Nagarkot Day Hike aims at exploring the Nagarkot area which lies in the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley, not so far from Kathmandu but obviously far from the hustles and bustles of Kathmandu. Especially, when you have one spare day and want to relax with nature, observe the culture and cherish the hilly areas, you can choose one Day hiking option from Hiking in Nepal operated by Nepal Adventure Team.
Nagarkot Day hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan an easy walk to Nagarkot from Sankhu town and returning to Kathmandu through the Changu Narayan area.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a hill station loved by travelers for the wide view of Himalayan ranges, presence of greenery, and 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 Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), Numbur Range. The view of Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park is also observed from 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.
Sankhu – the Ancient Town in Kathmandu
Sankhu town is enriched with Newari people and culture along with unique culture, values and traditions showcase through gates and temples. Sankhu area is one of the municipalities in Kathmandu named Shankarapur Municipality which is popularized as Sankhu. It is believed to be named as 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-five 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 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 is 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 be on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 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 in two-tiered in 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), roof struts having wooden carving images of Vishnu’s avatars and tantric goddess and the door of the main temple decorated by the golden figure of Lord Vishnu, lotus flower, conch, disc (chakra), mace. It has the oldest stone inscription from 464AD. See more
Guide for Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan
A guide will lead you to Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. The number of guides depends on the number of individuals registered for Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. Each group of 4-5 pax is assigned with one guide.
The guide with a Nepal Government-certified license is only assigned to lead Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. 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 guide can be made available. A guide will lead as well as inform you about the locality, culture, rules, importance. Overall, the guide will have the feature of friendliness, leadership, communication expert, and jolly nature.
Transportation at Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan
Early 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 will be used for your transportation which may be a car or van as per the group size.
Food and drinks on Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan
Lunch will be provided during Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. Basically, lunch includes typical Nepali food: Dhaal(lentil soup), Bhat (Rice), Tarkari (Vegetable/Chicken curry), and pickle.
A Mineral water bottle is handed to you prior to the hike.
You can also customize or change the itinerary as per your requirement. Nepal Adventure Team arranges Nagarkot 1 Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan with various options as Sunrise at Nagarkot Day Hike and Sunset to Sunrise Nagarkot Hike. There are other relative options for hikers under Hiking in Nepal.
Starting point: Sankhu Bazzar, Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu District
Ending point: Changu Narayan Temple, Changu Narayan Municipality, Bhaktapur District
