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Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike with details itinerary with price

  • Duration 1
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Tea House
  • Accommodation
  • Max. Altitude 2175
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 1+
  • Best Season Oct-April.
Highlights

1. Spectacular Views of the Himalayas
Mountain Vistas:
The hike begins from Nagarkot, one of the best places near Kathmandu to view the Himalayas. You can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks such as Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu on clear days.
The early morning views from Nagarkot are especially beautiful if you start the hike at sunrise.
2. Peaceful Countryside and Lush Terrains
Scenic Beauty:
The trail winds through picturesque rural landscapes, offering panoramic views of terraced fields, forests, and small farming villages. The natural beauty of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds as you descend from Nagarkot.
In spring, the area is covered with blooming rhododendrons, making it even more stunning.
3. Cultural Exploration of Local Villages
Traditional Villages:
The hike passes through villages such as Sundarijal and Telkot, where you can witness the traditional Newar and Tamang lifestyles.
You’ll have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and learn about their daily lives, agricultural practices, and cultural heritage.
4. Changunarayan Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Ancient Temples and Heritage:
The hike ends at Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be over 1,500 years old.
Changunarayan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a rich history, with ancient inscriptions and beautiful architecture to explore.
The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and offers excellent views of the Kathmandu Valley.
5. Religious and Spiritual Significance
Spiritual Atmosphere:
Changunarayan is an important religious site, attracting both locals and pilgrims. The peaceful atmosphere and sacred setting make it a serene destination for reflection and relaxation.
The temple is known for its stone carvings, sculptures, and wooden carvings, which depict various Hindu deities.
6. Easy Accessibility and Moderate Difficulty
Hike Duration and Difficulty:
The hike is approximately 5–6 hours and is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for most hikers. The trail is well-maintained, and the gradual descent makes it comfortable for people of all fitness levels.
The total distance is around 12–14 kilometers, and the elevation changes are manageable, with Nagarkot sitting at about 2,000 meters and Changunarayan at around 1,500 meters.
Typical Itinerary for Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike
Morning:

Start early from Nagarkot to catch the sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
After sunrise, begin the hike towards Changunarayan through small villages, terraced fields, and lush forests.
Take breaks to enjoy the views and observe local life along the way.
Midday:

Stop at a local tea house or village to enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch, perhaps dal bhat (lentils and rice) or momo (dumplings).
Continue hiking, passing through peaceful farmland and serene landscapes.
Afternoon:

Reach Changunarayan Temple in the afternoon. Explore the temple and the surrounding area, learning about its cultural significance and historical importance.
Enjoy some downtime at the temple, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.
Late Afternoon:

After the visit to Changunarayan, you can either take a vehicle back to Kathmandu or explore more of the area before heading back.
Return to Kathmandu by private vehicle or local transport.
Best Time for the Hike
Spring (March–May):

Spring is a wonderful time to visit as the rhododendrons and other flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is clear and mild.
Autumn (September–November):

Autumn is the best time for clear skies and crisp weather, with excellent visibility of the mountains and perfect hiking conditions.
Winter (December–February):

Though the weather is cooler, winter offers fewer tourists and crisp mountain views. However, it can be cold, so it’s important to dress warmly.
Summer (June–August):

The monsoon season can bring rain and muddy trails, making it less ideal for hiking. However, the landscapes are lush and green.
Why Take This Hike?
Short and Rewarding:

It’s a perfect day trip from Kathmandu, allowing you to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage in one hike.
Escape the City:

This hike offers an escape from the crowded city and provides a peaceful retreat into nature with refreshing mountain views and serene surroundings.
Cultural and Spiritual Insights:

Explore an ancient temple and learn about Nepal’s religious and cultural history at Changunarayan.
Moderate Difficulty:

It’s suitable for people of varying fitness levels and requires no previous trekking experience.
Inclusions in a Typical Package
Private Transportation:
Round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and back from Changunarayan.
Guide:
A professional trekking guide with knowledge of the region and its history.
Meals:
Lunch at a local village teahouse and snacks during the hike.
Entrance Fees:
Entry to Changunarayan Temple and any other relevant sites.
Permits:
Required permits for the hike.

Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike with details itinerary with price Overview

Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike is a travel expedition that takes place in most popular hill station of Kathmandu known as Nagarkot. This hiking adventure incorporates the most mainstream travel activities like Himalayan perspectives views, pine woodlands, on site experience with traditional local villages, porches with the legendary run of the mill Newari Villages, customary  ethnic society, flourishing  green valleys and so forth. Nagarkot day hiking proposes one of a kind travel adventure to investigate the marvels of nature of provincial Nepal along with the spectacular grandness and magnificence of the sensational mountain ranges.

Nagarkot day hiking starts from Kathmandu Valley during which the travelers experience a lavish scene of mountain region and portico of traditional villages and flora. Travelers will stroll to the town of Nagarkot, a remote retreat arranged at 2,164 meters above ocean level. During the trip travelers will appreciate a wonderful scene of the eastern Himalayas incorporated of 5 of the world’s most noteworthy Himalayan crests; Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho O Yu, Makalu, and Manaslu. After a relaxed breakfast in the Nagarkot, the travelers can trek down to the old Hindu sanctuary of Changu Narayan where they can appreciate the Nepal’s oldest engraving artifacts. These ancient heritages give the glimpse of 1,600 years aged Nepalese craftsmanship in the sanctuary complex.

Nagarkot day hiking  ( Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike )is one of the greatest day treks around Kathmandu valley where the travelers escape from the crowd of Kathmandu valley. We reach Nagarkot after a wonderful travel of 1 ½ hours from the streets of Kathmandu going through ancient city of Bhaktapur, rich green vegetation and army camp. The sunrise and sunset view from the peak of Nagarkot hill in the background of Himalayan range is magnificent. There is an appreciating view of the terraced farmlands and rice fields along the trail that still displays the traditional Nepal way of life despite the fact that it is very much near to urban localization. On the first part of course the travelers encounter the society & way of life of the local individuals on the trail. Second part of the trekking is more normal as travelers are going through deciduous woodland of diverse vegetation & flora. Travelers need to climb the initial 20 minutes and rest 2 hours trekking of field and road trail. The best of all is the views of encompassing scenery of lush mountains in its untamed shape and diverse natural vegetation with climate.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all +

After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, we drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot (2100m), stroll around for half an hour. Walk down to the start point of the hiking.
 
After an easy hike for 4 hours crossing local settlements, majestic Himalaya, flora & fauna, we reach Changunarayan, the end point of our hiking.
 
Lunch at Changunarayan. After lunch drive from Changu Narayan to Kathmandu. Nepal Guide info organized hotel in Kathmandu

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Cost Includes
  • Kathmandu to Nagarkot and Changunarayan to Kathmandu transportation
  • Expert English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off service
Cost Excludes
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa
  • Tips
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from beginning March to May and from frist -September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
We offer group price
   
1 Pax pax $97
2 to 3 Pax pax $70
4 to 6 Pax pax $60
7 to 13 Pax pax $50
14 to 20 Pax pax $40
Total Price USD$97
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FAQs

  • The hike is approximately 12-14 kilometers long, depending on the specific route taken and any detours.

  • The hike is considered moderately challenging. There are some steep uphill and downhill sections, as well as uneven terrain. However, it is manageable for most people with a moderate level of fitness.

  • The hike typically takes around 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and how many breaks you take along the way.

      • The best time to do the hike is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rain and slippery trails.

     

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