Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour - 1 day

Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour - 1 day


Hike down the windy hills of Nagarkot and explore medieval Bhaktapur by taking this delightful Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour. Nagarkot sits atop a verdant hill framed by an endless chain of rolling green hills and snow-capped peaks. Lying just a few hours’ drives away from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is famous for its spectacular sunrise and panoramic Himalayan views. On clear days one can even catch a glimpse of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. Take this Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour and surround yourself with mesmerizing mountain vistas. After soaking in the views, drive down a winding road to Telkot. Next, hike through a forested path to the oldest Hindu temple in the valley.

Nestled in a wooded hill lies Changu Narayan Temple, one of the most ancient Hindu temples in the world. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Exquisite engravings dating back to the Licchavi period (450 AD-750 AD) embellish the temple and its courtyard. Here you will find representations of Lord Vishnu’s avatars in wood, stone, and metal. The temple is also home to the oldest inscription found in the valley. Located in an idyllic setting, a walk around Changu Narayan will delight your senses.

Your final destination of your Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour is Bhaktapur, a former medieval kingdom. After exploring Changu Narayan, take a short drive to Bhaktapur. This charming old city is filled with Newari traditional houses and an assortment of temples, palaces, and Buddhist shrines.  Meander along its cobbled streets and discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval royal square is divided into three squares – Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattareya Square.  Nyatapole Temple, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Pujari Math, Siddhi Lakshmi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Naag Pokhari, and Pottery Square are some of the artistic gems dotting the palace square. Created by unnamed artisans of the Malla era, the durbar square has the finest collection of Newari art and architecture in the valley. Finally, wind up your Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour with a scenic drive back to your hotel. 

If you are visiting Nepal to try out some adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures, then our Nepal Multi Adventure Holiday - 11 days or Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour - 9 days may be just right the tour for you. Explore more of Kathmandu's heritage sites by choosing any one of these day tours -  Kathmandu Ancient City Tour, Kathmandu Heritage Tour, or Patan Durbar Square Tour.

Trip Facts

Begins at:

4 AM (sunrise tour) or 8 AM

Ends at:

 1 PM or 5 PM

Duration:

 7 to 9 Hours

Starting & Ending Point:  

Your Hotel in Kathmandu

Destination Covered:

Nagarkot, Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur

Nagarkot is famous for its beautiful sunrise and this day trip allows you to experience it. The trip begins at 4 AM (5 AM in winter). However, if you are not too keen on waking up early and it’s okay with you to miss out on the sunrise, you can have a late start (at 8 AM). Please let us know your preference while booking this trip, so that we may arrange your trip accordingly. Kindly note, the quality of views depends on the prevalent weather conditions. The Himalayan range may not be visible if it’s cloudy or foggy.

Trip Highlights

  • Panoramic Himalayan views from Nagarkot
  • Walk through a forested trail to the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan
  • Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Changu Narayan Temple & Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  •  Discover the oldest inscription found in the valley
  • Observe local potters at work at the Pottery Square during your Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour
  • Ascend the stone stairs to Nyatapole Temple- the tallest pagoda-roofed temple in Nepal

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Nagarkot - Changu Narayan- Bhaktapur Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Nagarkot - Changu Narayan- Bhaktapur Tour

Drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot (1 hour 30 minutes.)

Leave Kathmandu behind and take a scenic drive to Nagarkot with your guide. Following a pitched highway lined with pine trees, drive to this beautiful vantage point. On reaching Nagarkot head to the viewpoint and enjoy amazing views of hilltop villages and the Himalayan peaks. The sunrise view from this vantage point is to die for. Watch the first rays of the sun colouring the landscape in hues of pink, red, orange and golden. It is as if the creator has dipped a paintbrush and is splashing the hillsides in different colours. The Himalayas stretch in an unbroken line in the horizon. If the weather is clear you may also get a glimpse of Mount Everest’s summit. Have breakfast enjoying the beautiful Nagarkot view, to the accompaniment of bird songs. Gaze at the verdant hillsides to your heart’s content before heading down to Changu Narayan.

Drive Nagarkot to Telkot - Hike Telkot to Changu Narayan Temple ( 2-3 hours)

Enjoying the views, drive down to Telkot. From Telkot take a forested trail down to the hilltop temple of Changu Nararyan. Nestled in the middle of a green forest, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the Licchavi period (450 AD-750 AD), the temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Exquisite wood, stone and metal carvings dating back to Licchavi and Malla periods embellish the temple and its courtyard. In a stone pillar you will find the oldest inscription (464 AD) found in Kathmandu valley. The inscription in Sanskrit describes how the Licchavi King Manadeva stopped his mother from taking the ritual death by fire (sati) after his father’s death. Surrounded by a verdant forest, strolling around the temple grounds is a joy. Apart from a few local devotees, the temple grounds are filled with gaily chirping birds and monkeys scampering around.

