Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot: This two-day Hiking trip is specially focused on letting hikers enjoy the breathtaking moments at Nagarkot during Sunset and Sunrise.
The hike is easy since Nagarkot lies in the eastern part of Kathmandu, which is not far from the city, yet it remains relatively untouched by the hustle and bustle 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 the Nepal Adventure Team.
Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot: Two days of hiking in 2025/2026 will allow you to enjoy the ancient town of Sankhu, the admirable hill station Nagarkot, and the charming Changu Narayan temple.
About Nagarkot
In ancient times, Nagarkot was a fort of the Kathmandu Valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. It was also a summer retreat for the royal family before it was established as a popular hill station. Nagarkot lies on the eastern side of Kathmandu Valley.
Nagarkot is a hill station beloved by travelers for its expansive views of the Himalayan ranges, lush greenery, and the convenience of numerous restaurants and hotels. Mainly, Nagarkot commands one of the widest 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, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), and Numbur Range. The view of Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park is also observed from Nagarkot.
Many visitors visit Nagarkot to enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise views, accompanied by mountains, ridges, hills, and valleys.
Sankhu – the Ancient Town in Kathmandu
Newari people and culture enrich Sankhu town, and its unique culture, values, and traditions are showcased through gates and temples. The Sankhu area is also known 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 believed to have been used by Siddha (perfected masters who have achieved a high degree of physical and spiritual perfection or enlightenment) in 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, it is used whenever a new bride is introduced to the town.
- Sangal Dhwakha or Mhyamachaa Dhwakha (Daughter Gate)—This is the gate to bid farewell to a daughter who has been married off.
- Dhunlla Dhwakha or Dya Dhwakha - This gate is essential 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 and the devotees are taken in and out of the town through this gate.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is the temple of the 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, leading to its being on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The temple is surrounded by a Champak tree forest, a small village named Changu, and 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 carvings of the Lichhavavi period, ranging from the 4th to 9th centuries.
Changu Narayan Temple is built two-tiered style in a unique Nepali style—neither pagoda nor shikhara. The main shrine is guarded by pairs of genuine and mythical beasts: lions, elephants, ram-horned griffins, and Sarabhas (part lion, part bird).
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 Chinese and other language-speaking guides can be made available upon request. A guide will lead you and inform you about the locality, culture, rules, and importance. Overall, the guide will have the features of friendliness, leadership, communication expertise, and a jolly nature.
Transportation from Sunrise to Sunset at Nagarkot 2 Days Hiking
Early in the morning, after you have 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 according to 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 of 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 American breakfast or Continental breakfast food items.
A mineral water bottle will be handed to you before the hike.
Nepal Adventure Team arranges a one-night stay from Sunset to Sunrise at Nagarkot with various options, such as a Sunrise Day Hike and a Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. There are other related options for hikers who are undertaking in Nepal. You can also customize or change the itinerary to fit your requirements.
Starting point: Sankhu Bazaar, Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu District
Ending point: Changu Narayan Temple, Changu Narayan Municipality, Bhaktapur District
Highlights
- Stunning Sunrise and Sunset view at Nagarkot admired tourist hill station near Kathmandu
- 8 Himalayan Ranges view Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Ro[waling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), Numbur Range.
- Sankhu- the ancient Newari town of Kathmandu
- Changu Narayan Temple- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Trails exploring nature, cultural diversity, and ethnic groups such as the Newar, Tamang
- A professional and experienced guide
