters (7,135 feet). Relax and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or hotels with a panoramic view of the mountains, including Mount Everest, Langtang, and other peaks in the distance (on a clear day).

Afternoon:

  • 01:30 PM: After lunch, explore Nagarkot. You can walk around and enjoy the views or visit Nagarkot View Tower, which offers the best vantage point for the surrounding mountain ranges.

Descent:

  • 02:30 PM: Begin your descent back toward Kathmandu.

Evening:

  • 04:00-05:00 PM: Arrive back in Kathmandu.

  Driving Distance : 18 kilometers (11 miles)
  Elevation Gain : 675 meters (2,214 feet)
  Elevation Loss : 775 meters (2,542 feet)
  Driving Duration : 1 and half hour
  Trekking Distance : 12-15 kilometers (7.5-9 miles)
  Trekking Duration : 4-5 hours

Cost Includes

  • Private Car Transport: You’ll have a private car for the trip
  • Hiking Permits: Necessary permits for the Nagarkot hike.
  • Professional Guide: An experienced hiking guide accompanies you.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal during the hike.
  • Optional Hiking Pole: If needed, they can provide a hiking pole.

Cost Excludes

  • Breakfast and Dinner: Meals outside of lunch.
  • Bar Bills: Beverages like mineral water, beer, or whiskey.
  • Porter Service: Carrying luggage (if required).
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu: Not part of the day hike.
  • Tips: Gratuities for the guide (tipping is customary and appreciated).
  • Other Personal Expenses: Anything not mentioned in the inclusive list.

Equipment

In addition to making trekking more enjoyable, having the appropriate gear guarantees your safety and readiness for a range of situations. Regardless of skill level, every hiker has to invest in high-quality equipment and understand how to utilize it properly. A delightful journey can differ from a difficult ordeal depending on the level of planning and equipment used. Please make your selections of the necessary equipment from the list below.

  Clothing

  • Base Layer
  • Mid Layer
  • Outer Layer
  • Hat/Cap
  • Trekking pant
  • Sunglass
  • Buff/Scarf

  Footwear

  • Trekking Boots
  • Hiking socks

  Personal Items

  • Lip bam
  • Insect Repellent
  • Camera or Smartphone
  • Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes

  Optinal

  • Gaiters
  • Lightweight Umbrella

frequently asked question for Nagarkot Day Hike

A well-liked trekking route in Nepal, the Nagarkot Day Hike provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, as well as a chance to take in the splendor of rural Nepal.

Depending on the route used and the group's speed, the hike usually takes 4 to 6 hours to finish.

The best times to go for the Nagarkot Day Hike are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear, and the views of the mountains are at their best.

The difficulty of the hike is rated as moderate. Beginners and those with a fair degree of fitness can both benefit from it.

Although you can hike alone, having a guide can improve your experience because they know the area well, will make sure you don't stray off the path, and will increase your safety.

Nagarkot is approximately 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. You can reach Nagarkot by taking a private vehicle, taxi, or public bus from Kathmandu. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan range, encompassing peaks like Mount Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and others, are to be expected. You will also get to see charming towns, terraced farmland, thick forests, and stunning scenery.

Certain sections of the hike may need a small admission fee, particularly if you are entering a conservation area. The entrance charge to Nagarkot is Rs. 250 per person if you are a citizen of a SAARC nation. The entrance cost is Rs. 350 per person for visitors from foreign nations.

Indeed, Nagarkot offers a variety of lodging options, ranging from high-end hotels to guesthouses on a budget. A lot of visitors decide to remain overnight to witness the Himalayan sunrise.

In fact, Nagarkot is well known for its breathtaking Himalayan sunrise and sunset vistas. To see these breathtaking views, try to arrive early in the morning or stay overnight.

If you have any more specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

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