Drive Changu Narayan to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (20 minutes)

Leaving Changu Narayan you take a short drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur.Take a leisurely stroll around Bhaktapur Durbar Square - a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided into three squares – Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattareya Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square was once the power center of the Malla kingdom.  It became an independent principality after King Yaksha Malla divided his kingdom among his three sons, thus creating Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.  Nyatapole Temple, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Pujari Math, Siddhi Lakshmi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Naag Pokhari and Pashupatinath Temple are some of the gems of the palace square. Spend some time at the Pottery Square observing the local potters at work. Watch them mould lumps of clay on their spinning wheels. You can also pay a visit to a traditional kiln to observe the firing process. A visit to Bhaktapur is incomplete without a taste of its famous ‘Juju Dhau’ (king of yoghurt). Available in shops and restaurants throughout Bhaktapur, do try this sweet curd. It is prepared with buffalo milk (which is slightly richer than cow’s milk) and sold in clay containers.  Head back to your hotel after exploring the durbar square. 



What's Included

  • All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing tour as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking, government licensed local tour guide for sightseeing
  • All Local and Government taxes, administrative charges

What's not Included

  • Monument entry fees during Sightseeing tour
  • Meals during tour
  • Tips for Guide and Driver

Route Map

routemap

How will you be traveling?

solo
couple
family
group







100%
Based on 16 reviews
Price From
Instant Booking
USD63 per person

SAVE USD 1 IN YOUR NEXT BOOKING
No. of People Price per person
1 - 1   USD 99
2 +   USD 63
No of traveller
1
USD 99 x 1 pax
Total: USD 99


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Ashtyn Baird
flagsUnited States of America
Nov 13, 2023

Nagarkot Tour

The serene beauty of Nagarkot's landscapes and the rich history of Bhaktapur made this one-day journey truly special. The sunrise view from Nagarkot was a picturesque moment, and exploring the ancient streets of Bhaktapur felt like stepping back in time. The seamless organization and insightful guidance from the tour added to the overall charm. For those craving a perfect blend of nature and culture in a single day, this tour is an absolute gem.
Yes
Ace Knight
flagsUnited States of America
Feb 26, 2023

Nagarkot Tour

Nagarkot Bhaktapur tour is a perfect day tour for a couple and family with children. We had great time with Third Rock Adventures. Highly recommended trek.
Zachary James
flagsAustralia
Feb 22, 2023

Nagarkot Tour

Naba was too friendly to accept my request to stay overnight at Nagarkot resort. I was mesmerized by the view I saw from the hill station in Nagarkot. Third Rock offered quality service. I highly recommend them for one-day tour. I WILL defintiely organize my ABC trek with them and already in the go for this new trek in Nepal in 2024.
Anya Fletcher
flagsUnited Kingdom
Feb 20, 2023

Nagarkot Bhaktapur Tour

Tony recommended this tour because he did it last year. I couldn't say no to him. I talked with Naba and fixed my tour date. I was lucky that day had the clearest view after a week or so. Nagarkot was mindblowing. We drove to Nagarkot with a guide and finally also explored Bhaktapur Durbar Square. I loved this tour. Third Rock was fantastic at their service and operatiion.
Sam Austin
flagsUnited States of America
Feb 15, 2023

Nagarkot

Nagarkot viewpoint is mindblowing. There were many tourists before we reached. We started at 5 and had the best view from the viewpoint in Nagarkot. My guide then took me to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a diferent place near Kathmandu valley featuring unique architecture and Newari lifestyle. I was stunned to see them work and wear their traditional dresses. There were cafe, momo hotel, and souviner shops selling many stuffs. I loved to stroll around the square. It was worthy. A great tour before heading to USA.
Ruby Wall
flagsAustralia
Feb 14, 2023

Nagarkot Tour

This tour is more than just a tour. Nagarkot viewpoint is truly the best viewpoint near Kathmandy to enjoy majestic view of the mountains. Luckily, I got to see the sight of Everest as well as the weather was clear. The tour also takes you to cHnagu Narayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The price is ridiculously affordable and the guides are highly expereicned for the tour.
Marcela Oquendo
flagsSpain
Feb 14, 2023

Short Best Tour

It was fab embarking on this short day tour to Nagarkot, and Bhaktapur. We also hiked to Changu Narayan. The sunrise view from Nagarkot viewpoint was superb. I wasn't able to wake up but luckily my tour guide knocked on my door and we didn't miss the sunrise. It was truly fabulous. Thanks to Naba for hosting this trip. We will definitely orgranize annapurna short trek with them.
Aidan Macdonald
flagsUnited States of America
Feb 14, 2023

