• Duration 1 Days
  • Trip Grade Easy

    The easy grade is if you do not find any difficulties to trip. The trip reaches up to 3000 meters in altitude. The trails will not be rugged, and these types of trips are highly suitable for family trips. The trips are generally around one week.

  • Country Nepal

The Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike perfectly balances tranquility, nature, and culture. Nagarkot and Changunarayan are two famous destinations near Kathmandu.

Nagarkot is a popular hill station from where one can see a lovely sunrise and Himalayan mountains, including Mt. Everest, on clear days. Likewise, Changunarayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal.

On the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hiking trip, you will explore both destinations loved by the locals. It is a 6 to 7 hour trip. If you want to see the sunrise, leave your hotel around 5:00 AM to reach the viewpoint to witness the sunrise.

However, travelers not interested in catching the sunrise can start the hike at their own pace. 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM is the best time to start Nagarkot Changunarayan day hiking. You leave Kathmandu just before the rush time and enjoy a peaceful ride.

From Kathmandu, Nagarkot is situated around 32 kilometers (19.8 miles) away. You will reach here in a 1.5 hour's drive. Upon reaching Nagarkot, enjoy the views and have breakfast.

Our Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike cost does not cover breakfast expenses, so kindly carry ample money with you. Take a small break after breakfast and start hiking to Changunarayan Temple.

Nagarkot to Changunarayan distance is around 15.6 kilometers (9.6 miles). You can complete the hike in 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. The trail descends through terraced fields and lush hills.

You will walk past small villages on the way. Upon reaching the Changunarayan Temple, explore it and get blessings. You will then drive back to Kathmandu.

If you have 1-2 hours extra, combine the Bhaktapur excursion with your Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike package. This short excursion will make your hike more adventurous and culturally immersive.

Nagarkot- a famous hill station near Kathmandu

Located 2,175 meters (7,136 ft) above sea level in the northeast corner of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is a popular getaway near the city. Locals and tourists both love this place.

Whether you want to take a break from the chaos of Kathmandu or see mesmerizing mountain vistas, Nagarkot is your place. Among all the hills located around Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers the best views of the Himalayas.

If the sky is clear, you can see mountains like Everest, Langtang range, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lhakpa, and many others.

Even though it will be a distant mountain view, you will be left speechless. There are several hiking and cycling trails around Nagarkot. Likewise, many people visit here for leisurely nature walks and picnics.

The famous landmarks in Nagarkot are Nagarkot View Tower, Buddha Peace Park, and Jalpadevi Temple. Similarly, there is also a 12 km hiking loop through forests and villages.

Changunarayan Temple- one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal

Changunarayan Temple is located near Nagarkot. The temple is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 4th century CE (Licchavi dynasty). It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Changunarayan temple honors Lord Vishnu in the Narayan form. The temple holds huge significance to the locals. Here, you can see ancient Nepalese art, architecture, belief, and enduring devotion.

The temple complex showcases outstanding traditional Nepali pagoda-style architecture and features intricately carved wooden struts, copper roofs with four doors, ancient stone inscriptions, and sculptures of several other deities.

The peaceful location of the temple lets travelers and locals have a lovely gateway from Kathmandu!

Highlights

 

  • A perfect day hike program near Kathmandu that well-balances tranquility, nature, and culture
  • Witness a beautiful sunrise from Nagarkot and breathtaking Himalayan mountain views, including Mt. Everest (on clear days)
  • Explore one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, Changunarayan Temple
  • Discover ancient Nepalese art, architecture, belief, and enduring devotion in Changunarayan Temple 
  • An adventurous and relaxing getaway from the bustle of Kathmandu
  • Enjoy lovely landscapes while hiking through lush forests and small villages from Nagarkot to Changunarayan 
  • Ideal day hike for all age groups, including kids and elderly travelers
  • A perfect family outing and student excursion
  • Lead by a professional Nepali guide

Is the Nagarkot Changunarayan hike suitable for you?

The Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike is suitable for everyone. Whether you are a beginner hiker or have previous experience, you can pull off this hike with a bit of effort.

The hike is not challenging. You will walk 4 to 5 hours on minimum, which is doable for all age groups. You can take small, quick breaks during the hike.

Travelers who are in Kathmandu and want to hike or spend time in nature will love Nagarkot Changunarayan day hiking. Similarly, those who want to see Mt. Everest can also join this hike.

The Nagarkot Changunarayan hike offers an excellent escape from the bustle of Kathmandu. You will have the opportunity to unwind and refresh your mind.

So, anyone looking for a one-day activity and a quick gateway to nature will also love this trip. Both solo travelers and groups can join us for the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike.

Preparation and packing for the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hiking

No prior preparation is required for the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike. If you are not physically active at all, you can do some regular walks before the hike. Walking will improve your stamina.

Upon booking the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike with us, you will receive a booking confirmation mail. You can keep a few days to prepare for the hike or book the hike one day before the departure date.

