Nagarkot
- Region Bhaktapur
- Typical trip 1 night
- Best time October – March
Nagarkot is the easiest mountain view in Nepal. It is a ridge on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu valley, about an hour and a half from the city, and on a clear morning the Himalayan skyline runs across the whole northern horizon.
One night is the right length. Arrive in the afternoon, watch the sun go down over the valley, get up for sunrise, and be back in Kathmandu by mid-morning — or continue to Bhaktapur on the way down.
Highlights
- Himalayan sunrise The reason to stay the night. Clear mornings from October onward are reliable.
- The view tower A short walk uphill for a full panorama when the weather cooperates.
- Ridge walks Easy marked trails through pine forest to Changunarayan or down to Sankhu.
- Bhaktapur below The best-preserved of the three durbar squares sits on the road back.
Things to do in Nagarkot
Watch the sun come up
Coffee, a blanket, and the range appearing one peak at a time.
Stop at Bhaktapur
Pottery square and the old town, on the way back down to the city.
Walk the ridge
An easy few hours through pine and terraced fields with the valley below.
Best time to visit Nagarkot
- January Best
- February Best
- March Good
- April Good
- May Possible
- June Avoid
- July Avoid
- August Possible
- September Good
- October Best
- November Best
- December Best
How to reach Nagarkot
- From Kathmandu Around an hour and a half by road, usually via Bhaktapur.
- As a stopover Fits neatly as the first or last night of a valley itinerary.
- On foot Several walking routes down to Changunarayan and Sankhu if you want the exercise.
Travel tips
- Ask for a north-facing room and confirm the view — it is the entire reason to be here.
- It is noticeably colder than Kathmandu at night. Carry a layer even in autumn.
- Summer views are often clouded out. If the mountains are the point, come between October and March.
- Sunrise is worth the alarm. Sunset from the same spot is good but not the same.
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