Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 Days hiking is specially focused to let hikers enjoy the breathtaking moment at Nagarkot during Sunset and Sunrise.
The hike is easy since Nagarkot lies in the eastern part of Kathmandu which is not far from Kathmandu yet there is no sign of the hustles and bustles of Kathmandu. When you have one spare night and want to relax with nature, observe the culture, and cherish the hilly areas, you can choose the Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2-day option from Hiking in Nepal operated by Nepal Adventure Team.
Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 days of hiking lets you enjoy the ancient town of Sankhu, the admirable hill station Nagarkot, and the charming Changu Narayan temple.
Nagarkot
In ancient times, Nagarkot was a fort of Kathmandu Valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. It was also a summer retreat for the royal family before being established as a pleasing hill station. Nagarkot lies on the eastern side of Kathmandu Valley.
Nagarkot is a hill station loved by travelers for the wide view of Himalayan ranges, greenery, and the ease of restaurants and hotels. Mainly, Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in Kathmandu Valley as 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 are visible from Nagarkot. The ranges include the Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Rowling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), and Numbur Range. The view of Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park is also observed from Nagarkot.
A large number of visitors visit Nagarkot to enjoy the stunning view of sunset and sunrise accompanied by mountains, ridges, hills, and valleys.
Sankhu – the Ancient Town in Kathmandu
Sankhu town is enriched with Newari people and culture along with unique culture, values, and traditions showcased through gates and temples. Sankhu area is also named as Shankarapur Municipality. It is believed to be named Shankharapur for its famous ancient Sankha-shaped town structure where Sankha means a conch shell of ritual and religious importance in Hinduism.
Sankhu consists of four caves which are believed to be used by Siddha (refers to perfected masters who have achieved a high degree of physical as well as spiritual perfection or enlightenment.) of India for meditation. Additionally, Sankhu consists of two temples with high religious values: Bajrayogini Temple and Swasthani Temple
There are 5 Gates Around Sankhu Town:
- Bhau Dhwakha (Bride Gate) - This is the main entry gate of Sankhu. In local tradition, this gate is used whenever a new bride is introduced to the town.
- Sangal Dhwakha or Mhyamachaa Dhwakha (Daughter Gate) - It is the gate to bid farewell to a daughter who is married off.
- Dhunlla Dhwakha or Dya Dhwakha - This gate is important for the Bajrayogini festival. All kinds of ritual processions including the chariot of Bajrayogini enter through this gate.
- Mahadyo Dhwakha or Si Dhwakha: Dead bodies from Sankhu are taken out to the funeral through this gate.
- Naari Dhwakha: During the Shalinadi (Shali river) festival, the Holy god Madhav Narayan along with the devotees are taken in and out of the town through this gate.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is the temple of Hindu god Vishnu who is also called Narayan and the temple was established at (Champak Hill) thus, it is named Changu Narayan Temple. It is a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with rich embossed works and leads to being on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple is surrounded by Champak tree forest, a small village named Changu, and also the Manohara river flows behind the hill. Due to this environment, the visitor feels sound and spiritual. The temple also has the stone, wood, and metal cravings of the Lichhavavi period ranging from the 4th to 9th centuries.
Changu Narayan Temple is built two-tiered in a unique Nepali style as it is neither pagoda nor shikhara style, the main shrine guarded on all sides by pairs of real as well as mythical beasts: lions, elephants, ram-horned griffins, and Sarabhas (part lion part bird). See more
Guide for Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 Days Hiking
A guide will lead you from Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot for 2 days of hiking as the trails may be misleading. The number of guides depends on the number of individuals registered for Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot for 2 days of hiking. Each group of 4-5 pax is assigned one guide.
The guide with a Nepal Government-certified license is only assigned to lead Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 1 One-night stay. Additionally, the guide is also trained in first aid and eco-tourism. Usually, an English-speaking guide is available but on request, Chinese and other language-speaking guides can be made available. A guide will lead as well as inform you about the locality, culture, rules, and importance. Overall, the guide will have the features of friendliness, leadership, communication expertise, and jolly nature.
Transportation from Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 Days Hiking
Early in the morning after you have your breakfast, the guide assigned by the Nepal Adventure team will come to pick you up for the hike. You will have a short drive from your pick-up point to Sankhu. Similarly, you will be driving back to your station from Changu Narayan. A private vehicle, such as a car or van, will be used for your transportation as per the group size.
Food and drinks from Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 Days Hiking
2 times Lunch and 1-time Dinner will be provided from Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot and 2 days hiking along with 1-time breakfast. Lunch/dinner includes typical Nepali food: Dhaal(lentil soup), Bhat (Rice), Tarkari (Vegetable/Chicken curry), and pickles. Breakfast consists of food items of American Breakfast or Continental breakfast.
A Mineral water bottle is handed to you before the hike.
Nepal Adventure Team arranges Sunset to Sunrise at Nagarkot 1 Night stay with various options as Sunrise at Nagarkot Day Hike and Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. There are other relative options for hikers under Hiking in Nepal. You can also customize or change the itinerary as per your requirements.
Starting point: Sankhu Bazzar, Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu District
Ending point: Changu Narayan Temple, Changu Narayan Municipality, Bhaktapur District
