Home » Short Treks in Nepal » Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike Trip Fact

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    Trip Style : Tour and Hiking
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    Trip Difficulty : Leisurely Plus
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    Trip Guide : Guided Tour
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    Destination : Nagarkot, Nepal
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    Max Altitude : 2100 Meters - 6,889 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : 4 to 5 Hours Walking
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    Accomodation: Hotel, Guesthouse
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
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    Start-End : Kathmandu - Kathmandu
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    Transport : Car, Van, Jeep, Bus
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    Best Season : Good for All Season

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike Overview

Nagarkot Changunarayan hike is a brilliant short trek on the outskirt of Kathmandu Valley. If you wish to do a short holiday trip to Nepal then this hiking trip is the best option to explore the beauty of Nepal. It is amazing to see how the villages along the trail still exhibit the countryside lifestyle of Nepal even though it is so close to the city. The best of all is the Himalayas in the backdrop of all these natural settings.

Nagarkot Hill town, at an altitude of 2,100 meters is the popular hill station in the suburb of Kathmandu Valley. It is 35 km away from the capital city of Kathmandu. The sunrise and sunset view from Nagarkot is magnificent. You can plan a night’s halt in Nagarkot. On the way back, explore Bhaktapur, the medieval city and one of the 7 world heritage sites is on the way. Here you can discover the Newari architecture, culture, and lifestyle wandering through the maze-like alleyways of Bhaktapur. This is known as a living museum as it still exhibits the medieval look and lifestyle of the people.

The majority of the people are a farmer and the city is self-sufficient. You can see old women weaving their traditional textiles, pottery, handmade paper production, wood carving, Thanka Painting, and metal sculpting. There are hundreds of monumental buildings around Bhaktapur. Some of them are rented with latticed windows and balconies looking at historical buildings or the tallest temple.

Changunarayan Temple is the oldest pagoda-style temple in Nepal. It is believed that the area hosted an early settlement when Kathmandu Valley was a lake. On the premises of the temple exists fine stone sculptures, all over 1,000 years old. These idols are masterpieces of stone sculptures and are praised by experts from all over the world. This is also known as an open museum. The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Bishnu and is a perfect example of a Nepalese Pagoda Style temple. The site is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Accommodation during the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking package includes 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star standard hotel on the bed and breakfast basis. Accommodation in Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels and resorts, especially in Thamel known as a best touristic hub, there are many hotels, guesthouses, lodges, and resorts are available. Please let us know if you want to upgrade your accommodation in Kathmandu.

During the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike, we will provide the best available lodges on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). On the first day of our hike, we will stay in the famous Nagarkot village. This village has many up to the mark hotels, resorts and guesthouses with great facilities including cozy rooms with attached bathrooms, Internet Wi-Fi, comfortable beds with neat and clean bedsheets and warm blankets.  The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The next day, we will hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan temple and drive back to Kathmandu and stay overnight at the same hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals and Drinking Water

In Kathmandu, the hiking package is based on a bed and breakfast. You can enjoy every day’s breakfast at the hotel any time from 6:30 AM to 10 AM. Two bottles of complimentary mineral water is provided in your room. During the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike, the package includes meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and lodge accommodation. Meals during the hike will be mostly the authentic Nepalese dishes like rice, curry, lentil, vegetable, spicy pickles, curd, plain chapatti and etc.

Other cuisines like continental, Tibetan and Indian are also available. These meals will be served as per the menu of the lodge. Besides that, you can buy bars, bread, cookies, and hot chocolates, extra on the trail on your own. In Kathmandu, we will offer a farewell dinner at the end of the trip to celebrate the grand success of your great journey.

Regarding the drinking water, the hotel in Kathmandu provides 2 liters of mineral water everyday basis which is included in the package. During the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike, drinking water can be easily found everywhere, every next hour you can buy pure and safe drinking water from the local teashops. Also, you can get hot water from the lodge and fill in your bottle every time it gets empty. So, do carry a reusable water bottle with yourself. We request you not to buy mineral water bottles (plastic) on the way as it will help in preserving the nature of this beautiful region. Moreover, you can also carry water purifier tablets or SteriPen with you to purify the water.

Difficulty and Physical Fitness

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike is a short and easy hike in Nepal. We have organized Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike for the people of varied age differences. Even though it is a short and easy trek, you are required to be in good shape and with professional guidance by our crew, anyone with a reasonably fit health will be able to enjoy Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. Previous trekking or hiking experience is not required for this hike.

Best Season for the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike

Autumn (from September to November) and spring (from mid-March to mid-May) are the best seasons to go on Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike. During these seasons, the weather will be warm and clear with spectacular views. If you want to avoid the rush time and crowds then winter (December to February) will be an ideal time to go on this trek. Monsoon season (June to Aug) makes everything unclear and slippery.

How much luggage can I take during the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike?

Since the hike is quite easy and short, it is not necessary to bring a lot of things for this hike and since the lodges in Nagarkot provide good rooms with warm enough blankets, it is not necessary to bring a sleeping bag. The weight limit for your hiking luggage is 10 kg per trekker, if you are two trekkers there will be one porter from our company and our porter will carry both of your luggage that should be 20kg max. You can carry your day-pack on your own, that should be around 5 kg. On your day-pack please only carry what are essentials for the hike such as camera, water bottles, and other valuable belongings.

