Nagarkot Hiking – Best Day Hiking Trail Near Kathmandu

Nagarkot is a hilltop located just above Bhaktapur with an elevation of 2100m above sea level. This hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Kathmandu for national and international tourists. Especially during the weekends, local visitors will be there to have a great weekend with their loved ones. Nagarkot used to be the summer place for the royal families. People can go there directly by road and by doing the Nagarkot Hiking.

The main attraction of Nagarkot Hiking is the superb valley and mountain views. Valleys like Bhaktapur and Kathmandu can be seen from Nagarkot with a 360-degree view. And the panoramic mountain views include the top of the world, Mt. Everest 8848.86m, and other peaks like Mt. Manaslu 8163m, Dhaulagiri 8167m, Langtang Range, Gaurishankar, and many more.

When the weather is clear, the combined views of the snowy mountain peaks and the Kathmandu Valley are outstanding. Hikers can spend hours and hours enjoying the view from the Nagarkot View Tower and even from the hotel rooms.

Life is better in the hiking boots

Nagarkot is not only for adventure tourism, but it’s also a place for other activities too, such as academic seminars, picnic activities, wedding ceremonies, and other parties. And during the winter season, there will be snow, and many people will go there to play snow. While people do Nagarkot Hiking, some will spend overnight at Nagarkot and come back on the same day. 

But during the summer season, there will be leeches, and it is not that nice to be there. Although the surrounding scenery will be green, and during clear weather, the combination of white mountains and green landscape will be amazing. So, summer is not very good for Nagarkot Hiking and exploring Nagarkot Hill.

Hiking to Nagarkot is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural beauty of Nepal. It is important to bring proper hiking gear, such as sturdy shoes and a backpack with water and snacks. It is also advisable to hire a local guide, as they can provide valuable insights about the local culture and help navigate the trails.

Highlights of Nagarkot Hiking

1: Stunning Mountain View – Nagarkot is a hilltop with an elevation of 2100m above sea level. From here, you can enjoy the Panoramic view of the snowy peaks, including the top of the world, Mt. Everest.

2: Closest place to Kathmandu for Mt. Everest View – Nagarkot is just 32km and around an hour’s drive from Thamel, Kathmandu. And the best mountain view place in Kathmandu. From where we can see the Mt. Everest as well.

3: Beginner-friendly hiking route – Nagarkot is connected with many other hiking trails, such as Chisapani Nagarkot Hike, Shankhu to Nagarkot Hike, Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hike, and Changunarayan Nagarkot Hike. That is why Nagarkot is the perfect trekking and hiking trail in Kathmandu.

4: Nagarkot View Tower – There is a view tower at Nagarkot, from where you can enjoy the amazing mountain view. So this view tower is one of the attractions of the Nagarkot Hike.

5: Biking – Nagarkot is the junction of the biking trails near Kathmandu. You can get here from Bhaktapur, Shankhu, Sundarijal, Chisapani, etc.

6: Sunrise and Sunset View – To have a unique sunrise and sunset view, Nagarkot is the best place. That is why to have it need to do Nagarkot Hiking.

7: Dramatic Landscapes View – Nagarkot is not only a place for Mountain views, Sunrise, and Sunset Views. It is the place to enjoy the dramatic landscape view.

8: Bird watching – As Nagarkot is located on top of the hill and surrounded by jungle, this is the perfect place for bird-watching activities.

Requires permits to do the Nagarkot Hike 

If you are doing a hike to Nagarkot via Sundarijal and Chisapani, you need to pay the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park Permit and then the local tax in Nagarkot. And that will cost Nepali Rs: 100 rupees, for foreigners Rs: 1000 rupees, and in Nagarkot Rs: 545 rupees. From the Sankhu side, it’s free to hike up to Nagarkot, but you have to pay local tax at Nagarkot.

And if you want to start from Changunarayan, firstly, you have to pay Rs 500 at the Changunarayan to explore the temple area. But it is free of cost for Nepali citizens. Then, the Nagarkot needs to pay a local tax of Rs 545; however, it is free for Nepali citizens to enter Nagarkot. 

The best time to do the Nagarkot Hiking

The best time to do the Nagarkot Hiking is during the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season (March, April, and May) and the autumn season (September, October, and November). During these months, the skies are clear, the temperature is good, and outstanding views of the mountains and the surrounding atmosphere. Even the winter season offers a good hiking experience on the Nagarkot Hill. Although there is a high chance of having snowfall during winter.

Food and accommodation during the Nagarkot Hiking

Food and accommodation during the Nagarkot hiking are very good, you can choose according to your budget, especially at the Nagarkot hill. There is a luxury resort to a basic guest house, and an expensive restaurant, along with basic food stalls, are also available there.

Hotels and Resorts (Mid to high end)

• Types – Luxury lodges, Eco Resorts, Boutique Hotels
• Examples – Club Himalayas (Famous for sunrise and sunset view), Hotel Mystic Mountain, Hotel County Villa, etc.
• Price Range – 50 USD to 300 USD
• Amenities – WIFI, Hot Water, Restaurant, Mountain view Balcony, and many more

Guest House to Home Stays (Budget to Mid-range)

• Types – Small Hotels to Family-run lodges
• Examples – Peaceful cottage, Nagarkot Community Homestay.
• Price Range – USD 5 to USD 40
• Amenities – Local hospitality, homemade food, basic but clean room.

Food available at Nagarkot

Here in Nagarkot, there is availability of local, fresh, to international foods in the various places.

