Nagarkot: All you Need to Know About Nagarkot

Nagarkot is the hidden gem located in the eastern part of the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, at an altitude of 2,195 meters above sea level. It is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal for beginner hikers. This place provides the perfect balance of easy trails filled with temples, bridges, rivers, monasteries, and small villages filled with many cultures and traditions, surrounded by natural beauty.

Nepal is a small landlocked country in terms of land and population compared to neighboring countries like China and India. But the country has always been one of the most popular destinations for tourists to experience ultimate adventure, different cultures, traditions, and festivals, surrounded by 14 of the tallest mountains, over 8,000 meters above sea level.

If you are an adventure seeker and nature lover traveling to Nepal for a short period of time, Nagarkot is the perfect destination. This place will never disappoint you with its beautiful scenery, activities, and peaceful remote villages. You can book your travel plan through “Access Nepal,” and we will take care of your travel plan with guides and all the logistical things, so you can create unforgettable memories.

Where Exactly is Nagarkot?

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, and if you travel around 32 kilometers east from there, you will reach Nagarkot, located in Bhaktapur District. The most popular and easily reachable destination in Nepal, where you can experience the adventure of the Himalayan region. The area is filled with farms, temples, monasteries, and numerous other attractions that offer stunning views of nature.

It is a small and beautiful town that falls under Changunarayan Municipality and is an attraction for all beginner hikers and nature lovers. If I tell you the truth, it was not that developed a few years ago. The roads were bumpy, but now it has become a major attraction for the travelers and even the citizens of Nepal. The place is now filled with shops, hotels, and lodges for a comfortable visit.

Actually, Nagarkot holds centuries of history and culture to this day. The place sits at a height of over 2,000 meters above sea level. So, hundreds of years ago, it was used as a military fort to observe enemy movement. You can still look at the ancient religious texts known as Mandagiri. Now, Nagarkot is the perfect balance of developed and old traditions and culture related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

What is Nagarkot famous for?

Nagarkot is famous for its easy trails to enjoy a short hike, and the viewpoint located more than 2,000 meters above sea level provides a view of the mountains. In the autumn and winter season, you enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayan range trails from the west Dhaulagiri all the way to Kanchenjunga in the east. The place also has monasteries and temples related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

The travelers visit Nagarkot to enjoy the short, easy trails hike that provides the view of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, standing tall at 8,849 meters above sea level. You can even enjoy the view of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyo, Manaslu, and many other popular mountains above 8,000 meters tall from sea level on clear days.

Many tourists visit Nagarkot to enjoy the view of being surrounded by mountains and villages filled with different cultures, traditions, and festivals. The place is now filled with many affordable and luxury hotels. From their rooftops, you can enjoy the sunrise view under the clear sky and peaceful environment. The perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers to store their memories digitally.

Best time to visit Nagarkot

Nagarkot provides you with the ultimate adventure if you travel at the perfect time. A hidden place filled with ancient history of thousands of years. The incredible journey is filled with temples and monasteries that tell the story of Hinduism and Buddhism. The place above 2,000 meters, which is easy to visit and located near Kathmandu, has proven its worth to travelers among adventure seekers.

I. October to December: Autumn starts in October and lasts till December. The perfect time to travel to Nagarkot or any expedition in Nepal. The sky is clear, so you can enjoy the majestic view from the hotels and restaurants. The temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, which is suitable for traveling. If you make a proper plan, you can even enjoy the most popular festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar.

II. March to May: Spring starts in March and lasts till May, bringing warm temperatures. The season of flowers blooming creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy the majestic view of hiking trails covered with colorful flowers. The clear morning sky provides a clear view of the mountains and the Himalayan trails. But in the daytime, you can expect the monsoon clouds to cover the sky

III. January to February: As autumn ends, winter will start in January and last till February. The winter travel creates the perfect opportunity for the solo traveler. The place is less crowded, and the clear sky provides a beautiful view of the mountains. The temperature can drop significantly, so make sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm.

IV. June to September: If you are planning to visit Nagarkot, June to September is proven to be the worst time. The heavy monsoon rain makes the trails slippery, the clouds block the mountain view, and the roads become more challenging. But during the monsoon, the hotel and accommodation prices drop significantly. But the solitary travelers can get away from the crowd and enjoy the Nepalese rain.

