Nagarkot stands as the premier tourist destination in Kathmandu Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Great Himalayan ranges and stunning sunrise and sunset panoramas. It is one of the most convenient and accessible ways to admire the majestic mountains from Kathmandu. Visitors can choose from various activities, such as sunrise and sunset tours, hiking, and short treks, based on their preferences. The Nagarkot Sunrise Tour is particularly popular among tourists with limited time for adventure, providing an opportunity to witness the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest, without the need for extensive hiking or trekking. Located on the eastern ridge of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot sits at an elevation of 2170m above sea level, approximately 32 km from the heart of Kathmandu in Bhaktapur District. This iconic landmark never fails to mesmerize tourists with its stunning views of sunrise and sunset over the magnificent Himalayas, offering one of the closest vantage points to Mt. Everest from Kathmandu.
Highlights:
- Discover Nagarkot from Kathmandu via Bhaktapur prior to daybreak
- Witness the radiant sunrise from the summit of Nagarkot Hilltop (2175m)
- Capture the stunning sunrise vista of the 8th Himalayan range among the 14 ranges in the country
- Return to Telkot and embark on a hike to Changunyatan Temple, one of Kathmandu's oldest temples
- Following the exploration of Changunaraya, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and visit the palace museum's monument sites
- Drive back to Kathmandu after the Bhaktapur visit
Nepal, home to the majestic Himalayas, boasts stunning natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, rich culture, traditions, and fine arts. These unique characteristics of Nepal draw in numerous tourists year-round seeking to immerse themselves in its beauty. A six-hour sightseeing excursion to Nagarkot offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Nagarkot is renowned for its captivating sunrise and sunset views, best observed from the hilltop view tower at an elevation of 2175m. From this vantage point, visitors can marvel at breathtaking panoramas of eight Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Number, Mahalangur, Jugal, and Rolwaling. Additionally, one can enjoy sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park. The tour includes a stop at Hotel Himalayan Villa for breakfast, followed by a leisurely hike or a visit to Bhaktapur, depending on the chosen itinerary.
Renowned as the gem of Bhaktapur, Changunaryan showcases timeless heritage adorned with exquisite artwork crafted from metal, wood, and stone, all dating back to the 5th century. Regardless of their origins, visitors are consistently captivated by the ancient architecture and masterful fine arts on display. The Chhinnamasta Temple, Khileshower Mahadev Temple, Bishu Temple, Statue of Manadeva, and numerous goddesses serve as major attractions. Furthermore, embarking on a Sunrise tour alongside exploring Bhaktapur adds an extraordinary touch to the experience, as these are among the most frequented destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. While Nagarkot is renowned for its panoramic views and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan ranges at dawn and sunset, Bhaktapur offers an exceptional blend of tradition, art, architecture, and ancient civilization. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient city of fine arts, is akin to a museum showcasing medieval art and architecture, featuring an array of exemplary sculptures, intricate woodcarvings, and grand pagoda temples dedicated to various deities.
The Durbar square complex in Kathmandu Valley is a captivating architectural landmark, boasting a unique collection of temples made from wood and brick. These temples, adorned with pagodas and Shikhar-style structures, surround the fifty-five-window palace, creating a visually stunning sight. Adding to its allure, the Durbar complex features a statue of King Bhupatindra Malla atop a single upright stone column. Other notable attractions within the complex include the Golden Gate, Lion's Gate, Mini Pashupatinath Temple, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple (the tallest temple in Nepal), and Bhairava Nath Temple. Additionally, Changunayan, another iconic Newari town, offers a mesmerizing temple complex with exquisite art and architecture. The oldest temple in Changunayan is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To reach Changunayan, you can either take a 30-minute car ride or embark on a scenic 3-hour hike from Nagarkot. After your visit, you can conveniently return to your location in Kathmandu.