Witness the astonishing sunrise view from Nagarkot vantage point - 2174 meters over legendary mountains such as Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, and traverse through local villages while descending to the ancient oldest temple of Changunarayan. We offer this Nagarkot Sunrise Hike package customized for those bound by time but still craving to explore the diverse landscape and highlands.
Overview:
Nagarkot Day Hike is one of the most easily accessible short hikes near Kathmandu valley, which ascends to Nagarkot Hill Point that welcomes you with the golden panorama sunrise view after a scenic drive of 1.5 hours from Kathmandu (1360 meters). It tends to be the most loved gateway by individuals who have limited time here in the land of the Himalayas, or someone who wants to unlock their first ever outdoor trek, as it is safe with a well-maintained pathway and easy to complete, demanding only 4-5 hours of hiking.
Located just 32 km away from Kathmandu, this Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike doesn't demand any age limits or any prior experience, but offers the best excursion that passes by several mountain Tamang villages, small water streams, dense forest sections, and concludes with a descent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changunarayan Temple - meeting the famous Chisapani Nagarkot Trail. Hence, one can imagine how perfect an expedition it is, combining the cultural immersion, breathtaking mountain views, and a sense of adventure - all in 1 single go, that too in just one day.
This Nagarkot Sunrise Day Tour starts with a road drive from Kathmandu, The tour guide will come to pick you up at 4:30 AM, so we can reach there before the sun dawn. The driveway is fascinating in itself, as we navigate through the thriving city, which slowly turns into green alleys and landscape with a glimpse of local hamlets of several ethnic communities, mostly the Newar community. Through a 1-hour comfortable drive, the guide will provide you the detailed information and fun facts about each corner en route. Thus, along the gradual transition, you get to see the perspective of others, enriching the trip even more.
While reaching Nagarkot View Point (2174 meters), the first sunrise that slowly rises and reaches the tip of the legendary peaks looks beyond imagination, several mountains such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and other eight thousanders of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu, that stretches to even Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range make our Nagarkot Day Tour truly worth taking for. However, this is just the beginning; other rewards are just ahead of us, so brace yourself a bit, but firstly, immerse yourself in the heavenly beauty of Mother Nature.
Soon after, the first hike (walking trail) begins from Nagarkot to Chisapani, so, make yourself fully geared up and stretch a bit, following the diverse terrains, with the guidance of the tour guide feeling the crips of mountains, the soothing air coming out of the mountains, and fragrance coming out from the ancient villages, this few hours of hike is a odyssey to disconnect with stress and connect with Himalayan flora and fauna along the chirping sound of birds.
Our last destination is Changu Narayan Temple, which is listed as a UNESCO site and is also well-renowned among Hindus, as it is regarded as the oldest Hindu Temple of Nepal featuring old-aged cultures dating back 1500 years and ancient statues and architecture designed with metal, copper, and wood carvings. Here, if you have an hour, you can even try clay pottery, visit local shops to try the delicacies of Newar communities, and take a stroll around, as many temples are nearby. This Nagarkot Sunrise Hike concludes after we take a drive back to Kathmandu, retracing the same pathway.
We at Destination Himalaya Treks always look forward to making your journey more than just a destination, but filled with adventure insights, no matter whether it is a day hike, or long expedition, or even peak climbing, we seek to push you to attain the expedition with safety. From visualizing your manifestation to crafting your itinerary to ticking off your bucket list, we encourage you to make your way to the Himalayas and not be time-bound, that is why we've tailored this Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike, so you do not settle back due to ample of reasons. If you have any queries, then contact us anytime!
