Nestled on a hilltop just outside Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers an unforgettable sunrise experience that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty. Combined with a scenic hike to Chagunarayan, this day trip promises an immersive adventure into Nepal's cultural and natural wonders.
Start your day early as you depart from Kathmandu towards Nagarkot, located approximately 32 kilometers east of the capital city. The drive takes you through charming countryside landscapes, allowing you to catch glimpses of traditional villages and terraced farmland along the way.
Upon reaching Nagarkot, find a comfortable spot at one of the viewpoint towers or your hotel balcony (if staying overnight) to witness the magical sunrise over the Himalayas. As dawn breaks, watch as golden rays illuminate snow-capped peaks like Mt. Everest, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. The sight is simply breathtaking and guarantees beautiful photographs that will forever capture this incredible moment.
After soaking in the ethereal sunrise views, it's time to lace up your hiking boots for an adventure towards Chagunarayan Temple. The trek from Nagarkot to Chagunarayan takes approximately four hours but be prepared for some steep ascents and descents along narrow trails surrounded by lush forests.
As you make your way towards Chagunarayan Temple, enjoy panoramic views of terraced fields dotted with local villages below. Immerse yourself in rural Nepalese life as friendly locals pass by on their daily activities while children play joyfully amidst charming surroundings.
Arriving at Chagunarayan Temple is a true treat for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts intricate stone carvings dating back centuries ago – a testament to Nepal's rich cultural heritage. Explore the temple complex adorned with stunning sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology while admiring its pagoda-style architecture.
Take some time to rest near the temple compound while relishing picturesque views of Bhaktapur Valley before starting your descent back towards Kathmandu or exploring nearby Bhaktapur Durbar Square if time permits.
This day trip combining Nagarkot's mesmerizing sunrise experience with a scenic hike to historic Chagunaryan is truly one worth embarking on during your visit to Nepal. It offers not only natural beauty but also cultural insights that will leave lasting memories etched in your heart.
We will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Nagarkot, which will take approximately an hour. Once we arrive in Nagarkot, you can enjoy the views of the mountains during sunrise. Afterward, we will begin our hike down tounarayan. Along the way, we will visit a Tamang village where you can observe local countryside lifestyle and even witness their traditional wine-making process. If interested, you may also have the opportunity to taste their wine.
Following this visit, we will continue our hike through a forest for about 2 hours until we reach Changu Narayan Temple a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will explore the temple before driving back to Kathmandu, marking the end of our Nagarkot-Changunarayan day hike experience
The hike typically lasts all day, beginning in the morning and ending in the evening.
The best times to go on the hike are when it's not rainy, which is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is nice.
The hike is not too hard, and it's usually okay for people who are reasonably fit. But it's important to ask your guide or the people in charge for more specific information.
You should dress in comfortable clothes for hiking and wear strong, supportive shoes. Also, bring important things like water, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, and some snacks.
Restrooms and other facilities might be scarce while you're on the trail, so it's a good idea to use the restroom before you begin the hike.
A lot of tours come with a guide who can speak English. If you need a guide who speaks a different language, it's a good idea to ask if that's possible.
The hike can work for kids and older hikers, but it's important to ask the people who organize the tour if it's okay for them and if they can easily do it.