Nepal is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Land of the Himalayas, Nepal boasts numerous scenic spots, among which Nagarkot ranks in the top 10 list. Moreover, hardly any Nepalis have ever heard of this scenic hill station.
Nagarkot lies in Bhaktapur District and is one of the most go-to places in the city. Located 30 km east of Kathmandu, the village has the Changu Narayan temple to the west. Historically, the place acted as a fort for the Kathmandu kingdom to supervise and monitor other kingdoms. Now, it is one of the famous Nepali tourism spots, providing hiking, outdoor sports, recreation, entertainment, and many more offers. So, let’s dive to know some of the best things to do in Nagarkot.
Also Read:
- Hike To Nagarkot Hilltop
- Watch Golden Sunrise
- Feeling Adventurous, Try Paragliding
- Take A Trekking Trip To Nagarkot
- Visit Nagarkot Buddha Monastery
- Try Local Delicacies
- Mountain Biking Through Challenging Trails
- Have Picnics With Loved Ones
- Engage In Local Activities
- Explore Hotels And Cafes
- Rated Cafes And Restaurants In The Hill Station
Hike To Nagarkot Hilltop
Nagarkot and hiking are mentioned side-to-side while planning any Nagarkot trip. Hiking is the first thing to do while visiting this place. A hike to the hilltop is a fresh experience away from the busy city life.
Visitors can hike from any hiking trail, including the Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail. It is a 12-km hike, taking a 3-4-hour walk with a view of the Himalayas. Additionally, it provides 180 degrees of lush landscape views.
Another hiking trail is Nagarkot 360 View Tower Walk. This hiking trail, which takes 3 hours, allows visitors to see the Himalayas and five of the highest Nepali mountain peaks. At the top is Nagarkot View Tower, providing 360-degree views of the entire Kathmandu valley.
After reaching the hilltop, travelers can hike down to Changu Narayan, which takes approximately 4 hours. They can also go for Nagarkot-Dhulikhel hiking. Moreover, the distance is 15.6 km, and the hike lasts 5 hours at most. You can compare the prices at Viator’s top tours:
- Full Day Nagarkot Hiking with UNESCO World Heritage Site visit
- Nagarkot Hiking Day Tours
- Nagarkot Bhaktapur Hike
- Nagarkot Sunrise and Day Hike
Watch Golden Sunrise
It is not an understatement to say that Nagarkot provides an amazing sunrise view from the top. The hilltop provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the five highest mountains in Nepal. They look more beautiful when basking in the sun’s golden light in the mornings.
As it is situated at quite a high altitude, visitors will experience chilly and misty weather while hiking atop the hill. But the view beneath foggy clouds will be worth it.
Many people travel from far and wide to watch the sunrise from Nagarkot. Talk about popularity, huh?
Hence, anyone visiting Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, and Nepal must watch the sunrise from the Nagarkot hilltop. It will be a surreal experience for sure. You can secure your sunrise trip from Viator’s Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking to Kathmandu, Nepal tour, and Sunrise Hike to Nagarkot.
Feeling Adventurous, Try Paragliding
Would you like to fly high in the sky, feeling a breeze in your face? Flying like a bird and watching everything while soaring high is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Guess what? You can get that experience by trying Nagarkot paragliding. Yes, you heard it right: the famous tourist spot offers paragliding services to visitors. Furthermore, the adventurous sport will allow travelers a bird-eye-view of the Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley, and beautiful landscapes.
The paragliding experience lasts for thirty minutes. Nonetheless, you will feel the aftermath for several more hours after finishing paragliding.
Travelers should go for paragliding between September and November, as there are clear skies then. However, paragliding between December and February is also not too bad. Price varies per travel company; Nagakot Paragliding charges $100 per person for paragliding.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 12 PM
- Duration: 30 Minutes
- Fee/Charges: US $100 per person
Take A Trekking Trip To Nagarkot
Despite sounding like a broken record, we must say again that Nagarkot is a beautiful landscape in Nepal. The lush greenery, amazing landscapes, spectacular views, local people’s hospitality, and affordable pricing make it a worthwhile trip.
A Nagarkot trip can be a single-day trip or part of a trekking plan. A bit different from hiking, this trekking lasts longer than two days. Moreover, the village offers several trekking options via different routes.
For instance, Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is an extensive trekking package, starting from and finishing at Kathmandu Airport. It lasts six days, including arrival in Kathmandu and sightseeing in the valley.
Afterward, the journey from Kathmandu to Sundarijal will take place. The trekking part will then hike to Chisapani, where they will stay overnight. The fourth day includes hiking up to Nagarkot hilltop and seeing sunset.
Likewise, travelers will arrive in Bhaktapur the next day and visit its famous places. On the sixth day, the trekking program will end with each party departing to their destinations.
