113 reviews
16 reviews
Changunarayan to Nagarkot hiking is a short and easily accessible walking trail in Kathmandu offering stunning view of Eight Himalayan Ranges including Langtang, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Rolwaling and even Mount Everest.
The Hike Begins from Changunarayan village, a historical site of Kathmandu Valley listed in UNESECO Heritage list, home to an ancient temple built during the lichhavi period. The Day hike to Nagarkot from Changunarayan provides an excellent opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Nepalese people.
As you hike through tranquil local villages, terraced farmlands, and pine forests, you’ll get a typical taste of traditional Nepalese rural life and the unique cultures of Newar, Tamang and Brahmin communities. The Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking route gradually ascends to Nagarkot(2175m), an ancient fort of Nepal Mandala and now it is popular for its panoramic Himalayan Sunrise and Sunset Views.
Highlights of Changunarayan to Nagarkot Day Hike
- Stunning Himalayan Views: Thrill the outstanding views of Eight Himalayan Ranges including Mount Everest (8848.86m)
- Changunarayan Temple (UNESCO Site): Explore the oldest temple in Kathmandu Valley dating back to Lichhavi Period, rich in art and History.
- Easy and Reachable Day Hike: Easy to medium trail condition for beginners, Families, or travelers looking for tranquil day escape in Kathmandu Valley
- Best way to See Mount Everest (8848.86m): If you have a day in kathmandu and limited budget, Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hike is the only one way to see Mount Everest.
- Typical Cultural Experience of Newar, Tamang and Brhamin Villages and their lifestyle.
- Scenic Countryside and Farmlands: Walk through fertile terraced field, pine forest and rural landscapes.
- Nagarkot View Tower: Exceptional view point near Kathmandu, offering 360-degree magical view with Himalaya.
- Perfect mixed of Nature and Heritage: Enjoy the sacred temple of Changunarayan to the magical vistas of Nagarkot.
- Short trip from Kathmandu: 15 km drive distance from Thamel to Hiking Starting point.
Why you should do Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking?
You should do Changunarayan to Nagarkot day hiking for magical Himalayan view, experiencing local culture and village lifestyle, and tranquil move from Kathmandu’s hustle into lush natural scenery.
Changunarayan to Nagarkot hiking is a blend of culture, Nature and History of Kathmandu Valley offering excellent view of Mt.Everest and other dozen’s mountain. It is one and only way to see Mount Everest on short and affordable cost while you are in Kathmandu. Not only to see Mount Everest, Changu Nagarkot trekking offers taste of real Nepal.
Trip Time Line of Changu Nagarkot Hiking
- 7:45 AM: Drive Towards Changunarayan Temple Via Puspalal Marg.
- 8:30 AM: Reached at Parking of Changunarayan Temple- then walk to Ancient Temple.
- 9:20 AM: Get Back to Car – then few minutes’ drives to hiking starting point.
- 9:25 AM: Begin your journey to see Mount Everest.
- 11:00AM: Reached Telkot – Take a Rest
- 12:20 PM: Reached at Shanti Danda (Peace Garden) – Lunch Break
- 1:15 PM: Continue the trek towards Nagarkot
- 2:30 PM: Reached Nagarkot Village
- 2:50 PM: Reached View Tower
- 3:30 PM: Start Journey Back Via Nagarkot Suspension Bridge and Bhaktapur
Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking Routes
Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking route includes drive and walking trails. Before start our walking, we drive approximately 40 minutes on the paved and unpaved road via Boudha. It is the shortest route to reach Changunarayan, our hiking starting point.
The Changu to Nagarkot hiking trail plan divided into different stages depend on road and trail conditions.
Stage 1: Thamel(1400m) to Changunarayan Temple(1541m)- 15 km/40minute Drive.
The stage one of Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking Route is a 15 KM road drive via Puspalal Marg. This part of route includes approximately 500 meter off road too. This 40-minute drive takes you Changunarayan located at altitude of 1600m.
