Nagarkot Sunrise View and Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike

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Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude2,195 m
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleHiking
Best TimeSpring and Autumn

Nagarkot Sunrise View and Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike are popular combined one-day trips within Kathmandu Valley. This hike with a 1-day itinerary takes you from Kathmandu to one of the most beautiful destinations, including Nagarkot Sunrise View Point and Changu Narayan Temple. 

Highlights of the Hike

  • Journey through the beautiful landscapes and traditional villages
  • Stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest, langtang peak, and Ganesh Himal.
  • Visit to the unesco world heritage site, Changunarayan Temple.
  • Gain some cross-cultural understanding and unique cultural experiences
  • Walking up to 10 km within 3–4 hours
  • Sunrise view from the popular Nagarkot view point

Overview of the hike

There is a hill station at nagarkot of bhaktapur Nepal, from which the sunrise view of the snow-capped peaks can be seen, popularly called the Nagarkot sunrise view. 

The Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike is the walking section of the short hike. The itinerary includes walking from the hill station of Nagarkot to Changunarayan temple, crossing picturesque villages, lush green forests, and terraced fields. 

The general route include driving from Kathmandu to Nagarkot for the sunrise view. Then, hike through the remote region off the Kathmandu valley, from Nagarkot to Changunarayan temple. The trip concludes with your arrival at your hotel or at your desired place. 

This short hike can be completed in around 3 to 4 hours. It is the best hike if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a day. 

The hike is not only about the adventure but also the chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture and traditions. You can gain some cross-cultural understanding and unique experiences by participating in their festival rituals if you hike during the festival. 

Major Highlights of the Hike

  • Nagarkot Sunrise viewpoint

Nagarkot Sunrise Viewpoint is a popular hill station located 32 km east of Kathmandu city. The hill station is famous for the jaw-dropping sunrise views of the snow-capped peaks, including mount everest, Mount Ganesh, and Mount Langtang. According to the Nagarkot Sunrise View and Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike itinerary, the travelers drive to the viewpoint to witness the vistas at 5:30 AM. 

  • Changunarayan Temple

After enjoying the sunrise, the other destination of the day hike is Changu Narayan Temple. The Changunarayan Temple is a UNESCO world heritage site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The religious site was constructed in the 4th century. This sacred temple is popular for its intricate carvings, ancient stone sculptures and statues of various deities and mythological scenes. 

WHY US FOR NAGARKOT SUNRISE VIEW AND NAGARKOT TO CHANGUNARAYAN HIKE?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking a Nagarkot Sunrise View and Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here’s why:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during tours and hikes.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise.
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the journey.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

Early Morning Departure from Kathmandu

We will pick you up from your hotel at around 4 AM in the morning. We will then start our drive to Bhaktapur district. Initially, we will follow the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Road. Then we will head towards Nagarkot. You can see the transition from the bustling streets to the more scenic and rural landscapes. On the way, we will pass through small villages and terraced fields.

Sunrise at Nagarkot

Upon arrival at the viewpoint, we will find a good spot for viewing and photography. You can set up your camera or phone for the best shots. The photos with the best natural lighting can be captured just before or during sunrise. 

As the sunrise rises, the colors of the sky change. The spectacular view of the first light hitting the peaks is stunning. After watching the sunrise and capturing some moments on camera, we will go for a short walk. Thereafter, we will have breakfast in the nearby cafe of the hotel. 

Hike from Nagarkot to Changunarayan

Following breakfast, we will head towards the Changu Narayan temple. The path starts on a well-trodden path and goes through a mix of lush forests and terraced fields. Due to the early morning lights, the views of the lush green forests and terraced fields look stunning. 

On the way, we will pass through several small and traditional Nepali villages, including Sundarijal and Changu. You can interact with the locals, experience rural Nepali culture and also see traditional farming methods. 

As we approach Changu Narayan Temple, you can see the transition from forest areas and farm land to more developed areas. Also, the views of the Himalayan peaks come a little closer. The paths are more defined in the vicinity of the Changu Narayan Temple. 

Visit Changu Narayan Temple

After our arrival at Changu Narayan Temple, we will begin our exploration of the temple complex. You can explore the detailed, carved wooden architecture and ancient stone sculptures. There are various stone carvings, ancient inscriptions, statues of the deities and mythological scenes. Before lunch, we will explore some of the nearby attractions. We will visit local villages and historical sites around Changu Narayan Temple. Thereafter, we will have lunch in the local eatery in Changu Narayan Temple.