After receiving the booking confirmation mail, it is time to pack for the hike. You will need the following things for the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike:

 

  • Comfortable undergarments
  • Hiking trousers/shorts
  • Breathable t-shirt
  • Windcheater jacket
  • Thermal layer (as per the weather)
  • Comfortable hiking shoes (do not wear new hiking shoes)
  • Socks
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • SPF and lip balm
  • Map (optional)
  • Packed lunch/snacks
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Mobile, camera, power bank, spare batteries
  • Wet wipes
  • Tissue
  • First-aid kit
  • Whistle (great to have)
  • Nepali cash

Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike cost and what it includes

We have a reasonable price for the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike. You can see our costing for this day on the right side of the page. We have different prices and discounts for groups.

With us, you will get the best Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike cost and service. Our package includes the following services:

 

  • Professional, friendly, English-speaking hiking guide.
  • Private four-wheeler and experienced driver to travel.
  • Required permits.
  • Trip fulfillment certificate.
  • Company's service charge.

*Note:

  1. Tipping the guide and driver is recommended. You can tip them based on your satisfaction level with their service.
  2. Hikers have to take care of any expense not mentioned above.

What is the best time to go on the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike?

You can do the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike any time of the year. We have shared perks of all four seasons below:

  • Spring (March to May): Stable weather and temperature. The sky is mostly clear, and the visibility is great. You will get to witness full views of the Himalayas. The hiking route is blossomed with many flowers, including rhododendrons. The scenery is stunning.
  • Summer/monsoon (June to mid-September): Ideal for travelers who love hot summer weather and clear, bright daytime. The mountain views are wonderful. The sky can get cloudy. Once the monsoon arrives, the weather gets frequently gloomy. However, the rainy landscape is heavenly. The hiking route is slippery and muddy, so you have to be extra careful and use rainy gear.
  • Autumn (late September to November): Autumn has perfect weather and climate for hiking. The sky is clear, so you will enjoy the finest mountain vistas. It is also the festival season in Nepal. You may get to see locals celebrating festivals during the hike. The fall landscape is also phenomenal.
  • Winter (December to February): It is the coldest time of the year. The weather is mostly stable in the mornings, so you can see the beautiful sunrise and mountain panorama. During the peak of winter, snow falls all over Nagarkot Hill, making it the center of attraction for the locals. The area gets super busy during snowfall. Winter landscapes are breathtaking.

Benefits of booking Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike with Adventure Treks Nepal

 

  • No hidden charges
  • 24/7 support
  • Flexible itinerary
  • First aid kit
  • Comfortable four-wheeler and skilled driver
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off service
  • Professional guide
Itinerary
  1. Make sure you are ready on time to leave your hotel for the hike. Do not be late.
  2. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your guide.
  3. If you feel sick or get hurt while hiking, inform your guide and get first aid.
  4. Make sure to carry all the essentials for the hike
  5. Breakfast and personal expenses are not covered by our package cost, so kindly carry ample money.
  6. Tip guide and driver at the end of their service. It is the best way to say thank you to them. 
Trip Plan
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Our guide will pick you up from your hotel at the fixed time. We provide comfortable, private four-wheelers and skilled drivers to travel to/from the starting and ending points of the journey.

You will reach Nagarkot in around one and a half hour drive from Kathmandu. The road is well-made, so the ride will be smooth. Upon reaching Nagarkot, hike to the viewpoint to witness mountain vistas and sunrise.

After enjoying the view, you can have breakfast. Then, you will descend to Changunarayan Temple. The trail goes through lush hills, terraced fields, and small villages.

Upon reaching the temple, explore it. Explore the local markets. You can also try local food. After that, the guide will drop you off at your hotel and give you your trip certificate.

  • Max Altitude: 2,175 m/7,136 ft
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Not included
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
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Cost Details
Included
  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Entrance fee
Excluded
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Tip for Guide and Driver
FAQs

Nagarkot is a hill station. The area is peaceful and located amidst nature. You can see gorgeous sunrises and spectacular Himalayan mountain views from here.

Likewise, there are hiking trails, cycling trails, and traditional villages where you can go for a side excursion. Overall, visiting Nagarkot is totally worth it.

Nagarkot is situated 2,175 meters (7,136 ft) above sea level. From Kathmandu, Nagarkot is located 32 kilometers (19.8 miles) away. You can reach here in 1.5 hours of driving.

The road from Kathmandu to Nagarkot is smooth. You will enjoy a comfortable ride.

The Nagarkot Changunarayan hike is one of the best hikes for beginners and families. The hiking route is not tough and is doable for hikers of all ages.

The main drawback of hiking anywhere during the monsoon season is slippery and muddy trails. If you are okay with them and love rainy weather, you will enjoy hiking in Nagarkot Changunarayan during the monsoon season.

The trail between Nagarkot and Changunarayan Temple goes through lush forested hills and terraced fields. The terrain is rugged and involves uphill and downhill walking. You will also pass by a few small settlements.

You can take a public bus from Kathmandu or hire a taxi to travel to Nagarkot and Changunarayan Temple. You can also book a bike ride.

Hiking boots will make walking on rugged mountainous terrain comfortable and protect your ankle. It is highly recommended that you wear hiking boots during the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike.

You can start the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike from Nagarkot. Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Nagarkot and start the journey.

Likewise, you can also combine a night stay at Nagarkot after the Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike instead of returning to Kathmandu on the same day. It will cost you extra money.

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