Nagarkot, Nepal

Nestled on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is a popular hill station renowned for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days. At an altitude of 2,175 meters, it is a tranquil getaway for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and cultural experiences.

 

Tourist Attractions in Nagarkot

  1. Nagarkot View Tower:

    • Highlights: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Langtang ranges, especially during sunrise and sunset.
    • Entrance Fee: NPR 150 for foreign visitors.
    • Opening Hours: Open 24/7 for visitors, best visited early morning or late afternoon.

  2. Nature Trails:

    • Highlights: Short hiking routes offering serene forest views, wildlife, and rural villages.
    • Popular Trails:
      • Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple Hike: A 4–5 hour walk combining natural beauty and heritage sites.
      • Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail: A circular route with viewpoints and local villages.

  3. Nagarkot Buddha Peace Garden:

    • Highlights: A serene garden with a Buddha statue, ideal for meditation and relaxation.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

  4. Changu Narayan Temple:

    • Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located 12 km from Nagarkot, showcasing ancient Newari architecture and sculptures.
    • Entrance Fee: NPR 300 for foreign visitors.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

  5. Sunrise and Sunset Views:

    • Best Spots: Nagarkot View Tower or hotel terraces.
    • Best Time to Visit: October to April for clear skies.

  6. Paragliding:

    • Highlights: Tandem flights offering bird’s-eye views of the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley.
    • Cost: NPR 10,000–12,000 per flight.

How to Get to Nagarkot

  1. By Road:

    • From Kathmandu: Approximately 32 km, 1.5–2 hours by car or local bus.
    • Private Vehicle: Taxis and private cars can be hired for NPR 3,000–5,000 for a round trip.
    • Local Bus: Buses from Kathmandu’s Bhaktapur Bus Park to Nagarkot cost around NPR 50–100.

  2. By Hiking:

    • Route: Combine a hike from Bhaktapur or Changu Narayan Temple to Nagarkot for a scenic approach.

How to Get Around Nagarkot

  1. On Foot:
    • Most attractions and viewpoints are accessible by walking.
  2. Local Transport:
    • Local jeeps and taxis can be hired for longer distances or to reach nearby villages.
  3. Bicycles:
    • Mountain bike rentals are available in Nagarkot for exploring trails.

Popular Local Food

  1. Dal Bhat: Nepal’s staple meal of lentils, rice, vegetables, and pickles.
  2. Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens served as a side dish or soup.
  3. Aloo Tama: A tangy curry made with potatoes and bamboo shoots.
  4. Buff Momos: Steamed dumplings stuffed with buffalo meat or vegetables.
  5. Sel Roti: Sweet rice flour doughnuts often paired with yogurt.

Top Nightlife Spots in Nagarkot

Nightlife in Nagarkot is limited and revolves around cozy lodge settings and bonfires.

    1. Hotel Terrace Bars:

      • Many hotels, such as Club Himalaya by ACE Hotels, offer a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and live music.
      • Happy Hours: Typically 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
      • Entrance Fee: Free for hotel guests; non-guests may need to pay for drinks.

    2. Nagarkot Village Café:

      • Activities: Enjoy local brews and casual dining.
      • Happy Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
      • How to Get There: Located near the main market area.

Recommended Detailed Itineraries for Nagarkot

1-Day Itinerary

    • Morning: Watch the sunrise at Nagarkot View Tower.
    • Midday: Hike along the Panoramic Trail or to Changu Narayan Temple.
    • Afternoon: Explore the Buddha Peace Garden and nearby villages.
    • Evening: Relax at a hotel terrace with dinner and sunset views.

2-Day Itinerary

    • Day 1:
      • Arrive in Nagarkot by noon.
      • Hike to nearby villages and forests.
      • Watch the sunset from your hotel or the View Tower.
    • Day 2:
      • Early morning: Sunrise at Nagarkot View Tower.
      • Late morning: Hike to Changu Narayan Temple.
      • Afternoon: Return to Kathmandu.

3-Day Itinerary

    • Day 1:
      • Arrive in Nagarkot, check into your hotel, and explore the Buddha Peace Garden.
      • Sunset at Nagarkot View Tower.
    • Day 2:
      • Morning: Sunrise at the View Tower.
      • Late morning: Hike to nearby villages.
      • Afternoon: Paragliding or mountain biking.
    • Day 3:
      • Early morning: Relax and enjoy the mountain views.
      • Late morning: Trek to Changu Narayan Temple and drive to Kathmandu.

Highlights of Nagarkot

  1. Himalayan Views: Witness the grandeur of Mount Everest and Langtang ranges.
  2. Sunrise & Sunset: Unforgettable moments at dawn and dusk.
  3. Hiking & Nature: Tranquil trails through forests and rural villages.
  4. Cultural Insights: Proximity to UNESCO sites like Changu Narayan Temple.
  5. Adventure: Options for paragliding and mountain biking.

Nagarkot is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking serenity close to Kathmandu.