Nagarkot is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It’s a lovely place to visit where you can enjoy the local life of Nepal and spectacular views over the Himalayas during both sunrise and sunset. 

People often visit Nagarkot to spend one or two nights to wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise. Nagarkot is actually one of the best places to see Mount Everest and other of the high snow covered peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.

If you’re planning on visit Kathmandu during spring – then I can highly recommend you to visit Nagarkot!

Things to do in Nagarkot

Nagarkot isn’t a destination that offers many actives, but it does provide relaxation, beautiful hiking paths, fantastic sunrise/sunset views of the Himalayas and limited mountain biking. 

Hiking

If you feel like hiking up to Nagarkot from Bhaktapur, then I have good news! There’s one great hiking path from Bhaktapur via the Changunayran Temple, and also one from the small town Sankhu that offers smaller hiking trails and fantastic views of the Himalayas and the green scenery of Nepal. The hiking takes around 3-5 hours, depending on which one you choose!

From your hotel in Nagarkot, you can also hike up via the main road to a high viewing tower that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. From here you can view Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa and Guari Shankar. From this tower, you can even see Mount Everest a cloud-free day!

Biking

During the high season, there will be mountain bikes available to rent from tour agents. There’s a great route called the ”loop” that’s popular among mountain bikers that visit Nagarkot. Mountain Biking is a relatively new activity, so it’s not sure that the bikes will be available during low season.

Watch the sunrise

If you get up early in the morning, then you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the Himalayas. Enjoy a nice cup of lemon tea while watching the eagles circulate over the Kathmandu valley. 

Relax

Nagarkot is a perfect place for you who seek relaxation. Come here and enjoy breathtaking views, delicious food, and excellent walking paths! 

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Nagarkot all year round since it always offers great things to do and lovely views. If you only visit Nagarkot to see the fantastic view of the Himalayas, then I recommend you to visit during spring when the valley is green, nature filled with beautiful flowers and when it’s better to view the Himalayas.

The best about spring is that the climate is mild, which makes it perfect for different kinds of activities!

Travel to Nagarkot

You can travel to Nagarkot in four different ways. Either you rent a private car from Kathmandu, take a taxi, take the bus from Thamel to Nagarkot or rent a motorbike in Kathmandu and drive there yourself. 

Personally, I think the local bus is the best way to get there. You travel with the locals and get to see a more local side of the country – a great experience if you ask me!

By Taxi from Kathmandu

If you decide to take a cab from Kathmandu to Nagarkot it will take you 2 – 2,5 hours. This is the easiest and most comfortable way to get there, but also the most boring way. A Taxi will cost you 3000 rupees one way. 

By Local Bus from Kathmandu

The best and most affordable way to get to Nagarkot from Kathmandu is by the local bus. The bus departures from Ratna Bus Park in Kathmandu, there you take the bus to Bhaktapur and then change the bus or take a taxi from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot. 

This will take you 2,5 to 3 hours depending on if you take the bus or taxi from Bhaktapur. 

NOTE: When you’re going to change to the bus towards Nagarkot from Bhaktapur it’s good to know that you will find the small bus terminal northeast of Bhaktapur near Kamal Pokhari tank along the main road (the road where you get dropped off by the bus from Kathmandu). 

It’s also good to know that the roads up to Nagarkot can be pretty narrow. So if you’re afraid of heights, you have to be prepared. The bus drivers know what they’re doing, so there’s nothing really to be scared about. But to be on the safe side, take a taxi if you’re really afraid of heights.

Recommended Hotels

Club Himalaya Resort

Club Himalaya is the most exclusive hotel in town and has the best views in the area. Here the guests can enjoy perfect views of the Himalayas, a heated pool, and jacuzzi to relax in. 

Click here to see photos, reviews, and price

Peaceful Cottage & Café du Mont

This is a nice hotel that offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. Here you get breakfast, beautiful views, and a cozy double room for the price of about 35 USD. 

Click here to see photos, reviews, and price

Hotel at the End of the Universe

This was the hotel that I stayed in when I visited Nagarkot 2016. This hotel offers rooms with and without bathrooms, cozy cottages, and large suites. Hotel at the End of the Universe also offers breakfast with delicious lemon tea and a fantastic view of the Himalayas. 

Click here to see photos, reviews, and price

Weather and Climate

Nagarkot has a pleasant climate all year round with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees Celcius. The climate is both warm and temperate. The driest month is December, and the summers have the most rainfall. 

Nagarkot Map

This is a map of the lovely town Nagarkot. Here I’ve marked the fancy Club Himalaya Resort; that’s one of the most popular hotels to stay in when visiting this beautiful town. Google Maps is a useful tool while traveling – to find different attractions and also to find your hotel from the bus station.