Nagarkot: A Paradise for Mountain Lovers in Nepal

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the sight of the majestic Himalayas from your hotel balcony? If yes, then Nagarkot is the perfect place for you. Nagarkot is a picturesque hill station in Nepal that offers one of the best views of the world’s highest mountain range. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing getaway, an adventurous trip, or a cultural experience, Nagarkot has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide for travelers who want to visit Nagarkot and enjoy its attractions.

How to Get to Nagarkot

Photo of Nagarkot 1/1 by — (c) Holidify.com

Nagarkot is located about 32 km east of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. There are several ways to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu or other nearby places, such as:

Bus: You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, which is a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Bhaktapur, you can take another bus to Nagarkot. The total journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 100 Nepalese rupees (about $0.8 USD).

Taxi: You can hire a taxi from Kathmandu to Nagarkot directly. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 3000 Nepalese rupees (about $25 USD). You can also negotiate the price with the driver and ask them to wait for you in Nagarkot if you want to return on the same day.

Car: You can rent a car from Kathmandu and drive to Nagarkot yourself. The road is well-paved and scenic, but it can be crowded and narrow at some places. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 4000 Nepalese rupees (about $33 USD) for a day rental.

Bike: You can also rent a bike from Kathmandu and ride to Nagarkot if you are feeling adventurous. The route is hilly and challenging, but it offers some amazing views of the countryside and the mountains. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 1000 Nepalese rupees (about $8 USD) for a day rental.

Where to Stay in Nagarkot

Nagarkot has a variety of accommodation options for different types of travelers, such as Club Himalaya Resort, Peaceful Cottage & Cafe du Mont, Hotel Mystic Mountain, Hotel Country Villa, Hotel Himalayan Villa, Nagarkot Sunshine Hotel and Hotel at the End of the Universe.

What to Do in Nagarkot

Nagarkot offers a range of activities and attractions for different types of travelers, such as:

1. Hiking

Nagarkot is a paradise for hikers who want to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Nepal. There are several hiking trails that start from or pass through Nagarkot, such as:

Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail: This trail is about 12 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete. It starts from the Nagarkot bus park and goes around the hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley, and the surrounding villages. The trail is easy and suitable for beginners.

Nagarkot-Changunarayan Hiking Trail: This trail is about 10 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It starts from the Nagarkot tower and goes downhill to Changunarayan, which is an ancient temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail is moderate and suitable for intermediate hikers.

Nagarkot-Dhulikhel Hiking Trail: This trail is about 16 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete. It starts from the Nagarkot tower and goes downhill to Dhulikhel, which is another scenic hill station in Nepal. The trail is challenging and suitable for experienced hikers.

2. Paragliding

Nagarkot is also an ideal place for paragliding enthusiasts who want to soar in the sky and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. There are several paragliding operators that offer tandem flights or solo flights for different levels of skills and experience. The paragliding season in Nagarkot is from October to April, when the weather is clear and stable. The paragliding cost in Nagarkot ranges from 8000 to 12000 Nepalese rupees (about $66 to $99 USD) per flight.

3. Sightseeing

Nagarkot is also a great place for sightseeing lovers who want to admire the beauty and culture of Nepal. There are several sightseeing spots that are worth visiting in or near Nagarkot, such as Nagarkot Tower, Buddha Peace Garden and Changu Narayan Temple.

When to Visit Nagarkot

The weather and climate in Nagarkot vary throughout the year and affect the visibility and accessibility of the Himalayan views and other attractions. The best time to visit Nagarkot depends on your preference and purpose. Here are some details about the different seasons and months to visit Nagarkot:

October-December: This is the best time for clear views of the Himalayas and colorful sunrises and sunsets. The sky is blue, the air is crisp, and the temperature is pleasant. This is also a good time for festivals such as Dashain (the biggest festival in Nepal) in October and Tihar (the festival of lights) in November.

March-April: This is the best time for blooming flowers and greenery. The hills are covered with rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids, and other wildflowers. The weather is warm, but not hot, and the temperature is comfortable. This is also a good time for festivals such as Holi (the festival of colors) in March and Bisket Jatra (the new year festival) in April.

May-September: This is the least favorable time due to monsoon rains and clouds. The visibility of the Himalayas is poor, the roads are muddy, and the temperature is humid. However, this is also a good time for discounts and fewer crowds. You can still enjoy some activities such as hiking or sightseeing if you are lucky enough to catch a clear day.

Nagarkot is a paradise for mountain lovers in Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, a variety of activities and attractions, and a rich culture and history. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous trip, or a cultural experience, Nagarkot has something for you.

