Changunarayan Day Hike
Nagarkot Changunarayan Day Hike
Hike to Nagarkot and Changunarayan Temple

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

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Trip at a Glance

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking is the best hiking trail in Nepal, where you can explore cultural aspects with high mountain scenery. Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, is where Nagarkot hiking begins, and it's a quick and straightforward trip from there. Nagarkot, one of Nepal's most well-known mountain villages, is 32 kilometres northeast of the Kathmandu Valley. The sunsets and sunrises of Nagarkot are famed for their stunning panoramas of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna Range, the Ganesh Himal Range, the Gaurishanker Range, the Dorje Lakpa Range, the Phubi Chyachu Range, the Langtang Loren Range, and the Chobha Bamare Range.

The Nagarkot hiking trail via Sankhu is a relatively unexplored path that leads through attractive towns, verdant forests, and breathtaking vistas. The starting site, the historic town of Sankhu, is just a short drive from Kathmandu. The tour starts with a visit to the historic Vajrayogini Temple, a prominent Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destination that exemplifies Nepal's rich spiritual diversity.

An ancient and traditional Newar city in Kathmandu, Sankhu village (1500 m), is where you can view old wood-carved buildings, temples, and wooden old stone spring traps. Sankhu means Conch City. Visitors examine the sacred rivers Shalinadi, Madav Narayan, and Swasthani Mata Temple, which depict Satyayug history.

Changunarayan (a World Heritage Site) is the oldest Hindu god's temple, the Vishnu temple, built in the third century; it is decorated with some of the best stone, wood, and metal craft samples in the Kathmandu Valley. This UNESCO site is famous for its history and architecture from the ancient period.

What can you expect in Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking in Nepal?

  • Sunset and Sunrise Views with the Most Scenic Spot of the Himalayas Panorama, including Mt. Everest, Langtang, and Gauri Shankar
  • Enjoy walking through various villages and beautiful terrace landscapes.
  • Buddhist and Hindu Culture
  • Old Newari village, Sankhu, terraced field
  • Relish the Newar and Tamang communities' local culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
  • Visit Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Intricately carved wooden and stone sculptures
Itinerary

This is our standard and recommended Itinerary for Nagarkot Changu Narayan Hiking.

Trip PlanExpand all

After breakfast at the hotel, you drive to Sankhu by private car. It is an hour's drive from Kathmandu, 17 km northeast of Kathmandu.

After looking around the Sankhu, you hike through terraced paddy fields and pine forests to Kattike Deurali. After drinking and resting at Deurali, you walk to Nagarkot's final destination. After refreshments at the hotel, watch the incredible sunset. 

Meals: Lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Hotel

After watching the sunrise and breakfast at Nagarkot, you hike down to Telkot. During the walk through the local habitat, you can see domesticated animals like goats and water buffalo and local people making Raksi (Nepali moonshine) and rice beer.

It takes around two hours to Changunarayan through village and forest. After looking around Changunarayan temple, you drive to Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
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FAQs

Trekking from Sankhu to Nagarkot is moderately challenging. Due to the easy terrain and low danger of injury, this hike is perfect for everyone. Only mild walking and beginner-level hiking will be involved.

Any time of the year is ideal for a Sankhu Nagarkot Changunaraayan trip. However, we advise going on hikes in the spring and fall.

Absolutely, Nagarkot is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas. Waking up early to witness this natural spectacle is a highlight of the trek.

Yes, you can do this trek independently if you're comfortable navigating trails and arranging your accommodations. However, having a guide can enhance your experience, especially if you're interested in cultural insights.

Local Government permits are required for the Nagarkot Hike and Changunarayan Temple.

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