Most of the Nagarkot 1-day tours we organize are truly unforgettable. Located at an altitude of 1,930 meters above sea level, Nagarkot is a popular tourist destination near Kathmandu city. From this hilltop, you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas, including Mount Everest. The surrounding rolling hills, deep valleys, rural villages, and lush forests create a stunning and peaceful landscape. Whether you want a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a short stay in nature, or simply the chance to admire the mountains, the Nagarkot Day Tour is one of the best choices in Kathmandu.
When the driver and I arrived at the hotel, our guests were ready and excited to start the day tour. We departed at around 4:30 a.m. from the client’s hotel in Thamel, right on schedule. The streets were dark and traffic-free, making for a smooth and quick drive to the Nagarkot Viewpoint. Because it was still dark, we couldn’t see much along the way. After just over an hour, we reached the Nagarkot View Tower. We waited about 20 minutes for the sun to rise, but even before that, the pre-sunrise colors painted the sky beautifully. As the first rays touched the mountains, the view was simply glorious.
We spent more than 45 minutes taking pictures and videos and enjoying the scenery before deciding to walk downhill to the hotel for a hot breakfast instead of driving. The half-hour walk was refreshing, with a view of the towering Himalayas in the distance. The villages, terraced farmlands, houses down the valleys, and forests looked magical, and the sound of birds added to the peaceful atmosphere.
At the hotel restaurant, breakfast was still being prepared, so we enjoyed a warm cup of coffee while gazing at the Himalayas. The breakfast options were vast, and everything we ate was delicious. After spending about an hour and a half relaxing in Nagarkot, we continued our journey to the historic Changunarayan Temple.
The Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located 12 km east of Kathmandu on a ridge overlooking the valley. Believed to be the oldest pagoda-style temple in Nepal, it is thought to have been built around 323 AD. When we arrived, the small market street and Temple Square were not crowded. The locals were starting their day, decorating souvenir shops for tourists. They greeted us with a smile and a “Namaskar,” while some invited us to sit for coffee and breakfast. Pilgrims were performing their rituals, and a vibrant, spiritual atmosphere filled the air. We explored the temple square, took photographs, and visited a small nearby museum before heading to our next destination.
Our next stop was Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, meaning “City of Devotees.” Covering four square miles, Bhaktapur has preserved its traditional red-brick architecture and ancient culture. At its heart lies Bhaktapur Durbar Square, home to the Golden Gate, the beautifully crafted Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and various temples, all showcasing the grandeur of the Malla Dynasty. Dating back to the medieval period, Bhaktapur was once one of the three capitals of the Kathmandu Valley and a major center of art and architecture. Just 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu, the city is also known for its pottery and woodcarving, which are still practiced today in its bustling squares and traditional homes.
We entered Bhaktapur Durbar Square through the western gate, stopped for refreshments, and then began exploring. The square was lively with visitors, and we explored the palaces, temples, and the Royal Spout (a royal bathing place) before walking to Pottery Square through a narrow alley lined with colorful souvenir shops. From Pottery Square, we moved on to Taumadhi Square, home to the towering Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, and other historic structures. Here, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and tasted Bhaktapur’s famous Juju Dhau, a creamy and sweet yogurt. Our final stop in Bhaktapur was Dattatraya Square, the oldest of the city’s four main squares. Located farther from Durbar Square, it is often visited last but holds many historical and cultural treasures. The square is named after the Dattatraya Temple, which is dedicated to a deity from the Hindu trinity and is surrounded by several other temples.
We concluded our Nagarkot Day Tour at Dattatraya Square before driving back to Kathmandu. From witnessing a magical view of the Himalayas and sunrise from Nagarkot to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur, the day was filled with breathtaking landscapes, history, and traditions.
If you are in Nepal and looking for the perfect mix of nature and culture in a single day, the Nagarkot Day Tour is an experience you should not miss. Blossom Expeditions offers customized Nagarkot tour itineraries on request. Contact us via WhatsApp / Viber or email to plan your unforgettable Nagarkot adventure.
Options-1. Sunrise Tour: Depart early in the morning from your hotel to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. Enjoy views of the countryside, savor a hot breakfast with a panoramic view of the Himalayas, visit Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and return to your hotel.
Option-2. Sunset & Sunrise Tour: Depart the previous day in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and evening mountain views, then spend a peaceful night in Nagarkot. The next morning, watch the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks, take in the countryside scenery, enjoy a hot breakfast with stunning Himalayan views, visit Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and return to your hotel.
Option-3. Full-Day Nagarkot Experience Tour: Depart either the previous day or the same day and spend the whole time exploring Nagarkot. Enjoy hiking, relaxing, and soaking in the views, while skipping the visit to Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur.
Blossom Expeditions
P.O. Box No. 21101, Kathmandu, Nepal.
info@blossomexpeditions.com
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www.blossomexpeditions.com
Tel: 977-01-4810388
WhatsApp/Viber. 977-9841454462
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Nagarkot Day Tour
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