- Starting Point: Tribhuvan International Airport
- Duration: 6 Days, 3 Days
- Departure: Tribhuvan International Airport
- Price Compare: Viator, Himalayan Trekkers, Ambition Himalaya
Other trekking offers are Sankhu-Nagarkot Trek and Shivapuri Nagarkot Trek. The latter trek guides visitors through Shivapuri Hill, jungles, and Budanilkantha Temple. Finally, the Sankhu trek takes trekkers to the destination through forests and paddy fields.
Visit Nagarkot Buddha Monastery
Nagarkot is not only about natural beauty but is also enriched in culture, traditions, heritage, and customs. Situated in the city of temples, this scenic place houses a few shrines.
Speaking of which, Nagarkot Buddha Monastery must be on the visitor’s go-to list. It is situated only a few steps from Nagarkot View Tower, on Nagarkot Ghimiregaun Road, Baluwapati Deupur.
However, not many people know about the monastery. Let’s hope new visitors will help spread the shrine’s name. Adding on, there is a Buddha Peace Park with the Monastery.
Buddha Peace Park has a large Buddha Statue. It is a serene and peaceful place perfect for spiritual travelers. This place should be definitively visited at least once.
- Address: Nagarkot Ghimiregaun Road, Baluwapati Deupur
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- Entry Fee: Not Required
Try Local Delicacies
A way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. The anecdote is about men, but we women also love food. And, what better way to enjoy any trip than by trying local food and delicacies? It is a must for every traveler out there.
The scenic hill station houses many eateries, restaurants, lodges, and resorts. They offer all sorts of food ranging from local to continental cuisines. Since you have come to Nepal, why not start with the traditional Nepali Thali? The menu includes rice, lentils (dal), veggies, papad, pickles, meat, and yogurt.
Nepali Thali is available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian. It is Nepalese people’s regular meal and has a homely taste. Furthermore, the hill station’s residents brew local alcohol that goes well with any meal. That and barbecued meat is the best while sitting by fire during December.
Street food stalls sell stick food, Pani Puri, Chatpate, Selroti, and more. Some of those items are not good healthwise but are pretty tasty. So, trying it once probably won’t harm you.
Mountain Biking Through Challenging Trails
Have you ever gone mountain biking in lush forests on a natural trail? You should try mountain biking during your Nagarkot trip if you haven’t. There are amazing biking routes that are easy to follow.
Unlike smooth paved biking trails, Nagarkot hills have steep drops, narrow sections, and sharp turns. Bikers will have lots of fun navigating these wild routes and difficult trails. Furthermore, they will see picturesque landscapes, terraced farmlands, lush greeneries, and dense forests.
It is not challenging for visitors to find mountain biking offers in the scenic hill station. There are day biking tours and trek packages. Additionally, they have Kathmandu to Nagarkot and Nagarkot to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur biking offers.
Mountain biking is an exciting experience that sees bikers cycling through narrow sections of trails, passing through steep drops, going uphill, and doing wild descents. So, are you up for an adventurous biking experience?
- Biking Trails: Ranger Witch Trail, Life Cycle Stage 5, EVOC Stage, Commencal Stage 5
- Biking Routes: Kathmandu-Dhulikhel-Nagarkot, Nagarkot-Bhaktapur-Kathmandu
- Duration: 5 – 6 Hours
- Top Tour: Nagarkot Biking Tours | 2 Days Trip
Have Picnics With Loved Ones
Picnics are fun, are they not? I mean, hardly any people don’t enjoy having a meal outdoors with their friends and family while appreciating lovely views.
The scenic hill station at the heart of Bhaktapur is full of local and international visitors during the tourist season. Even during the off-season, Nepalis arrive in the village to spend quality time with their loved ones.
And what better way to do that than by having picnics? Nepali residents from schools, colleges, and workplaces are seen organizing picnic outings to the hill station during the weekends and vacations.
These outings include cooking food, participating in games, dancing, and visiting around. Picnics are a nice gate away from dull and mundane city life.
For visitors, there are ten picnic spots in the Nagarkot Picnic Spot. Located 27 km northeast of Kathmandu, it takes 1-2 hours by bus or car to reach the area. It doesn’t take much more than packing food and a mat for a picnic.
So, are you up for a picnic outing in this scenic hill station?
- Distance: 3.8 km from Hotel Country Villa
- Opening Hours: No Fixed Hours
- Picnic Fees: Not Available
Engage In Local Activities
Aside from natural beauty and exciting travel offers, Nagarkot’s beauty lies in its hospitable people. Residents are welcoming and treat visitors as their family. So travelers don’t have to fret over adjusting to the village.