If you are planning to travel to Nepal, you must visit Nagarkot once in your life. The hidden gem of Kathmandu, which can provide you with the ultimate adventurous journey. You can contact our “Access Nepal” team, and we will take care of all the logistical things and even provide you with a guide who will explain all of your queries. The budget-friendly cost without compromising your comfort.

Ways of getting to Nagarkot

Nagarkot is only around 30 to 40 kilometers away from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. There are several ways to reach your destination according to your comfort. If you are traveling with small kids and family, or you want to avoid crowded public vehicles, you can hire a taxi, which will cost you around 2000 to 4000 for one-way travel. It might be costly, but you will reach Nagarkot comfortably.

If you are looking for the most cost-friendly traveling method, you can take a ride on a local bus to Nagarkot. First, you have to take a microbus from Kalanki to reach Bhaktapur. Now you can take a bus from the old bus park of Bhaktapur to reach Nagarkot. The journey will last 2 to 3 hours. Traveling in a public vehicle can be a new experience, and you will meet lots of new people.

If you are looking for adventure travel, then you can even rent a motorbike or bicycle from Kathmandu and reach your destination with the help of Google Maps. The vehicle can cost you a little more, but it will be an unbelievable experience for adventure seekers. Many travel agencies even offer a one-night package to Nagarkot, which you can take part in, combined with a Bhaktapur expedition.

Adventurous Things to Do in Nagarkot

Hiking, sightseeing, temples, and local villages filled with tradition and culture offer many adventurous things to do in Nagarkot. A place of perfect balance of culture, tradition, and adventure that can be completed within 2 to 3 days of expedition. The perfect spot to start a short hike and gain experience. The forest area temples and monasteries are related to the Hinduism and Buddhism religions.

I. Nagarkot Hiking: The most popular Nagarkot hiking among beginners, as the trails are easy and you can complete them within a day. Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular hikes that can be completed within 3 to 4 hours. Another trail will take you to Dhulikhel from Nagarkot, which takes around 5 to 6 hours of hiking.

II. Changu Narayan Temple: After crossing frosted hills for 6 kilometers from Nagarkot, you will reach Changu Narayan Temple. The temple is made with intricate stone and beautiful wood carvings, which attract the people toward this Newari architecture. If you want to reach this religious temple, you have to complete a 3- to 4-hour hike from Nagarkot.

III. Watch the sunrise and sunset: Nagarkot is now filled with hotels and lodges that have tall and open rooftop terraces or balconies. The destination is most popular for watching the sunrises and sunsets that provide a beautiful, majestic view of the mountains and Himalayan trails. The clear sky and the rays of the sun fill the forest, which makes the surroundings majestic and beautiful.

IV. Local Villages: Nagarkot is located near Kathmandu and sits 2,000 meters above sea level. The local villages around that area are filled with Newari, Tamang, and other communities. The perfect opportunity to explore and learn about the traditions and festivals celebrated in Nepal. You can experience the mixture of traditional and modern ways of living in those villages.

V. Photography: The majestic view of mountains, temples, jungle, trails, villages, monasteries, and many other adventurous things to do in Nagarkot provides the perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers to store the memories digitally. The sunrise and sunset, the clear sky, and being surrounded by mountains with a clear view for photography.

Where to stay in Nagarkot?

Nagarkot is now filled with hotels, lodges, and resorts, from cheaper to midrange and expensive, so you will have no problem with accommodation. The rooms have blankets, comfortable beds, and attached bathrooms, and even some of the stays offer complimentary breakfast or welcome drinks for the visitors. The polite and well-behaved staff will serve you and treat you well.

The cheap hotel will cost you around $10 to $15 per night. The midrange hotel will cost you around $30 to $60 per night, and its package might even include breakfast and welcome drinks. Then the Luxury Resorts will cost you around $80 to $150 per night, which includes all the luxury facilities like spa, well-heated room, a terrace to enjoy the majestic view of the mountains with breakfast and dinner package.

It is important to book the room before starting your journey because in peak season, like autumn and spring, the hotels are packed, and it will cost you more. But if you are travelling with “Access Nepal,” we will take care of all the logistical things, including your transport, food, and accommodation. We will even provide you with a guide who will help you to fill the communication gap with locals.