Highlight of this Section
- Experience Nepal Road System- we have left hand drive
- You may wonder about wires hanged on the electric poles
- Farm land and river Valley
Explore the Changunarayan temple (3rd CAD) (it holds souvenir shop, Thanka Painting, Museum, Restaurant and guest house): This temple is assumed as the oldest temple of Kathmandu valley with huge collection of ancient statues. Most Notable image in Changunarayan temple arena is Sridhar Vishnu (9th CAD),Garunda Narayan (7th CAD), Stone Pillar(464AD),Visworupa (7th CAD), Bishnuvikrant(7th CAD).
This temple is one of the 7 UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley that listed in 1979 AD. Changunarayan temple is one of the major highlights of the Changu Nagarkot Day hike.
Stage 2: Changunarayan(1541m) to Telkot(1500m) /4km/ 1:30 hrs.
The second stage of Changunarayan to Nagarkot Hiking is easy part of the journey with 95% off road walk. Since, you hardly see car on the walking road and road passes through local village and pine forest, tranquility and joy of hiking still on. In the beginning you will walk on inclined road then flat. Before you reach telkot, you will get downhill trail.
Highlight of the sections
- Local typical houses and village
- Stunning View of Mount Dorje Lakpa and other surrounding Peak
- Scattered view of Kathmandu valley through pine forest
- Domestic animals – Buffalo, Cow, Goat, Chicken, Duck
- Pine Forest
- Wild Animals – Moneky, Wild Cat, Jackle, Deer (We can’t promise you to see on each hike)
- Medicinal Plant: Ageratina Adenophora, Common Mugwort, aleuritopteris anceps (Rani Sinka), Himalayan Ground Gooseberry, Himalayan Golden Raspberry and many mores
- Birds: Crow, Eagle, Red Vented Bul Bul,Common Myna,Cuckoos and many more
- Wild Flower and Fruits: Rhodendrone and Myrica Esculenta
Stage 3: Telkot(1500m) to Nagarkot Village(1900m)-6km/ 2.30 Hours
This stage of Nagarkot Day Hike includes stairs, natural trail, off road and paved road. The stairs start from Telkot but it is not too long. Approximately 15 minutes well managed staircase takes you Jwala Mai Temple. Then, the walk on the small inclined road till to Shanti Danda. Shanti Danda, is also a lunch spot for Changu- Nagarkot Hiking trail with beautiful garden.
After few minutes’ walk, you will find the paved road. It is flat and passes through local villages. 10-15 mintues walk on the paved road – trail again follow the offroad and gradual downhill before climb to Nagarkot Village.
Highlight of this Section
- Jwala mai Devi temple: This temple is just 15 minutes uphill walk from Telkot and it offers beautiful view of farm around. The Statue of Dattatraya is the most notable thing to see in this temple. Dattatraya is a one form of all three major god of hindu (Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva)
- Scenic view of Shanku Village
- Budha Peace Garden: Decorated with Prayer flag and have Shakyamuni Budhha’s statues
- Memorial stupa and shrine
- Brahmakumari Raj Yog: A worldwide spiritual movement led by women.
- Typical Loal Houses
- Local wine Factory
- Mountain View: Langtang, Dorjelakpa, Gyalchen Peak and many more
Stage 4: Nagarkot Village(1900m) to View Tower(2160m)- 4km/10 minutes
Once we reached Nagarkot Village, we will get our car to take us to View Tower. This part is totally paved road and inclined. Approximately 4 kilometers and 10-minute drive take you at Parking of View tower. This part of drive is narrow and it penetrates community forest.
From, Parking to view tower, it has short stairs- slowly 5 minutes takes you top of the hill.
Highlights of this Section
- Smooth and peaceful Drive
- Panoramic Himalayan View (Annapurna, Manalsu, Ganesh, Langtang, Rolwaling, Gaurishankar, Mahalangur Himalayan Ranges)
- Far View of Mount Everest on Clear Day
Stage 5: View Tower(2160m) to Thamel(1400m) via Bhaktapur (30km)- 1:30 Hrs. to 2 Hrs
Once you enjoy the view from Nagarkot View Tower, you will walk back to the Car then drive towards Kathmandu Via Nagarkot Suspension Bridge (Rani Jhula) and Bhaktapur. This section got 99% paved road and it may take 1:30 to 2 hours to reach Thamel.
Highlight of this Section
- Nagarkot Suspension Bridge (Rani Jhula) -250meters
Dipendra Simkhada
Kisan Adhikari