Nagarkot – 1,5 day

Nagarkot is a village located 32km east of Kathmandu in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. Located at an elevation of 2195m it is considered one of the most scenic spots in this area. It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya including Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. It is an international tourist destination with spectacular views of the whole Langtang range, sunrise on the mountains and sunset views. The views go from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. On a clear day you can see Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha). You can also see Manaslu (8463m), Ganesh Himal (7111m) and Langtang (7246m). Many people go up to Nagarkot in the afternoon, stay in a hotel and then get up at dawn to see the Himalaya Mountains during the sunrise.

Between October and March a trip to Nagarkot will nearly always be rewarded with a great view, but you will be very lucky to catch more than a glimpse through the monsoon clouds between June and September. It can get very cold at Nagarkot in autumn and winter, so if you’re staying overnight come prepared with warm clothing.

Nagarkot is very much a one-night stand, and few visitors stay longer. The best way to leave the place is on foot. There are several nice walks to or from Nagarkot – some good trials are: down to Sankhi, Sundarijal, Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur, or to Banepa. Many people take a bus or taxi up to here and then walk down. You have to pass through Bhaktapur to get to Nagarkot, so you could go to Bhaktapur in the early afternoon and go to Nagarkot for the sunset or to stay overnight.