Tips for visiting Nagarkot

If you are visiting Nagarkot, always remember to choose the best season, like autumn and spring, for your travel. The place might be crowded, so you need to book your hotels and lodges beforehand, or it might end up being more expensive. During this season, the forests are green and filled with different colors of flowers, and the temperature is suitable for hiking and exploring the beauty of Nagarkot.

If you are planning to visit during winter, make sure to pack warm clothes. The temperature can drop significantly as you will be staying above 2,000 meters above sea level. Normally, winter starts in January and lasts till february which is a perfect time for solo travelers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy their journey in solitude. So it is important to choose the traveling time according to your comfort.

Nagarkot is famous for its short hike filled with temples, monasteries, and the majestic view of the early sunrise, surrounded by mountains and the Himalayas region. So you must stay a night in Nagarkot and wake up early in the morning to enjoy the breathtaking view as the rays of the sun slowly fall, revealing the mountains and forest filled with different colors.

Make sure to carry cash, as the ATMs are not available in Nagarkot, so you have to carry enough Nepali rupees you might need for your journey. You can withdraw cash in Bhaktapur, and the facilities are like a foreign currency exchange service. Nagarkot does not involve any mountaineering experience, but you still need to purchase the proper travel insurance for your safety.

Bhaktapur to Nagarkot

Bhaktapur is located in the capital city of nepal kathmandu about 13 kilometers east. Bhaktapur is treated as one of the 3 royal cities of kathmandu valley alongside Kathmandu and Patan. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with temples, palaces, and old buildings reflecting the ancient architectural style ofthe  Newari Culture, all of them being well preserved.

The journey to Nagarkot starts from Bhaktapur, so many travellers stay a night at Bhaktapur and spend their day exploring the city filled with ancient history. Places like Durbar Square, 55 window palace, Golden Gate Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and many other infrastructures that tell the history of ancient Nepal, ruled by King Prithivi Narayan Shah.

What to pack for your Nagarkot travel?

The sudden change of climate and altitude can cause you to feel uncomfortable. The temperature can drop significantly, so it is important to pack warm clothes with all the other essentials like sun cream, moisturizer, and other things according to your needs. Most of the cheap hotels do not have room heating equipment, as it is located in a remote area, so you should travel being prepared.

The first aid kit with bandages antiboitics and medicine for your stomach and car sickness is important as you are traveling above 2,000 meters above sea level. The water purification capsule, as the food and water can lead to stomach pain and then diarrhea. So carry a first aid kit with important medicine to help you in your journey.

Why choose Access Nepal as your traveling Partner?

If you have completed reading the entire blog, what are you still waiting for?. Contact our “Access Nepal” team and book your trip today, and experience every part of the adventure waiting for you in Nagarkot. The local villages, mountains, a short hike to the Changu Narayan Temple, and Dhulikhel. We will provide you full package with a guide, food, transport, accomodation and all the logistical things.

Our company is legally registered with the government of Nepal. The entire team is friendly and will help you with all of your queries in a polite manner, making sure to plan the itinerary accordingly. So you can experience the most beautiful short adventure of Nepal, create beautiful memories with new people, and learn more about Nepal. So book your trip before it gets late, and you might end up regretting it

It may not be the farthest distance journey of nepal but it is one of those places that can change one night stay into three night stay. The perfect destination that provides the most thrilling and breathtaking adventure, from where you can enjoy mountains, forests, temples, and monasteries, from where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset views with a thrilling experience.

Which is the best season to travel to Nagarkot?

Autumn and Spring are the best seasons to travel to Nagarkot, which runs from October to December and March to May.

How far is Nagarkot from Kathmandu?

It is around 32 kilometers from kathamndu which takes 2 to 3 hours of ride depending on traffic conditions.

Can I visit Nagarkot during the monsoon?

Yes, you can travel to Nagarkot during moonsoon but the weather is not suitable for experiencing the adventure of that place.

Do I need to book hotels in advance?

If you are traveling solo in peak season, it is important to book the accommodation in advance, or you can hire an agency that will take care of all the logistical things.

Is Nagarkot and Bhaktapur combine travel is worth it?

Yes, Nagarkot and Bhaktapur combined travel is worth it because you can even enjoy the ancient city of Kathmandu along your journey.