Return to Kathmandu from Changunarayan

Following the exploration, we will drive back to Kathmandu, following the signs directing towards Sundarijal or Bhaktapur. As we pass through Bhaktapur, the roads transition from rural roads to urbanized roads. Then, we will continue on the main road from Bhaktapur, joining the Araniko highway. As we approach Kathmandu, you can see the busier streets of the city. After your arrival in the city, we will drop you off at your hotel or at your desired place. 

Max Altitude: 2,195 m Duration: 2.5-3 hrs drive & 3-4 hrs hikeDistance: 64 km drive & 10 km hike
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Essential Info

Hike difficulty

This hike is generally considered as an easy to moderately difficult one. The hike only demands 5–6 hours of walking and you have to walk only 10 km. The terrains is also not so challenging. 

Travelers with serious medical conditions, including heart issues or back problems, should at least consult with a health care provider before going for the hike. With proper hydration, suitable clothes, and a fair level of fitness, one can easily do this hike. Before going for hiking or trekking, know about the fitness requirement for trekking in Nepal. 

Best time to go

The best time to go for a Nagarkot Sunrise trip and hike to Changunarayan is during the spring season (October and November) and autumn season (March and April). During this season, the weather are stable, there is less chance of rainfall, and the temperature is cool for hiking and sunrise views. 

Food or Meal options

You can find local restaurants in Nagarkot for breakfast. The tasty breakfast options include parathas, tea/coffee, local snacks, momos and samosas. These breakfasts are tasty and are good for the start of your day. 

There are several small restaurants and tea shops along the hiking trail where you can enjoy the diverse food items. The lunch options include nepali thali with rice, lentils, vegetables and meat in it, vegetarian nepali thali and so on. 

Packing list for the hike

It is a one-day hike, so you don’t have to carry a lot of clothes and gear. Here is the list that you should pack exactly to make the most out of the hike. 

  • Layered clothes are necessary to withstand the cool morning and hot day environment. 
  • Moisture-wicking socks and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good drip
  • A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
  • Gloves if hiking in winter months
  • A comfortable backpack
  • Water bottle and snacks  
  • Camera, map or GPS Device
  • First Aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, 

Guide and safety measures during the hike

Hiking done by following proper guide and safety measures always leads to better satisfaction. There are some guides and safety measures that will help and assist you during hiking. 

  • Arrive early between 5:20 AM and 6 AM to catch the stunning sunrise from the viewpoint
  • Go for the guided tours with knowledgeable guide
  • Carry a basic first-aid kit
  • Avoid hiking alone in the remote areas
  • Check weather conditions before your hike
  • Wear proper hiking shoes and dress in layers
  • Carry sufficient waters and snacks
  • Follow the planned path

If you want to fly the drones in this region, you will need a drone permit. Learn more about the drone laws in Nepal from the link.

FAQs

The cost of the Nagarkot sunrise view and nagarkot to changunarayan hike packages ranges between  $40 and $160 per person, depending on the group size and the operator. 

There are several ways to get the Nagarkot sunrise view and Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike ticket. The popular way is to get the ticket via a reputed travel agency or the operator. You can purchase the package, and they will arrange the ticket. Or, you can also buy the ticket at the entrances of the designated areas.

Yes, the nagarkot trek having the itinerrary of one day is available. You can call us to our representative for morre info. 

The Nagarkot sunrise view and Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike distance can be calculated as below:

  • The distance from Kathmandu to Nagarkot is 32 km.
  • The hike distance from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan is 12 km.

The use of the Nagarkot sunrise view and nagarkot to changunarayan hike map offers several benefits, like navigation, route guidance, safety, and helps in the enhancement of the enjoyment of the trail’s stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and natural serenity.

The Nagarkot to Changu Narayan distance is around 12 kilometers, depending upon the route taken. 

From the nagaarkot sunrisse viewpoint, you can see the panoramic views of the several major himalayan peaks like including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Jugal, Rolwaling, and Dorje Lakpa. 

The package cost of the Nagarkot sunrise view and the Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike is $19–$70 per person, depending on group size and services included.

The Nagarkot sunrise view and Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike time start at 4 AM in the morning and conclude around 3-4 PM.

The Nagarkot sunrise view and Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike route features stunning sunrise with a scenic trek through picturesque landscapes.

To make the most out of the Nagarkot sunrise view or the Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike map, you can use it for hiking navigation, cultural exploration, fitness & outdoor activity, and fitness & outdoor activity.

The total Nagarkot sunrise view and the Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike distance is about 10 to 12 kilometers. 

The nagarkot to changunarayan trek is approximately 12 kilometers long and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. 

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