Some of the popular foods are

Different hiking routes to get to Nagarkot 

1 Sundarijal, Chisapani, Nagarkot Route 

The Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking route is the most popular hiking trip near Kathmandu Valley. Because it’s a 2-night 3-day walking trip and the longest itinerary to reach Nagarkot Hill. Also, naturally, it’s a very beautiful walking trail because there are chances to witness various things, such as dense forests, rivers, wildlife, lakes, and the typical lifestyle of the local people who live in that region. 

On the other hand, the panoramic mountain views along the way are another fact that makes this route amazing. Not only are the snowy mountain peaks views, but the landscapes and dramatic valley views are also spectacular. The walk starts from Sundarijal after a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Kathmandu. It can end in Nagarkot or walk down to Changunarayan. Changunarayan is the ideal place to end the Nagarkot Hike from Sundarijal.

2 Sankhu Nagarkot Hiking Route 

The Sankhu to Nagarkot Hike route is another hiking route to get to Nagarkot. This is a day hiking route. Or it can make a half-day hiking route as well, because after reaching Nagarkot, there is the possibility to drive back to Kathmandu. But it is better to spend a night at Nagarkot to enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. 

Sankhu itself is a great village, a very traditional and historical place in Nepal. Also, culturally very rich and surrounded by many popular temples such as the Bajrayogini Temple and the Santoshi Mata Temple. Buses will stop in various places, but the best choice will be to stop at the Sankhu Bus Park and walk. The first part needs to walk on the blacktop road before starting to hike up. The first stop will be at Kartike Deurali, and then walk up to Nagarkot. 

3 Hiking Route from Changunarayan to Nagarkot and Vice Versa

Another popular hiking trail to go to Nagarkot is from Changunarayan to Nagarkot. Changunarayan is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal, so this place is very significant in Nepal. Historically, Changunarayan is also very important because it is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal. 

Additionally, Changunaryan is a traditional village that conserves the culture and tradition of the region. Therefore, starting the hike to Nagarkot from here is the best way to observe the history, culture, tradition, and nature at the same time. 

If someone feels difficulty climbing up, then it can be vice versa; one can first drive to Nagarkot and then hike down to Changunarayan. Also, it can combine with the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek and walk down to the Sankhu Valley to make a full-day hike.

Similarly, the Nagarkot Hiking route also offers amazing landscape views and outstanding mountain views. So, making a hike to Nagarkot is an adventure activity near the Kathmandu valley that has various points to start and end the hike. 

In the end,

Nagarkot Hiking is one of the best hiking trails in Kathmandu. From the top of Nagarkot Hill, we can enjoy the panoramic view of the snowy peaks, including Mt. Everest. There are several hiking trails to reach Nagarkot. Number 1, Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trail, Number 2, Shankhu Nagarkot Hiking Trail, and Changunarayan Nagarkot Hiking Route. Not only Mountain View can we enjoy the sunset and sunrise view as well. That is why the Nagarkot Hike is a complete package of the Hike.

Frequently Asked Questions – Nagarkot Hiking 

Question 1: How long is the Nagarkot Hiking Trail? 

Nagarkot Hike duration depends on the route. The short Nagarkot nature walk takes around 1 to 2 hours. Other routes like Changunarayan to Nagarkot, Shanku to Nagarkot, or vice versa will take around 4 to 5 hours. And the long route, like Dhulikhel Nagarkot and Chisapani Nagarkot, is are multi-day hike to Nagarkot and from Nagarkot. 

Question 2: Is the Nagarkot Hike suitable for beginners? 

Yes, it is Nagarkot Hiking is a beginner-friendly hiking route near Kathmandu. Most of the hiking routes around Nagarkot are easy to moderate, well-marked paths, and gentle ascent and descent. This hike is the first-class choice for first-time hikers, families, and hikers who want short and stunning hiking in Kathmandu. 

Question 3: Can we see Mount Everest from Nagarkot? 

Yes, you can see Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) from Nagarkot on clear days, during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. Also, you can see other magnificent snowy peaks like Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Manaslu ranges. 

Question 4: What is the best time to do Nagarkot Hiking? 

The best time to do the Nagarkot hiking is in Spring, Autumn, and Winter. Spring and Autumn offer pleasing temperatures, usually clear skies, and the best Mountain views. The winter season is a bit cold, but it will offer incredible Mountain views, clear skies. 

Question 5: Do I need a permit for Nagarkot Hiking? 

Yes, it is, the local government will charge you a permit of 545 rupees as a local tax or permit. However, permits will depend on where you start and end the hike, and what kind of places you visit. If you do the Changunarayan Nagarkot Hike and visit the Changunarayan Temple, you need to pay for an entry permit of 545 rupees at Changunarayan. It is only if you visit the Temple. And if you do a longer hike from Chisapani to Nagarkot, you have to pay the National Park Entrance fee as well, which depends on your nationality you belong. 

Question 6: How far is Nagrkot from Kathmandu? 

Nagarkot is around 32 km away to the east of Kathmandu, and driving there will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the route you follow. 

Question 7: Is Nagarkot Safe Hiking? 

Yes, Nagarkot Hiking is safe, if you follow the marked trails, checking the weather conditions. Because the trails are commonly used by local people and fellow hikers. 

Question 8: What Makes Nagarkot Hiking Special Compared to Other Hikes near Kathmandu?

Nagarkot hill offers a panoramic view of the giant Himalayas, a cultural village experience, easy accessibility, and a forest trail all within a short distance from Kathmandu, making this hike one of the best hikes near Kathmandu. 

Question 9: Are there Food and Accommodation Options in Nagarkot? 

Yes, it is, Nagarkot is a fully commercial place where you can find a wide range of Hotels and Restaurants. Luxury resorts to basic home stays and farmhouses as well.