Trip duration: 1 Day
Grade: Soft
Starts & Ends in: Kathmandu
Transportation: Private car/coach
Maximum Altitude: 2100m
Hike Duration: Minimum 4-5 hours
Nagarkot – 7200 ft from sea level is the most popular hill station in around Kathmandu valley of Nepal for viewing the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located 32 km East of Kathmandu, just 1 hour of scenic drive away. The major Himalayan peaks seen from Nagarkot are Ganesh Himal (7405m), Langtang, Shisha Pangma (8013m), Gang Chenpo (6397m), Dome Blanc (6830m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m), Lonpo Gang (7083m) and Purbi Chyachu (6658m), Gauri Shankar and Mt. Everest in a far distance. The view of Sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot is simply magnificent in a clear day!
The hike from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur (Ancient town) via Changunararyan is pleasant. Changunararyan is the oldest Temple of Kathmandu valley dated back to 7th century and listed in the UNESCO world Heritage sites. The drive from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur turns northwest to Changunararyan temple. The road is 22 km. from Kathmandu. From Bhaktapur it is a steep drive about 4 km. The road is narrow all the way to the temple. You will gain height of 153 meter from the valley level. It was built in 323 AD by King Hari Dutta Varma. This temple is decorated with beautiful sculptures and woodcarvings. It is believed to be the oldest temple in the Kathmandu valley built during the times of Lichivi dynasty. The vantage point of the temple provides scenic landscape of the surrounding valley all around.
Kathmandu
3 Hours Before Flight Time
07:15 Drive to Changunararyan (UNESCO world heritage site) approx. 1 & ½ hrs.
09:30 Briefing about Changunararyan temple and free at your own leisure.
11:00 Start hiking via and ancient Newar town Changunararyan towards Nagarkot
15:00 Reach to Nagarkot strolling around from sometime,
16:00 Drive back to Kathmandu or if you like to stay at Nagarkot can stay there.