This welcoming community allows visitors to get familiar with the local customs and traditions, experience village life, and enjoy home cooking. Residents treat visitors like their family.
Likewise, tourists are welcome to participate in local festivals and activities. One of which is rice planting. During autumn or rainy seasons, local people work in fields and plant rice.
If you visit in mid-June, you can experience traditional rice planting. Locals plow the field, prepare it for rice plantation, and plant rice seedlings by hand—yes, the Nepalese primarily plant rice by hand rather than by machine.
It will surely be a muddy experience, but it will be something you have never tried. Now, who is set to get down and dirty in paddy fields?
Explore Hotels And Cafes
As mentioned above, Nagarkot has many restaurants, hotels, and eateries. What’s more, the area has some of the best places for food in the country. So, exploring restaurants and hotels allows visitors to try new menus and experience customer service and hospitality.
Café du Mont is one of the most recommended places in the area with high ratings. It offers Nepali, Asian, and International cuisines for around $3 to $7. Additionally, the place has accommodation services, offering Deluxe rooms. You can book your rooms at Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Opening Hours: 6:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Nagarkot Hill Station
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Hotel Mystic Mountain
If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with great scenery and a sunrise view, Hotel Mystic Mountain should be on your list. Offering quality service, delicious food, satisfying customer service, and accommodating services, this hotel is one of the best choices in Nagarkot.
Not just that, Hotel Mystic Mountain offers an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service, and barbeque. Guests can have dinner, lunch, and breakfast at the restaurant. The hotel also offers cuisines such as Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
Aside from that, the hotel has an outdoor tennis court, poolside bar, garden, and outdoor private barbeque. A stay in Hotel Mystic Mountain will be a cherry on the top for visitors on their Nagarkot trip. To book a room, head over to Agoda and Booking.com.
- Opening Hours: 02:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: Baluwapati, Nagarkot
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Soaltee Westend Resort Nagarkot
Soaltee Westend Resort, a 5-star resort at Mahamanjushree, Nagarkot, houses a restaurant, a garden, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, non-smoking rooms, and a spa. Plus, it provides a free Wi-Fi service to all guests staying in the resort.
The resort has a Tayo Restaurant on site. It is open for Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, tea, and cocktail hours. Moreover, the restaurant offers Nepali, Local, Chinese, Indian, International, and American cuisines with vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan options. You can compare the prices on Agoda.com and Booking.com.
- Opening Hours: 02:00 PM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Mahamanjushree, Nagarkot
- Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Everest Manla Resort
Ranked among the top resorts, Everest Manla prioritizes customer hygiene. It offers a great sunrise view, 24-hour Front desk service, free Wi-Fi, private parking, and check-ins/outs.
The establishment offers Double Mountain View Rooms, Deluxe Rooms With Balcony, Standard Rooms, Standard Double/Twin Rooms, and Deluxe Double Rooms. It also offers dry cleaning services. You can compare prices on Booking.com and Agoda.
Furthermore, the resort houses a bar, outdoor recreational features, bicycle rental, horseback riding, a garden, restaurants, BBQ facilities, and 24-hour security. The on-site restaurants offer Indian, Asian, and Chinese cuisines with Buffet menus.
- Check-in/Check-Out: 12:00 PM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Nagarkot Road
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Rated Cafes And Restaurants In The Hill Station
Nagarkot houses many luxurious hotels, including Hotel Country Villa, Club Himalaya, Kavya Resort & Spa, and Hotel Village View Nagarkot. Furthermore, it has many high-rated cafes and restaurants that offer good food.
Check out these hand-picked famous cafes and restaurants in Nagarkot, including their opening hours and location:
- Mandap Giri Restuarant: 07:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Nagarkot Road, Official Facebook
- Hotel Everest Window View Restaurant: Mandandepur, Nagarkot, Official Facebook
- Cafe Dorje Lakpa: 07:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Nagarkot Market
- Berg House Cafe: Nagarkot, Nepal, Official Facebook
- Nagarkot Peace Garden Cafe: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM, Official Facebook
- Everest View Cafe: Nagarkot Road, Nagarkot 44812
Whew! Boy, Nagarkot has lots of restaurants and cafes. Most of these vicinities offer Indian, Nepali, and Continental cuisines. Now, you can explore these restaurants and try their services.
The peaceful Nagarkot hill station is a great way to unwind from the hectic city life. Even if it is a short trip, visitors can do many activities and enjoy their trip to the fullest. This place is one a traveler must add to their must-visit list.
The scenic village allows visitors to relax and enjoy natural beauty. Starting the day by watching the golden sunrise rays in the mornings, visitors will have their schedules packed with hiking/trekking, experiencing daily village life, and local delicacies. Finally, closing the day by watching the sunset, every traveler will look back to these memories in the coming days.
