Best Things to Do in Nagarkot
Nagarkot is located approx. 7000 ft (2000 m) above Sea level and 28 kms from Kathmandu. Nagarkot is a world famous hills station commanding breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, rolling hills, deep valleys, lush pine forests in a quaint rural atmosphere. Considered as the best viewpoint spot to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset with spectacular Himalayan vistas, Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the snow capped Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley ( 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 from here). The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range( Everest range) and Numbur range with splendid views of the Kathmandu valley and shivapuri national park. Situated in a strategic location,
Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley to monitor external activities of another kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat places for the royals before becoming popular as an international hill station. So near yet so far from heat, dust, smoke and city’s hustle-bustle, Nagarkot is a small village where tourists love to come here for acclimatization before heading to trekking or for a good rest after trekking. Locals love to come here to enjoy the beauty of nature with fresh mountain air and to rejuvenate their body, mind and spirit in a tranquil atmosphere.
Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple Hiking
This is one of the most popular hiking route around the kathmandu valley. It is a very beautiful walk where we explore local tamang culture with their local settlements for the half way whereas the half way is through the lush pine forests before reaching the temple of Changu narayan temple. It is a 15 kms walk with an altitude drop of around 450 metres and we arrive in a Changu Narayan temple premises, one of the seven World Heritage sites in the kathmandu valley. This temple is a very artistic temple with excellent wood carving and stone carving of lord vishnu, the god of preservation in hinduism and the temple is well known for artistic beauty rather than religious importance. Changu Narayan temple is located around 6 km from bhaktapur and this hike is ideal for those going back to bhaktapur with a very scenic views of the village, mountain views, valley views with fresh mountain air on the way. It is an easy trek which can be done with family travellers with children and older travellers as well. After reaching, trekkers have a decent lunch in one of the restaurants though they offer a limited choice of menu. The entrance fee to the temple is 100 Rs. and the return fare back to Bhaktapur from Bus stop of Changu narayan takes around 30 minutes with around Rs. 30 fee.
Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking
Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking is perfect thing to do in nagarkot. It takes about 3.5 hours easy easy hike. You can explore and discover Tamang Village, 180 degree views of the stunning landscapes with lush greenery. You will enjoy the time in nature and burn some good calories in this hike. Perfect to enjoy the stunning mountain views in quiet and with fresh mountain air. The hike is through beautiful pine trees and bamboo which is very beautiful with birds chirping. After you will complete the nature trail, you will reach Kartike village from where you can see the mountain villages perched on the hill with terraced farmlands and if the weather is clear, you will awarded the stunning himalayan views. It is a very safe and secure hiking which can be done with or without guide. however it is still recommended to have a guide as you might get lost on the way as there are no clear signboards or directions on the way. For your information, the second part of hike after nature trail, starts from kartike and ends at dhanda gaun (gaun means village in nepali). where your landmark should be a school with blue color roof. from that school, it's a good uphill walk around 5 minutes. From there you need to turn left with a very inspiring views of the rolling hills and villages. You will make one whole loop of the village. It is around 12 km hike and it is very very beautiful time in nature in quiet and peace.
Nagarkot View point tower hiking
Nagarkot view tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagarkot to see the sunrise and mountain views. It is situated around 2100 metres above sea level and can be hiked by physically fit hikers in about one hour. You will have a 360 view of the himalayas one of the broadest views of himalayas along with kathmandu valley, lush greenery of national parks, rolling hills,etc. Lots of people they wake up early and do sunrise hiking to Witness the magnificent sunrise along with the grandeur and magnificence of the himalayas. What makes the sunrise hiking very special is with morning sunrise changing colours of the snow capes himalayas. It’s like fire on ice. Still it is a very scenic walk to the view tower during daytime with the stunning views of the unobstructed landscapes, rolling hills, thick pine forests and charming villages.
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hiking
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking is an excellent choice for those planning to be in close with nature with a fresh mountain air inside a pine forests and villages before reaching the hillstation of dhulikhel. It is a good 18 km walk with an altitude drop of more than 800 meters and will take around good 5 hours to complete this trekking with ever changing landscapes. The first part of the hike will go through the pine forests for around 10 km with sounds of birds chirping inside and the second part will be pass through terraced farmlands and villages of local people cultivating different vegetables for the remaining 8 km before reaching the hillstation of dhulikhel. It is a part of kathmandu valley cultural trekking trail and is one of the best hiking routes within kathmandu valley. It is an ideal choice for trekkers who have limited time in nepal however want to have a taste of trekking and also an ideal hiking to do acclimitazition before heading up to the himalayas. This hike can be done with family with children. There are no restaurants on the way so, it is highly recommended to carry enough water and packed lunches to eat on the way. As it passes through thick pine forests, we can get easily lost inside the forests, so, it is highly advisable to hire a guide to accompany for safety and security of the guests.
Nagarkot Everest view Paragliding
Soar like a bird and enjoy the bird’s eye view of the lush greenery, verdant valleys and himalayan vistas with the view of the Mt. Everest on a clear crystal day. It is a wonderful experience to see the stunning mountain views with the mixture of serene flying with some adrenaline pumping twists and turns.