Sankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike is a full-day hike from Kathmandu. This is suitable for those who want to experience the nature, culture, and history of Nepal all in a day. The amazing views of the gigantic mountain peaks, typical villages, temples, monasteries, landscapes, and many more. Witness the daily lifestyle of those local people who are living in those places and spending a peaceful life.
This hike is a combination of three jewels – culture, nature, and history. So that if you are looking for all in one, and in one time, even in a day, this is the best trek for you. This hike can be done by anyone who has a desire to walk on the mountain to explore the area. As a whole day hike, the hikers can have lunch at Nagarkot with the outstanding mountain view. Along the way, there are plenty of places to have a tea break.
Because of the road, sometimes walking on the road is not a pleasure; because of the dust and horns of the buses, trucks, cars, and motorbikes.
Highlights of Sankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike.
- Walk through the ancient Newari towns
- Terraced farm Land and dramatic landscapes
- Easily accessible starting and ending points and well-paved trails
- Panoramic mountain view from Nagarkot and along the way
- Typical villages and friendly people
- Visit the historical and traditional monuments
- Explore the UNESCO site for the history and architecture of the ancient period
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Shankhu – A culturally ancient city
Shankhu is an ancient and cultural city in Nepal. This Newari town is located in the northeastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 17 km from the center of Kathmandu. Also known as the Shankharapur, because the structure of the city was previously in the Shankha Shape (conch shell shape)
Shankhu is a very popular place for the Shree Swasthani Snaan. Shree Swaathani Brata is a Hindu festival that is celebrated each year for a whole month. During this celebration, thousands of people visit and take a bath in the Salinadi River and worship in the Temple. It’s believed that when a girl stays fast and worships God during Shree Swasthani, they will accomplish what they wish. Especially, for the kind of life partner they want in their future.
Another attraction of Shankhu is the ancient Bajrayogini Temple on the hillside just above the town. And this temple and the deity Bajrayogini are very important to the God of the Shankhu area. In history, Shankhu used to be the city of eighty gates. However, there are not eighty gates nowadays, but still, there are some gates repressive to those eighty gates. Walking from the ancient city to Nagarkot and Shankhu is called the Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike.
Nagarkot – The Mountains paradise
Nagarkot is at the top of the hill and was known as the summer camp of the royal family. But nowadays this place is very popular for day hikes, mountain views, and sunrise and sunset views. Located at an elevation of 2100m above sea level, this hilltop offers the best mountain and landscape views. Every week during the weekend, many people from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur travel to Nagarkot to have fun and escape from the dusty and busty city life.
Even this place is very popular for international travelers who have limited time and want to have some trekking experience. This is why this place is connected with the Chispani Nagarkot Trek, the Changunarayan to Nagarkot hike, and the Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. This place is so popular because of the view of the mountain, including the World’s highest peak, Mt. Everest.
The accommodation in Nagarkot is world-class because there are high-standard hotels and resorts are in there. For food, there are very good restaurants. An easily accessible road to Nagarkot and connected with different hiking trails makes Nagarkot very popular.
Changunarayan – The UNESCO World Heritage site.
Changunarayan Place is named after the historical Changunarayan Temple on the hilltop. This little Newari town is still preserving the quality and tradition of the typical Newari culture. And Changunarayan Temple is a living witness to the history of Nepal. Also, this temple plays a significant role in preserving the architectural value of the Nation.
Changunarayan Temple is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. It means you can imagine the importance and beauty of this place. This medieval period town has its uniqueness of culture and myth. However, the main Temple and courtyard are being renovated nowadays because it was destroyed by an earthquake in 2015.
Combining hiking to these three cultural, natural, and historical places is called the Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. Even this walk can start from vice versa too. So it all depends on your choice to walk. But I suggest that good to start from Shankhu and end in Changurnarayan.
When to do this hike?
This is a kind of all-season hiking trail near Kathmandu, but during the summer season is not that fun to hike. Because during summer mostly rainy and walking trails are wet and muddy, and the views of the surrounding area are not that clear. But the greenery along the way is good, and if you are afraid of leech then the summer season is a nightmare to hike Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike.
The Spring season is one of the best times to do any kind of adventure activity in Nepal. Trekking to Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, so that during this time, a hike to this area is also the best. Because of the perfect temperature, clear mountain view, and Rhododendron flowers smiling along the way.
Autumn Season is another best time to do hiking and trekking in Nepal. So, for this hike, autumn is the best season too, and the Autumn is the festive season as well. The clear weather, good walking temperature, and semi-greenery atmosphere.
The Winter season is a bit cold, but the clear weather and amazing mountain vistas from Nagarkot, while hiking up and down. Winter is the snowy season, so Nagarkot is the best snow playground for snow lover and many people travel there. So winter is also the best time to hike Shanku, Nagarkot, and Changunarayan.
Does the permit require the Sankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan hike?
Yes, the local government charges 365 rupees per person for international travelers to go to Nagarkot, and 500 rupees for Changunarayan Temple. On the other hand, Nepali hikers can hike without a permit to those places.
How to get Shankhu to start the hike?
Buses are going every 15 minutes from Old Bus Park and New Bus Park. You can catch a bus along the route as well. Take a local bus from your suitable place and get off at the Sankhu Bus Park. The buses are going all the way to the hike’s starting point. But I suggest getting off in Sankhu and walking through the Sankhu town.
From Changunarayan, buses leave every 15 minutes to Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. And if you are starting the hike from Changunarayan, first drive to Bhaktapur and then take a bus to Changunarayan. If you are traveling by private vehicle, drive to Sankhu and get in from Changunarayan.
[…] Sankhu to Nagarkot Hike route is another hiking route to get to Nagarkot. This is a day hiking route. Or it can make a […]