Nagarkot Hiking

Nagarkot hiking is one of the most popular day activities in Nepal. The hill is located in the Bhaktapur district and is 32 km east of Kathmandu. With an elevation of 2,195 m, it is the 2nd highest hill around the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot hiking is famous for sunrise and sunset views, as well as panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Hence, Nagarkot Hill is also known as the international hill station for its unique strategy to attract visitors.

Nagarkot has the most scenic beauty to offer hiking trails. Most of the Nepalese often visit Nagarkot during holidays and leisure time. 8 out of 13 Himalayan ranges of Nepal are visible from Nagarkot. And they are the Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Jugal Himal range, Rolwaling range, Everest range, and Numbur range. Having said this, Nagarkot, Nepal, is highlighted as a great spot for mountain lovers. Many hotels and resorts are available with an outstanding view through the room window and/or balcony. Also, you can go to the Nagarkot view tower at the south of the village, which offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas along with the scenic view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Nagarkot Hiking Option One: Day Hiking

Hiking in Nagarkot can be accessed through different routes. Among the fruitful day hiking, we suggest you start from Sankhu to Nagarkot. Sankhu is an ancient Newari town, and you will require a 17km drive from Kathmandu. The community living here is friendly and welcoming and has a religious ceremony during festivals. You will cross the Sali River, which was once the bathing spot of Goddess Parvati, beloved wife of Lord Shiva. The hiking then continues towards the Nagarkot Eco-Trail that takes you into the deep forest. Here you will observe various flora & fauna, plus exciting moments to capture. The trail is basically designed for bird watching and nature lovers. After reaching Nagarkot, chill and refresh with delightful mountain views. Lastly, you will drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle.

Nagarkot Hiking option two: 1 night, 2 days

You can also spend a night in a Nagarkot hotel to capture both sunrise and sunset views that would leave a remarkable experience in Nepal. Upon your arrival in Nagarkot from the recent hike, you will check into the hotel and get ready for the sunset. You can view from the hotel room/balcony; otherwise, get to the top of the hill nearby. After a mesmerizing sunset, you could wander around the hills and connect with hospitable local people. The next early morning, after an amazing moment with sunrise, pack your bags and get ready for another exciting hike to Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is a bit further southeast from Nagarkot and lies in the Kavrepalanchok district. The village is only 1550 m high, which, however, offers you the finest panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. After a full day hiking in Dhulikhel, your destination ends here, and you will drive back to Kathmandu.

Climate & Weather Of Nagarkot Hiking

Nagarkot has a warm and temperate climate. However, the hill gets snowy during winter, while getting down to 2°C. As a result, many visitors gather in favor of snow activities and fun. While lots of rainfall occurs from June to September. So, we recommend the best seasons to visit are in October, November, December, March, and April. And not to miss the right timing for sunrise and sunset. You can ask hotel staff for the most accurate weather as possible.

Which Is the Best Nagarkot Day Hiking Route — Sankhu or Changunarayan?

Both Nagarkot hiking routes can be really rewarding, but they fit different kinds of hikers. The Sankhu route is a calmer uphill forest path, through ancient Newari settlements and rice terraces and stuff like that—great for people who like a quiet, off-the-beaten-path ascent, where you can hear your own pace. The Changunarayan route is mostly downhill; you’ll cover roughly 12–15 km, passing terraced fields and nearby local villages, and then it ends at Nepal’s oldest UNESCO-listed Hindu temple.  

For day hikers, Changunarayan is usually the better pick, because that slow descent is easier on the legs, the views feel more abundant, and finishing at a centuries-old heritage place makes the whole Nagarkot hiking experience feel way more complete.