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 do 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 pleasure; because of the dust and horns of the buses, trucks, cars, and motorbikes.
Highlights of Sankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike.
Walkthrough the ancient Newari towns
Terraced farm Land and dramatic landscapes
Easily accessible starting points and well-paved trails and
Panoramic mountain view from Nagarkot
Typical villages and I ca l people from there
Visit the historical and traditional monuments
Explore the UNESCO site for history and architecture of the ancient period.
Shankhu – A cultural ancient city
Shankhu is an ancient and cultural city in Nepal. This Newari town is located in the northeastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley with an approximately 17KM distance 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 celebrates 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 deities Bajrayogini is a very important 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 throughout from then ancient city to Nagarkot and Shankhu is called Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike.
Nagarkot – The Mountains paradise
Nagarkot is a top of the hill and known as the summer camp of the royal family in the past. But nowadays this place is very popular for a day hike, mountain view, and sunrise and sunset view. Located at an elevation of 2100m above sea level, this hilltop offers the best mountain and landscapes view. 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 a short time and want to have some trekking experience. This is why this place is connected with Chispani Nagarkot Trek/Hike, Changunarayan to Nagarkot hike, and Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. This place is so popular because of the panoramic 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 fooding also there are the very good restaurants Easily accessible road to there and connected with different hiking trails made Nagarkot is 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 to preserve the architectural value of the Nation.
Changunarayan Temple is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site from Nepal. It means you can imagine the importency and beauty of this place. This medieval period town has its uniqueness of culture and myth. However, the main Temple and courtyard are renovating nowadays because it was destroyed by an earthquake in 2015.
Combining hiking to these three cultural, natural, and historical places is called Shankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. Even this walk can start from vice verse 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 rain and walking trails are wet and muddy; and the views of the surrounding 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 smile along the way.
Autumn Season is another best time to do hiking and trekking in Nepal. So that for this hike also autumn is the best season too and the Autumn is the festive season as well. The clear weather and good walking temperature and semi-greenery atmosphere.
The Winter season is a bit cold but the clear weather and amazing mountain vistas from Nagarkot and while hiking ups and downs. Winter is the snowy season so Nagarkot is the best snow playground for the snow lover and many people travel there. So that winter is also the best time to hike Shanku, Nagarkot, and Changunarayan.
Does the permit require Sankhu Nagarkot Changunarayan hike?
Yes, the local government charge 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 that places.
How to get Shankhu to start the hike?
Buses are going in every 15 minutes from Old Bus Park and New Bus Park. Even you can catch a bus along the route as well. Take a local bus from your suitable place and get off in the Sankhu Bus Park. The buses are going all the way to the hike starting point. But I suggest getting off in Sankhu and walking through the Sankhu town.
From Changunarayan also buses are leaving 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.