Nagarkot Reviews

Neelam Sarda

33 Followers

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Nagarkot is a perfect honeymoon destination and the sunrise here is stunning. I always had a fantasy to wear chiffon saree in snow mountains and enjoy the typical Bollywood scene just like Anushka did in Ae Dil he Mushkil. And that’s what I did! I wore a lovely pink saree and became a muse to the photographers around. After the shoot, we went to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and tasted “jhu jhu dhau” which is a sweet yogurt. I loved it so much that we searched for the local distributor and bought another serving. Then I headed back to Kathmandu to visit the sacred place, Pashupatinath Temple, another highlight of my trip, as mentioned earlier of me being a Shiva Bhakt, and this temple is one of the four important temple for Shiva devotees in Asia. I preferred waiting for the Ganga Aarti and the Shiva Tandav on the banks of Bagmatiriver as that had such a great energy compared to the Casinos in Kathmandu. After that I bid adieu to my Mumbaikar friends that I made in Nepal and explored the rest by myself. Though I was tired, you know Kathmandu is famous for its night life and I just couldn’t stop myself from exploring it and went alone to the club which was one from the “things to do in life” bucket list. Though I was nervous I somehow managed to go and enjoyed the music concert by “Mr No Money Band” from Italy followed by commercial and Bollywood night. Being a professional dancer, I got a lot of attention and appreciation there

Amrita

1221 Followers

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The small Himalayan country Nepal is one of the most sought after destinations for mountain lovers. Kathmadu, being the capital, is the major entry point to Nepal. Of late, the city has become crowded and polluted with lots of vehicles and traffic jam all around the day. So if you want to chill out in nature and avoid the city, you can head straight towards Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a laidback and serene destination about 32 km from Kathmandu and has the reputation of being the best place to see the Himalayan ranges from the balcony of your hotel. Infact, most of the hotels in Nagarkot are lined along a ridge thus offering one of the best views of the Himalayan ranges like Annapurna, Manslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Everest and Numbur. What can be more rewarding than sitting in the balcony with a cup of steaming tea and looking out at the now clad Himalayan ranges? It is indeed a heaven at Nagarkot and its contrast from Kathmandu is palpable. You will understand this as soon as you start moving away from the city. The landscape changes dramatically, the concrete jungle giving way to green mountains and quaint villages. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to spend if you want to stay away from noise and crowd.

Sonal Agarwal

461 Followers

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Nagarkot is a secluded destination in Nepal. After 6 days of travelling and exploring, if you need a day for yourself just to relax in peace in the midst of nature, then this is the place just for you. There are several options for hotels or stays in Nagarkot. Enjoy the picturesque sunrise, sunset and the hills from your balcony and get ready to end your trip on a peaceful note. Seven days in Nepal is a perfect escape to the mountains. Rejuvenate yourself in the mystical surroundings of this beautiful country. Have you been to Nepal already? Then, share your experience with us over here. Subscribe to Tripoto's Youtube Channelfor more travel ideas. Book Nepal Tour PackagesFrequent Searches Leading To This Page:- Seven days in Nepal package, 6 nights 7 days nepal tour package, nepal tour package from Kathmandu, nepal tour package from birgunj

Rajat Chakraborty

1101 Followers

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Avoiding the traffic is not possible all the time. The vehicles struggle to pass through the narrow lanes, sometimes queuing up several hundred meters; yet they move impeccably without honking, despite the impatience that prevails. However, the people here have developed an amazing sense of civic duty and responsibility. I thought that once I am out of the city limits, the rules may not apply, as would have usually happened back home, but no. Hiking up the Nagarkot hills, we saw no one for miles while driving uphill. At the curves, I requested the driver to blow the horn to alert other drivers, yet, he hardly used the vehicle horns. No one would have climbed that far to penalize him, but that’s what civic responsibility is all about – why should one always need policing to follow civic responsibilities? Valor and Integrity

Tripoto

136.8k Followers

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For those who want to visit the picturesque village of Nagarkot, the wisest thing to do is to take the bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu and then rent a car/taxi from the capital for an hour's drive right up to Nagarkot. You would have to shell out Rs. 3000 for a private vehicle or you could perhaps take the cheaper but rather uncomfortable public bus. Of all the places to visit in Nepal, Nagarkot is the best for hiking.Amazing Things to Do in Nepal : Nagarkot 1. While there is no dearth of places to visit in Nepal, Nagarkot offers the best mountain panorama in the country. While the village does not really have much as far as sightseeing is concerned, its beauty is nonpareil.