Nagarkot Sunrise/Sunset Tour

Changunarayan-Nagarkot Hiking Tour is for a rewarding hiking day trip through serene and cool Shivapuri National Park to the hillside of popular viewpoint Nagarkot. It is also for astonishing sunrise and sunset views with marvelous mountain summits including Langtang Himalayan Range, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu and most importantly, Mt. Everest, the tallest of the world. 

Besides, in Nagarkot Day Hiking, the hikers can truly experience the rural life, wild nature, local cuisines and very refreshing hiking/workout away from hectic Kathmandu life. The best way to escape suffocated and smoky Kahtmand is Nagarkot Day Hike from Changunarayan. The hiking is total for 3-4 hours. 

• You will have a private transportation from the hotel your stay in Kathmandu to Changunarayan and back to the hotel in Kathmandu from Nagarkot 
• Enjoy the day Changunarayan-Nagarkot Hiking with a profession tour/trekking guide with lots of information 
• The guide will speak your language perfectly during the day hike near Kathmandu 
• The best hiking day trip around Kathmandu valley 
• Finest sunrise and sunset views from Nagarkot 
• Marvelous, wider and comprehensive mountain views from Nagarkot Hillside/ Nagarkot Viewpoint ( 2175m)  
• 3-4 hours hiking through deep woods, natural waterfalls and local villages 
• Can capture entire Kathmandu Valley including Bhaktapur walking alongside of Kathmandu city 
• Safety and Excitement is prioritized 
• Personal care and flexibility 
• Stay overnight at hotel in Nagarkot with starry night and mountain views 
• Breathe a cool and refreshing air in Nagarkot Hillside
• Enjoy witnessing spectacular flowering rhododendron if you go in Spring ( Mar-May) 

The best time of the year to visit Nagarkot for sunrise and sunset views is between October and April. These months of the year are the months of Spring, Winter and Autumn. During this period, the skies are generally clear, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayan ranges and the sun's glow. Winter months (December to February) provide the most stunning views due to low humidity and the clear atmosphere. Early autumn (September to November) is also ideal, as the monsoon season ends, leaving the air crisp and fresh. Although temperatures can be chilly in the mornings and evenings during these months, the panoramic views of Mount Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and other spectacular Himalayan peaks make it worthwhile. While summer and monsoon months (May to August) bring lush greenery, they also come with cloud cover and occasional rain, which may obscure sunrise and sunset views. 

Most importantly, thousands of people flock to Nagarkot hill in the months of March and April as they can enjoy spectacular seven colors rhododendron flowering fully covering the entire Nagarkot Hillside and Nagarkot Viewpoint. Also, during the winter months like in Jan and Feb, people can enjoy playing with fresh snow fall with breathtaking mountain views including the top of the world, Mt. Everest. And, even in rainy, one can enjoy the walks into the rain and listen to melodious rainfall spattering onto the roofs of the hotels and local lodges in Nagarkot. 

Despite this, each season has its own unique charm, and even in less favorable weather, Nagarkot’s peaceful ambiance and surrounding natural beauty offer an unforgettable experience.

Nagarkot is located about 29 kilometers from Kathmandu, and the journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most convenient way to reach Nagarkot is by private vehicle, taxi, or tourist bus. Private tours and hotels often arrange transportation for guests, offering flexibility in timing and stops along the way. Public buses are available from Bhaktapur, but they may take longer and are often more crowded. The road to Nagarkot is winding and can be bumpy in certain sections, particularly during the monsoon season. However, the scenic journey offers picturesque views of terraced fields, local villages, and distant mountain peaks. If you prefer a more adventurous approach, cycling to Nagarkot from Kathmandu is an option, though it requires good stamina and experience due to the steep inclines and rugged paths. Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey itself adds to the overall experience of the tour.

There is another rewarding way to get Nagarkot is Day Hiking or Trekking. If you choose to do Day Hiking from Kahtmandu, you can begin it from Changunarayan and it takes 3 hours to get Nagarkot Hillside. You can enjoy this Changunarayan- Nagarkot Day Hike via Shivapuri National Park. 

