Introduction
Located just 28km from the city, Nagarkot is a small village in central Nepal at an altitude of 2000 meters. It offers one of the best views of the Himalayas in the entire region and one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayas. Nagarkot has been a prime hangout destination for those seeking refreshment from the daily hustle and bustle of the busy Kathmandu city.
On a clear day, you will be blessed with a stunning mountain view. From this area, you can see Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jugal, and Ganesh Himal. Isolated from the crowd, you can enjoy peace and tranquility here. Birds chirping and cold breezing wind can often be heard around this area. One of the things that makes this place a popular choice for many people is that it is very near to Kathmandu. The accommodation here is also reasonably cheap. This makes it a perfect destination for those looking for a hike around this place, chasing the sunrise in the early morning.
Highlights of the Hike:
- Breathtaking Sunrise View: Witness one of the best Sunrise views at the end of the hike.
- View The Mountain Range: Get to some of the world’s highest peaks during this hike.
- Experience Traditional Culture: Learn about traditional Gurung and Tamang ethnic cultures.
- Scenic Forest Trails: The hike takes you through lush green forests, terraced farmlands, and small villages.
- Easy Hiking Experience: With enough resources, you can easily complete this hike.
Description:
The Nagarkot hike is among the best hikes to witness breathtaking sunrise views near Kathmandu. At 2195 meters, you will see some of the most mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and panoramic views of the mountain range. The hike is not difficult, as the trail is not that long. This place is very easily accessible, around 25-30km from Kathmandu. You can reach here by public bus, or if you want a cab, they charge around Nrs 2000 as the fare.
There are two main routes you can choose to hike in Nagarkot.
Nagarkot- Changunarayan (15kms)
This popular route is about 12-15kms long. It usually takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way. Nagarkot is the starting point for this hike, and reaching the Changunarayan Temple is the endpoint. This hike is a bit longer and is less suitable for witnessing sunrise. This trail is more suitable to witness sunset, as you can start your hike around 3 in the afternoon. However, this hike offers numerous opportunities to see breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains through the entire route.
Nagarkot Hike (3kms)
This can be your best option to witness the sunrise near Nagarkot. This trail is very short, and you can start at Nagarkot town and head towards the view tower, from where you can view one of the best sunrises around this area. There are numerous hidden viewpoints that you can visit for a different experience. Once you complete this hike, you will be blessed with a view of the mighty Himalayas. However, you have to start early in the morning, or else you may miss the opportunity to witness the sunrise.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Nagarkot?
There are two best times to visit Nagarkot for a hike, and they are:
- Autumn (September to November): Post-monsoon season brings clear skies, which brings out the best view of the stunning Himalayan Range. Pleasant Weather around this time makes it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures make this time of year suitable for hikers and travelers. Morning visibility is often clear; however, there might be occasional haze in the afternoon and evenings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nagarkot sunrise hike offers a perfect mixture of natural beauty and cultural richness. The serene landscape around this area makes it perfect for hikers. Nagarkot delivers an unforgettable experience, especially during the clear and vibrant autumn and spring seasons.
Also Read: Tarebhir Hike from Kathmandu: Your Complete Guide to Adventure
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