Nagarkot Bhaktapur Tour

This one day tour is the best! I still cannot believe the view I saw from Nagarkot. It was insane. Third Rock provided the best service I could imagine.
Ronnie Kennedy
flagsUnited Kingdom
Feb 11, 2023

Nagarkot Hike

This trip is a must-do if you love to witness mountains nearby Kathmandu. We had this trip operated by Naba's company whom I met in Kathmandu after my friend recommended his service. We are happy that we chose them and want to recommend this company to you if you are looking for Nagarkot hike in Nepal for a day or two.
Lochlan Harrison
flagsUnited Kingdom
Feb 05, 2023

Amazing Service

James, a content creator from the USA, and I trekked to Annapurna Circuit and in Kathmandu chose to do Nagarkot hike with Third Rock. This hike to Nagarkot hill offered us some amazing horizon skyline dominated by great himalayas. It was realy unexpected trip and had best time.
Harrison Adams
flagsCanada
Nov 08, 2022

Ktm Nagarkot Tour

Naba was quick and attentive to my inquiry unlike other companies, which was quite impressive. We had call as well and he exactly matched to my interested and offered me this tour. I asked for slight customization and added Pokhara-Sarankot Tour as well. It was amazing time in Nepal and all thanks to Naba and his team. Glad I chose Third Rock for my short tour in Nepal.
Mark March
flagsCanada
Nov 07, 2022

Beautiful Tour

We drove to Nagarkot for a few hours and started hiking and also visited the Changunaruyan tempe and final stop was Bhaktapur where we visited Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattareya Square. Nyatapole Temple, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Pujari Math, Siddhi Lakshmi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Naag Pokhari, and Pottery Square. It was a great package. We loved it.
Kayla Gill
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 14, 2022

Lovely Tour

It was wonderful day with Third Rock Adventure team to Nagarkot. The beautiful view from Nagarkot was the main highlight of our tour. The team managed with great care and served the best.
Sam Read
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 14, 2022

Nagarkot Bhaktapur Tour

Had a wonderful time exploring Nagarkot and Bhaktapur for a day. The view from Nagarkot was amazing. Our tour guide had understandable English. The pottery square stroll was amazing. It amazed me the most. The local people there are so out of touch of modern civilization. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Ellis Turner
flagsUnited States of America
Nov 24, 2019

Amazing Views

Never Had I Imagined that Nepal is this beautiful!!! I had very few days off, so I had to choose a short trek, and ended up with Nagarkot and Bhaktapur tour. The best view I ever embraced was from Nagarkot. Bhaktapur amazed me. The Newari people are fantastic. I got chances to see their cultural dress, daily works, and beautiful city. Bhaktapur seems like different city. This historic town surely surprise any first time traveler like I WAS! Fantastic. I wanted to spend more days but couldn't. I will surely come back to this town again and spend at least a week in Kathmandu valley. I got to know about Patan as well, so will be discovering it.
Selena Bryne
flagsUnited Kingdom
Aug 24, 2018

Panoramic Himalayan views, refreshing day hike and a perfect cultural tour

My friends and I did this tour after our ABC Trek. Nagarkot was absolutely amazing. We started early from our hotel, when it was till dark. By the time we reached Nagarkot, dawn was just breaking. We rushed straight to the view tower to view the sunrise. The sunrise was the best that I have ever experienced in my life! Everything came to life as soon as the sun peeked out of the mountains. We were lucky, the weather was just splendid. The sky remained clear with not a single cloud blocking the view. We could see the whole Himalayan range. It was simply beautiful. We later walked down to a resort for a delicious breakfast and more views of the mountains and the green hills. The hike down from Telkot to Changu Narayan through a forest was refreshing. Our guide Ramesh was patient and gentle. He was also quite knowledgeable and shared with us vital information about the places and people living there. Stepping into Changu Narayan Temple was like stepping into another time. Though some of the buildings had been damaged by the earthquake, the main shrine was still there standing. We also visited the medieval palace square in Bhaktapur. The intricate carvings and works of art displayed at the square shows the superior artistry of Nepalese artisans of that time. We ended our tour by having Juju Dhau(local curd with honey) out of clay pots at a quaint little shop.
Good Value.
Yes
We wanted to visit Nagarkot. The itinerary offered by your agency had a trip to Nagarkot with additional tours to a few other places. The tour cost was also quite fair.
The sunrise from Nagarkot.
Try to visit places that lie on the periphery of Kathmandu valley instead of visiting just the tourist sites in the city.
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