If you want a short trek near Kathmandu, then, you can go to Nagarkot via Sundarijal and Chisapani. The first day, you can trek to Chisapani via Sundarijal and Dhap Dam via Shivapuri National Park and the next day’s walk takes you to Nagarkot. Each day, one has to walk at least 5-6 hours. 

Packing for the Nagarkot Sunrise/Sunset Tour depends on the time of year, but a few essentials are necessary regardless of the season. Layers of warm clothing are recommended, especially in the early mornings and evenings when temperatures can drop significantly. Even during summer, the mornings can be chilly, so a jacket or sweater is useful. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly if you plan to hike to one of the view towers or explore the surrounding trails. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and moisture-wicking clothing are advisable. Don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views, as well as extra batteries or a power bank. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat will help protect you from the sun’s glare, especially during the day. Snacks, water, and a thermos with hot beverages can enhance the comfort of your trip, particularly if you arrive early or stay late for the best views.

If you are beginning this Nagarkot Sunrise Tour from Sundarijal via Chisapani, then, you require little more items to pack, but if you are directly driving in Nagarkot or choose to do Changunarayan –Nagarkot Day Hike, you just need to carry few items like multi layers jacket and just a couple of spare persona clothing with your gadgets like smart phones and cameras.

Yes, Nagarkot offers various activities besides the famous sunrise and sunset views. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with trails leading to nearby villages, temples, and viewpoints. The Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail is a favorite, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, valleys, and local landscapes alongside the Kathmandu valley ridge. 

Short trek / hike to Changunarayan Temple from Nagarkot , located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, is very popular among the trekkers who go to Nagarkot for sunrise and sunset. In a reverse way, you can begin this trip from Changunaryan and end in Nagarkot. You are recommended to begin this Nagarkot Sunrise Tour from Changunarayan and end in Nagarkot. You can stay overnight there and enjoy both sunrise and sunset with astonishing landscapes and mountain views including the top of the world. 

Cycling enthusiasts can explore the winding roads and rugged trails that surround the area. If you're interested in culture, visiting local villages gives insight into traditional Nepali life and offers opportunities to interact with friendly locals. Many tourists also enjoy birdwatching, as the area is rich in birdlife, especially during the migratory season. For those looking to unwind, Nagarkot is home to several resorts and hotels that offer yoga and wellness retreats. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy stargazing in the clear night sky and wake up to serene, misty mornings.

One can also have the experience of home stays in Nagarkot to learn and experience typical and authentic local lifestyle and local cuisines.

Also, if you are recommended to take a short hikes for 3-4 hours to Jhule Village, Katike Bhanjyang and to Nala, on the way to Dhulikhel if you love day tours and hike from Nagarkot. 

One can see stunning sunrise/sunset in Nagarkot from Nagarkot Viewpoint. Nagarkot Viewpoint is also known as Nagarkot View Tower. Actually, it takes around 30 minutes- 1 hour walk or drive (20 minutes) to get Nagarkot View Tower. Just below the view tower, there are some local shops which serve snacks, meals, tea, coffee and fruits to the visitors. You will climb few steps from the local shops to get the main viewpoint in Nagarkot hill which is encircled by deep woods mostly rhododendron, fir, pine and junipers. The Nagarkot View Tower is located at an elevation of 2164m above the sea level which feeds you breathtaking mountain ranges including Mt. Everest with dazzling sunrise/sunset.

You can begin an early walk to Nagarkot View Tower for sunrise and mountain panoramas. It is highly recommended to walk to Nagarkot View Tower than driving. You can enjoy at least one hour early morning hike through green forests and with refreshing cool breeze capturing fabulous mountain summits towards the north of Nagarkot.

It is not necessary to go to view tower if your hotel offers you to witness and enjoy the mountain views and sunrise from the rooftop terraces. It is because; you will have the same view even from the Nagarkot viewpoint.

Nagarkot View Tower is a bit difficult to climb, only those who are stronger and have stamina can climb it, otherwise, one can see the views from the base of the view tower. Alert: don’t try to climb the tower if don’t fee confident, if you do it forcefully, it may cause accident.