Overview
If you’re in Kathmandu and looking for a short hiking experience to get your legs stretched while getting to see excellent views of the Himalayas including the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lantang, Manaslu, Jugal, and Rolwaling mountain ranges, then Nagarkot hike is definitely the experience you are looking for.
Nagarkot boasts an almost 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas and the valleys from its view tower and is a local favorite for a day of rejuvenation. The Hill of Nagarkot lies at around 2000m altitude and is a famous hill station with numerous exciting options for exploration. Starting from Sankhu we pass through several Tamang villages on the trail which gives us ample opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the people of the mid-hills of Nepal.
There lies a temple dedicated to the deity Vajrayogini at Sankhu. A holy book that was found a long time ago said that the temple was built on a forked piece of stone that spewed fire. When the rest of the world was covered in snow, this was a big deal. Soon after, a five-colored flame appeared, which became known as the volcanic goddess. The goddess told people to build a temple where she came out of the ground. Priests have been using the nine caves around the temple for hundreds of years to serve the temple.
In the main town of Nagarkot itself, numerous lodges and hotels are built where most Nepalese stay overnight in order to experience the beautiful sunrise on the mountains that can be seen from here. Clouds can be seen moving smoothly across the hill and during the spring and summer seasons it becomes a cloud watchers paradise. The people of Kathmandu are seen to come to Nagarkot in order to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here you can have lunch and tea amid wonderful views of the nearby hills and Himalayas.
A slight walk from Nagarkot lies the village of Changu Narayana where a temple of the same name exists. Changu Narayan Temple is placed at the top of hills surrounded by a forest of Champak trees. People from the Brahman, Chhetri, Tamang, Newar, and other communities live in and around the Changu Narayan area. This large temple and the complex surrounding it is thought to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The oldest inscriptions found in the area date back to the 5th century during the rule of the Licchavi King Manadeva. Legend talks of a spirit living in a tree who would drink milk from the cows that used to graze in the fields. The local brahmin then cut down the tree and the curse placed on the spirit was broken and the spirit was revealed to be lord Vishnu. From that point on a shrine existed in the area which was later expanded to a large temple complex.
In addition to the temple, Changu Narayan also features a private museum that may be visited on the way there. The proprietor of the museum claims that it is the first private museum in Nepal and that it houses a collection of ancient coins, tools, arts, and architectural artifacts. Changunarayan will be the pickup point from where you will be driven back to Kathmandu where the hike ends.
If you’re looking for a short but sweet hike around Kathmandu, this is definitely the hike to take!
Best Season for Nagarkot Day Hiking
The finest times to hike to Nagarkot are in the spring and October (March-June and September-November). At this time of year, the clear skies and fresh air make for a great setting for enjoying the Himalayas. In the spring, the hills are alive with beautiful fauna and rich greenery, while the skies are clearest in the fall. You might see a monkey or a rooster in the wild, and if you're really lucky, a leopard or a sloth bear. Monsoon season (July-August) is when clouds and rain obscure visibility from the hilltop. If you're searching for a soothing outdoor pastime, though, monsoon can be a good time if the weather is clear for the day...
Why "Nagarkot Day Hiking" with Nepal Best Trekking Agency?
Accessible Adventures has been a reputable tour operator providing treks and excursions in the Everest area for more than 10 years. We are dependable and will meet all of your requirements. In addition, we have a hotel in Kathmandu where we can give you accommodations that are specifically catered to your need.
Our tour guides have successfully completed a variety of training programs, during which time they practice and prepare for the journey while keeping track of the local topography and routes. We have been able to customize excursions and make the vacation feel more warm and private thanks to our personal experiences in many areas. We provide the best professional services while treating every single one of our customers like family.