Highlights of Nagarkot Sunrise View and Changunarayan Hike
- Get a fascinating ride from Kathmandu to Nagarkot at 4:30 AM, and pass by rolling hills, bustling city alleys, several landscapes, and reach the top
- Stand at the Nagarkot Vantage Point (2174 meters) and gaze over some of the highest Himalayan peaks with surrounding green hills, and see the Kathmandu valley beneath from such great height
- Explore the lifestyle of Tamang locals engaging in terraced fields with agricultural farming and animal herding during a 4-5 hour hike from Nagarkot to Changunarayan, touching Bhaktapur District
- Immerse yourself in the dense pine woodlands that let you feel serenity at its finest, far away from noisy and busy scheduled life in the city - your time to connect with nature
- Visit the Changu Narayan Temple - the oldest Hindu temple, regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness the ancient architecture, sculptures, and wood carvings decorated with copper and metal reflecting the intellectual Nepalese architects back then
- Drive back to Kathmandu, creating great memories to cherish forever
What makes the Nagarkot Day Hike special?
There's simply no doubt that this small continent of Asia - Nepal holds in terms of diversity when it comes to either short treks, peak climbing, or fascinating river rafting, jungle safari, or just short hikes, it tends to boast every expedition that lies within this territory, after all thundering mountains and diverse landscapes reside here.
Hence, with many great options out there on Wikipedia, you might wonder why choose Nagarkot Sunrise Hike, that too located near the proximity area, being so close to the bustling city, does it offer the same crisp like treks do, or is it just a hike that only comprises of long walk within the forested section; well these kind of queries are expected when, we highly recommend Nagarkout Day Hike for those who are only craving to opt for few hours of hike of just 1 day.
While many hikers might have assumed that the Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike is an excursion in the terrain, it is more than that, and to specify some of the major highlights during this short hike near Kathmandu valley, here are the five major attractions that you get to witness throughout this 1-day hike that is clustered to make you clear about what to expect during this trek:
Experience the Thrill of Panorama Mountains
One of the most astonishing and highlighted sections about the Nagarkot Day Hike is the best mountain views that you get to encounter during this journey. Standing at the Nagarkot View Point (2175 meters), after a scenic road drive, the 360 degree panoramic views of the iconic Himalayan Range, such as Langtang Range, showcasing the highest massif - Langtang Lirung 7227 meters and Langtang Jugal, Ganesh Himal along with legendary eight thousandeers (over 8000 meters), Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga and Dhaulagiri surrounds you with it's impeccable unhindered vista.
Magical Golden Hour Sunrise
When it comes to the best viewpoint of Nepal, Nagarkot stands out being the number 1 sunrise vantage point, while reaching at top point. The first golden hour light hits the tip of more than 10 notable peaks that changing the white frosty peaks to the golden shade that seems like a complete magical world. Along with the mountains, the wide Kathmandu valley opens up underneath, fully surrounded by the green hills. It is the 1st section of the Nagarkot Sunrise Day Tour that means the hues of orange, pink, and gold over massive peaks welcome you and maybe push you to venture out on other thrilling adventures in Nepal that take you to the lap of these peaks.
A perfect gateway with the Family: Suitable for all ages and Newbies
If you are thinking about undertaking a short hike with family, solo, or if you are just a beginner who is looking forward to unlocking the first-hand experience of hiking, then, undoubtedly, this hike to Nagarkot fits perfectly for you. Even though it might sound like only a day hike, and not too far from the proximity of Kathmandu valley, it traverses through terraced fields, rice paddies, and local villages, pine forests, and mountain valleys, letting you find peace and connect with nature, being far away from scheduled life and traffic noisy polluted city.
The trails are well-marked and maintained with only a few ascents, without any steep and leg-trembling hikes, and get completed within 4-6 hours, where you can hike tension-free free enjoying nature with kids and loved ones- a perfect gateway to immerse in nature. And, if you are hiking solo, then you can connect in serenity and newbie, it's your time to get yourself introduced to the world of the Himalayas!
Visit to the Ancient Changu Narayan Temple
Changunarayan Temple is regarded as the oldest Hindu Temple in Nepal, which reflects the high cultural significance of Hinduism, and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site that features an ancient structure, made with a 2 story pagoda style. Dating back 1500 years, this Changu Narayan temple was destroyed 2 times, once by fire in 1702 AD, and later in 2015 by a massive earthquake; however, in 2017, this site was rebuilt, protecting the ancient style. During the hike down to Changunarayan, you might feel a bit daunted, but after paying a visit to this culturally affluent site, the sense of achievement you feel along the the enlightenment gives you a realm of peace and motivation to rebuild life, just like these historical site - a meaningful yet cultural immersion awaits you!
Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike Cost for 2025 and 2026
Our Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike cost starts from USD 30 and goes up to USD 130, the pricing varies depending on the number. of hikers that your group holds. For instance, if you are hiking with more than 13 hikers, then the cost falls to USD 30, to simplify, more maximum no. of people in the group is equal to the minimum price. Nonetheless, the standard Nagarkot Day Hike is USD 130, covering transportation facilities, an experienced tour guide, and entry fees. If you have more than 20 hikers in the group, please contact us for special discounts and other benefits.
Here is the detailed cost outline depending on the group, especially designed for 2025 and 2026:
| No. of hikers | Starting Price |
| 1-1 | USD 130 |
| 2-3 | USD 99 |
| 4-5 | USD 70 |
| 6-13 | USD 45 |
| 14-20 | USD 30 |
Why choose Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition?
Serving for more than 15 years, we at Destination Himalaya Treks carry great expertise in making your journey a hassle-free adventure, so you get to explore every corner from short hikes to great expeditions in the highlands. For the day hike, we provide an experienced licensed guide with English speaking fluency, who provides you with a first-hand excursion with great commentary explaining the important aspects of the particular area that we are hiking. Besides, they are medically equipped, hence, they always tend to assist you with great safety as well.
We don't charge anything extra; whatever you see, you get it. For more details, you can check our cost details mentioned above. Also, if you want to extend for more days, then you can opt for the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, which takes you to Sundarijal and meanders through several villages and ascends to Chisapani and Nagarkot, and descends to Changunarayan Temple via Jhor that completing within 3 days.
For a longer trip, you can consider hiking, Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Valley and Mardi Himal Trek after this short gets finished, which is beginner-friendly and budget-friendly as well. Besides, for more mountaineering treks, with ease, you can opt for the Everest View Trek. Whatever you choose, we promise to make your trip safe, successful, and meaningful at the same time. If you have any further queries, you can mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or just WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814.
Transportation Facilities for Nagarkot Sunrise Hike
There are several trailheads and transportation options to choose from to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu. Even though our package covers the private car tour for the Nagarkot Day Tour, we are also open to your choices and preferences, so your options aren't compromised. From basic to standard to luxury, we offer several transportation facilities catering to the demands of everyone.
Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Nagarkot
We offer, private car facility to drop you at the starting point of the trailhead - Nagarkot, where the tour guide with driver will come to pick you up early morning at 4:00 - 4:30 AM (before the sunrise, of course). Hence, the guide will provide some insights and details along the scenic drive. The car is well air-conditioned and well-maintained, with a comfortable drive of about 1.5 hours. It is included in our package, so you do not have to pay extra for this vehicle option.
Cycling or Hiking Option
If you are familiar with how to cycle, then you can choose to cycle to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu, where you have to pay extra to hire a professional cycle with equipped gears and helmets. Many individuals choose this option as well, but at your own risk, and if you are in the group, then it's better to go for the option, so you do not find any challenges in the main traffic congestion area, such as Koteswor, Bhaktapur Highway, especially while returning to Kathmandu valley.
Or else, instead of taking a drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, you can choose a ride to Changunarayan temple or Sundarijal, and start hiking toward Nagarkot, passing through a diverse landscape through Shivapuri National Park, but you need an additional 1 day to opt for this option to cover the hiking distance.
Luxury Option
We also offer a luxury vehicle option, where you can take a drive through premium options via Land Cruiser, 4WD Jeep, KIA Hiace, or Mahendra Scorpio, as the driving route to Nagarkot doesn't include rough terrains, this highly featured vehicle isn't required. However, if you want to feel relaxed, plush seating seats with air condition then, it is one of the feasible option but you must pay extra as it doesn't include in our package.
