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Nepal · Day Tours
Nagarkot Sunrise Tour with Changunarayan Temple Hike
Trip Highlights
Trip Overview
Hightlights
- Escape the bustling city life and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
- Admire views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot.
- Visit the UNESCO Heritage site: Changunarayan Temple.
- Enjoy an early morning panorama over the world-renowned peaks from Nagarkot.
Overview
Escape away from the commotions of Kathmandu life with this Nagarkot-Sallaghari-Changunayaran Tour.
Situated in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by green forests, Nagarkot is one of the most lively places around Kathmandu. Nagarkot sunrise tour offers travelers a serene beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas, including the Gaurishanker Himal, Ganesh Himal, Sisapangma, and Annapurna mountain range.
Then we start our trek passing pleasant green meadows along the way first to reach Sallaghari to end our trek in Changnarayan. Changunarayan, a municipality in Bhaktapur District, is part of the urban agglomeration of the Kathmandu Valley. The municipality was created by merging the former Village development committees Old-Changunarayan, Chhaling, Duwakot, and Jhaukhel in 2014. The municipality of Mahamanjushree Nagarkot was then merged into Changunarayan in 2017.
The municipality also houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Changu Narayan Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and considered the oldest temple in Nepal. It’s a peaceful and lovely destination that travelers must visit while in Bhaktapur.
On this tour, you can enjoy an early morning panorama over the world-renowned peaks from Nagarkot before a scenic hike to Changu Narayan. This is perfect for those who are short of time and want a glimpse of the beautiful mountain ranges and a break from the hustles of Kathmandu.
Photo Gallery
Tour Timeline
Pickup from your Kathmandu hotel at 4:30-5:00 AM. Drive 32 km east through Bhaktapur and up the winding road to Nagarkot (2,175m), arriving before sunrise.
Watch the sun rise over a panorama of Himalayan peaks stretching over 100 km: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and on clear days, Mount Everest. Enjoy breakfast at a Nagarkot hotel.
Begin the scenic 12 km downhill hike through terraced farmland, subtropical forest, and charming Tamang and Newari villages. The trail offers beautiful rural scenery and mountain views.
Arrive at Changunarayan Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its exquisite stone and wood carvings before driving back to your hotel.
Includes & Excludes
- Private transportation as per program
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Breakfast at Nagarkot
- Visit Changunarayan Temple
- A bottle of drinking water
- Monuments fee
- Personal expenses
FAQs & Important Information
We pick you up from your Kathmandu hotel around 4:30-5:00 AM depending on the season. The drive to Nagarkot takes approximately 1.5 hours, getting you to the viewpoint before sunrise. Exact pickup time varies by month as sunrise times change.
Yes, on clear days you can see Mount Everest along with a panorama of over 100 km of Himalayan peaks including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and the Annapurna range. Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April) offer the clearest visibility.
The Nagarkot sunrise tour with Changunarayan temple hike costs USD 60 per person with Himalayan Social Journey. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, breakfast at Nagarkot, an English-speaking guide, and entry to Changunarayan Temple.
Nagarkot is approximately 32 km east of central Kathmandu, about a 1.5-hour drive. The road passes through Bhaktapur and winds up to Nagarkot at an elevation of 2,175 meters, offering increasingly scenic views as you climb.
Yes, this tour includes both. After watching sunrise at Nagarkot and enjoying breakfast, you hike downhill from Nagarkot through terraced farmland and forest to the ancient Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike is approximately 2-3 hours and is scenic and mostly downhill.
October and November offer the best conditions: clear skies, crisp air, and the full Himalayan panorama. March through May is also excellent. Winter months (December-February) can be cold but offer very clear views. The monsoon season (June-September) often has cloud cover.
No, the hike from Nagarkot to Changunarayan is easy to moderate and mostly downhill. It covers approximately 12 km over 2-3 hours through charming villages, terraced rice fields, and subtropical forest. No special fitness level is required.
What to Bring
Traveler Reviews
"Best way to experience Nepal"
We did the 14 days Nepal budget tour and we could not be more happy with our choice. In only 2 weeks we visited Kathmandu, Chitwan national park, Pokhara and did a 5 day trek in the Annapurna region. The organization was flawless (like a swiss clock). We felt safe and welcomed in every place. Our guides Harka (Chitwan) and Ganesh (Pokhara and trek) + Bishal (our porter) did an outstanding job. We recommend them and the whole trip 100%. It was much better than we could have imagined. In the end, we recommand everyone to visit the beautiful places from Nepal and meet its warm and welcoming people.
"💯"
It was an wonderful experience with himalayan social journey,mingmar and Rupesh are our guide and they did so well. Everyday it was on time ,well planned and executed trek👍
"Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek!!"
Had an absolute amazing time. The Himalayas were beautiful, had blue skies and views everyday. Himalayan Social Journey and our guides Mingmar Sherpa and Rupesh went beyond our expectations. Definety helped us reach Everest Base Camp without any issues. Would definitely do another trek with them and would not use anyone else.
"Awesome Experience!!!"
Mingmar sherpa dai was our trek lead along-with Tenzing dai, Janak and Siddharth. All of them really helped us during entire the trek. Whether it is stay, food or assistance for any additional request. I would highly recommend them as trek leads if you are planning for the trek in and around Nepal. Specially EBC.
"Best Experience"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Trishuli rafting experience! I did this rafting in October 2024. Himalayan Social Journey made it safe, fun, and unforgettable. Thrilling rapids and stunning scenery combined for the perfect adventure. Highly recommend!
"Best Experience Of My Life!"
It was my first trekking experience in Nepal and Himalayan Social Journey made the entire experience memorable. They are very professional and will help you at every point. A special word of thanks to Sushma, who helped a lot throughout and was my go-to person. My guide Dinesh was a gem and so was the porter, Ramkrishna. Dinesh saved my life a few times (literally) and he is so efficient and helpful that it is hard to put in words. Want togo back to Nepal through HSJ, there is a lot more to do. If you are planning any activity in Nepal you may blindly book with HSJ and be assured of an experience of a lifetime. These guys are more than a tour planner, they are your friend. philosopher, guide all in one!
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