Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Style: Day Hiking & Walking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle
  • Food: Lunch
  • Group Size: 2

Highlights

  • 8 Himalayan Ranges view: Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Rowaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), Numbur Range.
  • Nagarkot – remarkable touristic hill station near Kathmandu
  • Sankhu- the ancient Newari town of Kathmandu
  • Changu Narayan Temple- World Heritage Site
  • Trails exploring nature, cultural diversity, ethnic groups as Newar, Tamang
  • A professional and experienced guide

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

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Hike to Nagarkot via Sankhu to Changu Narayan
  • Day 01 Hike to Nagarkot via Sankhu to Changu Narayan

    From Kathmandu to Sankhu

    Early morning, the guide assigned by the Nepal Adventure team will come to pick you up at your hotel. You will have a short drive towards Sankhu town. Sankhu is filled with ancient Newari culture and lifestyle and also has popular local sweet shops.

    At Nagarkot

    From Sankhu, you will begin your hike towards Nagarkot. You will pass through the Sankhu town, their settlements, and climb up on hills. Gradually, you will feel the change in the air, surrounding, and view of valleys. After 4-5 hours of walk, you will reach Nagarkot, you will have a lunch break as well as spare time to enjoy the view from Nagarkot. Nagarkot has a view tower to facilitate travelers to enjoy the view of the valley, mountain, hills, ridges, and tiny villages.

    From Nagarkot to Changu Narayan temple

    After a sound time spent at Nagarkot, you will head to Kathmandu through another trail leading towards Changu Narayan. While heading through the green trails, you will continuously be accompanied by flora, a view of the settlement, and a fresh breeze. You will visit Changu Narayan Temple and can view Sankhu and Bhaktapur area. Then, you will drive back to your hotel. 

    • Meals: Lunch
    • Place: Nagarkot

What's Included

Included

  • Private car/jeep transportation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional Guide service.
  • Lunch during the hike with tea/coffee.
  • First aid kits
  • Entry fees of sites
  • All the paper works, Government tax, and service charges

Excluded

  • All bar bills like soda, beer, bottled water.
  • Tips to the guide, driver
  • Travel Insurance

Useful Information

Checklist for Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan

  • Light and Comfortable shoe
  • Weather appropriate clothing (moisture-wicking/ quick-drying cloth is best)
  • Lightweight fleece or jacket/ windproof jacket
  • Sunglasses and Hat/ Cap to cover the face from direct sunlight
  • Hiking stick and bag (optional)
  • Umbrella or waterproof jacket
  • Sunscreen of 60 SPF +
  • Snacks, juice, and energy bar (if you want)
  • Water bottle/ water purifier/ water chemical treatment (if you prefer)
  • Hand sanitizer, toilet paper
  • Power back up for camera/phone

Booking and Payment for Nagarkot Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan

For the day hike, the cost is minimal so the full payment is requested for booking Nagarkot 1 Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. Even at the last moment, Nagarkot 1 Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan can be booked. For any cancellation, the amount cannot be refunded as the amount will be allocated for the preparation of the hike.

You can make the payment in cash and credit card where a 3% - 4% additional charge is imposed if you pay through the card. You can also pay through the following services:

A. Online Payment

Please Click Here for online payment.

B. Bank Transfer

Bank Name: Himalayan Bank Limited
Bank Address: Tridevi Marga, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Account Name: Nepal Adventure Team Pvt. Ltd
Account No: 01906210910018
Swift Code: HIMANPKA

Tipping

An experienced and certified guide will be leading your Nagarkot 1 Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan. Usually, tourists and hikers tip guides as an appreciation for their polite and loyal services towards them. So, you may tip the guide as per your satisfaction with their services. The tipping guide is not compulsory. It is not forced by the company and it is solely your decision.

Request by Nepal Adventure Team:

Nepal Adventure Team believes in and practices responsible for tourism. We request each traveler to maintain a clean area. You are also requested to care for flora and fauna you encounter on Nagarkot 1 Day Hike via Sankhu to Changu Narayan trail.

Client Reviews

  • Shishir Kapoor
    Rating Review by: Shishir Kapoor, India

    A Perfect Day in Nepal

    The Nagarkot Day Hike via Sakhu to Changu Narayan was a perfect introduction to Nepal's beauty and culture. Starting from Sakhu, the trail took us through scenic landscapes, including terraced fields and dense forests. The highlight of the hike was visiting the historic Changu Narayan Temple, where we learned about its history and significance from our knowledgeable guide. The hike was of moderate difficulty, suitable for all levels of fitness, and the views along the way were breathtaking. Nagarkot offered panoramic views of the Himalayas, which were especially stunning at sunset. 

  • Steward
    Rating Review by: Steward, United Kingdom

    Journey Through Time and Nature!

    The Nagarkot Day Hike via Sakhu to Changu Narayan was a delightful journey. Starting from Sakhu, the trail passed through charming villages and lush forests. The highlight was exploring the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, which was both culturally enriching and architecturally stunning. The route offered beautiful views of the Himalayas along the way. Nagarkot provided a perfect spot to witness the sunset over the mountains, making this hike a memorable experience for nature and history lovers alike.

  • Leo Jr.
    Rating Review by: Leo Jr., Ireland

    A Tranquil Journey Through History and Nature!

    The Nagarkot Day Hike via Sakhu to Changu Narayan was a peaceful and enlightening experience. Starting from Sakhu, the trail led through quaint villages and terraced fields, offering serene views of the Kathmandu Valley. The highlight was visiting the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its intricate stone carvings and historical importance. The day ended with a stunning sunset view of the Himalayas from Nagarkot, making this hike a perfect blend of history, nature, and tranquility.