You can leave your unnecessary stuff either at your hotel in Kathmandu or at the Alpine Eco Trek store for free and it will be completely safe. Our leader will recheck everything (Luggage, equipment, etc.) in our briefing time one day before the trip departure.

Gears for the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike

This is one of the easiest, comfortable and shortest hikes in Nepal, also the nearest destination from the capital city (Kathmandu) so that you do not need any special gears for this hike. We, Alpine Eco Trek recommend you to bring a pair of walking shoes (sports will be fine), trousers, socks, one warm jacket, t-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt, Sunscreen, small backpack, torch (flashlight), Camera, memory card and battery charger( spare batteries) and one quick-drying towel.

How to book or enquire about this trip?

For INSTANT BOOKING or QUICK ENQUIRY, please call us now at +977 9851036844 (Ram Kumar) 24 hours available on WhatsApp WeChat, Viber or send us an email at[email protected] for the best quote and detailed itinerary.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the brilliant hike nearby Kathmandu valley
  • Witness the magnificent sunrise and sunset view from Nagarkot view tower
  • Visit Changunarayan Temple, one the oldest pagoda style temples in Nepal
  • Explore Bhaktapur, the medieval city
  • Enjoy the typical villages, Newari architecture, culture, and lifestyle.

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you may have some excellent views of snowy Himalayan peaks. After arrival and customs clearance you’ll be met by one of our tour coordinators and transferred to your hotel. overnight at the hotel. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: Breakfast
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu

Morning breakfast at the hotel; enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city. This entire royal palace complex is filled with historical monuments. See the stone statue of Hanuman and the palace’s golden gate. Visit the Taleju temple, at 36.6 meters high, the temple to Lord Krishna, built in the 17th century, and the Jagannath temple, famous for its erotic art. The Swayambhu Nath stupa is situated on a hill, and from this point you’ll have incredible views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range. Visit the Pashupatinath temple, an important Hindu shrine. You’ll also stop at the Bouddhanath stupa, the largest in South Asia. Overnight at the hotel. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: Breakfast
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu

Morning drive from Kathmandu to Sankhu takes approximately one hour and trek from Sankhu to Nagarkot takes about three and half hours. Overnight stay at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Nagarkot

Morning breakfast at the hotel, we start trekking from Nagarkot to Changunarayan takes approximately three and a half hours and drive from Changunarayan to Kathmandu takes about one and a half hours. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changunarayan-with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Changunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley. It is said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the valley. After excursion in and around Changunarayan, you board the vehicle to get back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: Breakfast
  • itinery-iconPlace: Changunarayan

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

  • small-thumbnails Pick up and drops by private coach.
  • small-thumbnails Standard accommodation in Kathmandu on a breakfast basis.
  • small-thumbnails While trekking guest houses/mountain lodges with Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee etc.
  • small-thumbnails An English speaking guide for your whole trip.
  • small-thumbnails All activities as per above program.
  • small-thumbnails All tour permits and entry fees.
  • small-thumbnails All surface Transportation whole trip.
  • small-thumbnails Your travel insurance.
  • small-thumbnails Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  • small-thumbnails Personal clothing and equipment.
  • small-thumbnails Tips for guide and driver. (Tipping is expected).

Useful Information

The hike begins from Sankhu to Nagarkot and to Changu Narayan temple through charming villages, evergreen hills, and refreshing farmlands with the views of breathtaking landscapes and valley of Kathmandu.

Nagarkot, a hill station at an elevation of 2100m provides striking Himalayan panorama and stunningly beautiful landscapes.  One of the major highlights of Nagarkot is the grand sunrise view from Nagarkot view tower.

The ancient Hindu temple,  Changu Narayan is situated in Bhaktapur, province No.3 of Nepal. This temple is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims. It covers a total area of 62.98 km square. Changu Narayan temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple was listed in the world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. The temple was built by Mandev Lichaibi. It is a place rich in gorgeous stone, metal and wood inscription.

Extra Personal Expenses on Hiking

In Kathmandu, accommodation and breakfast are included in the package. To buy drinks, lunches, and dinners in Kathmandu and snacks, hot and cold drinks during the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike and tipping your guide and porter it would be wise to bring some extra money (in local currency) which you can exchange in Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa

USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days.
USD 50 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days.
USD 125 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 100 days.
Regardless of the provision stated in 1(a) and 1(b), travelers with a passport from South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations is not required to pay the visa fee for 30 days. However, Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter into Nepal. More information for Nepal Visa.

Price for the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike?

For the up-to-date and competitive pricing for the Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike, please contact us, we have an attractive discount for a small group of family traveling with senior citizens and kids.

startingicon Starting From:

US$ 350 pp
We offer Group Discount
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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 26, 2022

Amazing hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple

  • Jiff B3
    Australia
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Ram Kumar Adhikari

Manager/Owner
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Sangita Adhikari

Management Head
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Ram Gopal Adhikari

Trip Co-ordinator
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