Nagarkot Day Hiking

Trip Duration 1 Days
Destination Nepal
Trip Grade Easy
Activity Day Hike
Transportation Private Vehicle
Meals Lunch
Max. Altitude 2,100 M (6,890 ft)
Max. Group Size 10
More Facts Less Facts

The more common way to see Mount Everest from Kathmandu is by taking the short, sweet Nagarkot Hike.  Nagarkot, at 2195m, is a quiet and scenic hilltop about 32 km from Kathmandu.  It is an outstanding mountain view point. You also get to experience typical village life found in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.  The Nagarkot hiking trail is quite easy, but exciting nevertheless.
After the 1 and half hour's drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, we begin our Nagarkot Hike. For people who have limited time in Nepal or would like something more relaxed than a high mountain trek, this is perfect for you.  From Nagarkot, you can see a panorama view of the Himalayas, ranging from the Dhaulagiri in the west to Mount Everest in the east, as well as the magnificent Kanchenjunga (at 8586m, it’s the 3rd highest mountain in the world.)  Try to bring some binoculars for the best view of Everest!  We will be far from the noise of Kathmandu for the day, immersed in the relaxed lifestyle of the villagers. 

Before traveling to Nepal, many people ask, “Can I see Mt. Everest from Kathmandu?”

The answer is yes!

  • You can see Mt. Everest from Kathmandu in two ways
  • The quick way is by taking a 1 hour Everest View Flight from the Kathmandu domestic airport. This is an experience of a lifetime that allows you to see the world’s highest mountains within 1 hour.

Within a short drive and a few hour's hike, you will be amazed to see the difference between valley life and the landscape of Kathmandu.  The way that the villagers are living seems unchanged through the passing of time. If you’d like to extend your trip for a night, we can arrange that. The sunrise and sunset on the Himalayas seen from this hill would be a lifelong memory for you. After passing through jungles and villages, our Nagarkot hiking trail will end at Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the oldest temple in Kathmandu, constructed over 1,500 years ago.  After we visit the temple, we head back to Kathmandu.

Your Nagarkot Day Hike can be organized all around the year which gives you the amazing experience of the local village life of Nepal. Even during the winter, the views are just as crisp, and there are less tourists. Also, it is a perfect hike for all ages.  It is truly the best day hike inside the Kathmandu valley and it’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Come check out our Nagarkot Hike and experience the village cultures firsthand, while also being surrounded by stunning views of the highest mountains in the world.

3 Options for Nagarkot Bhaktapur Day Hike ( Choose which you want)

  • Morning sunrise from Nagarkot, hike to Changunarayan from Nagarkot. (Bhaktapur sightseeing before driving back to Kathmandu, optional but includes in package cost) Breakfast on your own, our guide will show you the restaurants.
  • Drive to Changunarayan and hike up to Nagarkot after lunch drives back to Kathmandu. If you want to visit Bhaktapur included it in your trip cost.
  • First Bhaktapur visit (if you want to visit), drive to Changunarayan and hike up to Nagarkot and drive back after the Sunset View. 

Or no hikes just a sunrise tour or sunset tour write us.

Another highly recommended village hike from Kathmandu is: Ranikot Village Day Hike

Have extra days in Nepal and looking for Tour activities?

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning Himalayan Peaks.
  • World's tallest Mt. Peaks, and ranges.
  • Farming, local villages lifestyle.
  • Amazing Landscapes, scenery.
  • Peacful hiking though forest, birds, animals.
  • UNESCO sites "Changunarayan Temple" visit,
  • If time permits Bhaktapur Durbar Square visit.

Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 01:Kathmandu - Nagarkot hike Changunarayan - Kathmandu. The Nagarkot day hiking trip starts 7;30 or lately 8;00 am in the morning. Our guide and driver will come to your place to pick up and after the tour drop at your place.

Cost Includes

  • Private vehicle pickup from hotel and drop to your hotel.
  • Local government license holder guide.
  • Lunch at Nagarkot hotels.
  • Nagarkot - Changunarayan VDC entrance fees.
  • Assistant to carry your day pack bag (If needed).
  • Changunarayan temple monuments sightseeing. 
  • If time permits Bhaktapur Durbar Square sightseeing.
  • Salary and allowance for Guide and assistance.

Cost Excludes

  • Entrance fees to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 
  • Snacks and drinks while hiking.
  • Tips for Guide and assistance.
  • Personal hiking gears.

Equipment List

Day Hiking Gear Checklist

Normally for short day hiking trips we don't need proper trekking gears like we go for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp or any other treks which are more than 2-3 days. Depends on the trail and the seasons we need to prepare some light gears which are listed below.

For Summer 

  • Hiking shoes or boots.
  • Day Pack Bag
  • Hiking Poles (Optional).
  • Sunglasses, and sunscreen, and Sun Hat.
  • Normal hiking pants or shorts.
  • Synthetic short-sleeve-T-shirt.
  • Synthetic briefs or boxers. 
  • Synthetic bra.
  • Waterproff Jacket or windproof shell.
  • First-aid kit (personal meds)
  • Toiletries and towel.
  • Water bottle.

For Winter we need to carry below stuff.

  • Down or synthetic insulated jacket
  • Fleece pants
  • Insulated gloves or mittens

 Waterproof Breathable Poncho is always help but check the weather before. Day Tours Nepal guide will suggest if it's necessary to carry. But from May to End of September you need to carry with you. 

Clients Review

Rated 5/5 based on 5 reviews
  • Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking
    United States

    Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

    Rating:

    Dinesh is great! Really appreciated that he offered to take pictures for me, gave me tips for the rest of my trip in Nepal too. Gave recommendations for things i must do before i leave and some yoga tips. Nice very glad that i was able to stop at Bhaktapur as well, that was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Suggestion to make bit clearer that admission to bhaktapur and changunarayan is not included in the price of the tour.    Thank you Alexandra for your reviews and suggestions. On the cost excludes section it's clearly mentioned that Bhaktapur entrance fees is not included on the price. 

  • Nagarkot Sunrise Hiking
    Hong Kong

    Nagarkot Sunrise Hiking

    Rating:

    Unfortunately too cloudy to see the Mountains and sunrise but the hike through the villages was very easy and enjoyable.  Shrawan was very friendly and informative. Thank You! 

  • Nagarkot Day Hike
    United States

    Nagarkot Day Hike

    Rating:

    Shrawan was a great guide, loved the info. It was a hot day but we took lot's of breaks + kept a good pace! Next time Air-conditioned Car!

  • Nagarkot Sunrise Hike
    United States

    Nagarkot Sunrise Hike

    Rating:

    Bhim and Shrawan were amazing Guides! Very friendly and attentive to our needs. Great day trip out of Kathmandu and hiking views are terrific. Thank you Day Tours Nepal!

  • Good Hike at Nagarkot
    Hong Kong

    Good Hike at Nagarkot

    Rating:

    Easy for the first-time traveler in Nepal. We were 3 friends from Hongkong and we had a good time with Day Tours Nepal. Our guide Dinesh was very nice, friendly, and help us to take Photos. Dinesh is very informative and he explains everything about the temples, cultures and the Mountains. Plus point of booking with Nirajan is a Bhaktapur tour after the Nagarkot hike. 

Usefull Info

  • If you want to reach before the sunrise, we have to start around 4-to 4;30 am from Kathmandu. (Depends on season).
  • Don't pat dogs while hiking some might be aggressive. 
  • Respect local people and make sure before taking pictures of them. 

Trip Map