Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike Overview
The Nagarkot to Changu Narayan hike is a popular day hike located in and around the Kathmandu Valley, which has great scenic beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The hike starts in Nagarkot, which is a hill station that has incredible sunrise views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest, along with many other famous mountains from the Langtang and Ganesh mountain ranges.
Nagarkot is at 2,195 m above sea level, which means trekkers will have the wonderful experience of seeing the sunrise over the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in the distance
If you leave from Kathmandu at a reasonable time, Nagarkot is about 45 minutes away by car. We will get up early to watch the sunrise, take some pictures from the viewing tower, have a quick breakfast, and we will start our hike around 8:30 AM.
The trail is downhill through terraced fields, culturally rich Nepalese villages consisting of Brahmin, Tamang, and Newari communities, and hilly forested areas. The hike is primarily downhill and is roughly 12 kilometers long, and will take about 4 to 5 hours to reach Changu Narayan (at your own pace).
Changu Narayan is the ending point of the trek. The Changu Narayan Temple is among the oldest temples in Nepal (5th century) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is characterized by carvings in, pagoda style.
Fragrant champak trees surround it in a village setting. Most clients like to spend time soaking in the ambiance of this ancient site before it is time to sit down for lunch.
Along with the incredible, sweeping views of the mountains, trekkers should delight in the incomparable experience of the rural life, culture, and history of Nepal. The private transport to and from Kathmandu is often included, which makes this an easy day trek; this is a great day trek option for trips with clear sky conditions from September to May.
The trek can also be trekked in reverse from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot. If you choose this option, you can stay one night in Nagarkot.
Mountain Rock Treks is pleased to offer a fully organized Nagarkot - Changu Narayan Hike trip in Kathmandu, which promises to be a memorable experience. We are currently offering package bookings for 2025 and 2026 at our lowest price ever.
Highlights of Nagarkot Changu Narayan One day Trek
- True Nepalese experience waking up to a spectacular sunrise in Nagarkot with full views of the Himalayas, all the major peaks, got to see Mt Everest.
- Day hikes in the incredible terraced fields, day hikes through beautiful pine forests, day hikes through traditional Nepalese villages.
- Learning about and experiencing the cultural heritage of the Newar, Tamang, and Gurung communities on the trek.
- Visiting the Changunarayan Temple, also a UNESCO heritage site, and an incredible experience with its carvings and architecture.
- Himalayan sunrise views with all the panoramic views of the Himalayas with Mt Everest and the others, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar.
- Experiencing peace in order to understand the rural landscape and the traditional farming culture of Nepal.
- Opportunities for bird watching as you escape the hustle and bustle of the city, while enjoying the wilderness.
- Clearly marked trek, suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
One‑Day Sunrise Hike from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan via Nagarkot
From Kathmandu to Changu Narayan through Nagarkot, the one-day sunrise Himalayan trek is the best short trek in the valley. You will want to have a very early start so you can be at Nagarkot in time to see the epic mountain views of the Himalayan range at sunrise.
Then you will trek to Changu Narayan Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trek is absolutely ideal for traveler who are a bit short on time and is a perfect one-day trek to do the day before an international departure.
Is the Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike Tour Right For You?
For Families
The hike is perfect for families with kids or elderly people. This comfortable downhill trek meanders through the traditionally spoken villages of the Tamang and Newar people, terraced fields, and forested paths about 12 km (Nagarkot → Changu Narayan) that took about 4–5 hours.
The Chandru Narayan Temple of the UNESCO World Heritage is the trail's end, where cultural exploration becomes relaxed sightseeing in a quiet place.
For Friends & Groups
The walk is also great for a group of friends or casual ones that want to have fun and discover some culture at the same time.
Early risers can enjoy a spectacular sunrise at Nagarkot and then go for a leisurely walk with a local guide who will provide commentary and photo-friendly stops through villages and viewpoints.
For Culture & History Buffs
The way seems a perfect combination of cultural infiltration and easy hiking. Besides that, locals' encounter is the highest point here for those who are going to end at Changu Narayan, the oldest temple of Nepal from the 4th century AD.
For Casual Outdoor Lovers
A nice one-day getaway: it’s close, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery, along with well-planned itineraries that include private transportation and fully-certified guides.
The Story Behind Nagarkot’s Title as the Himalayan Sunrise Spot
With its stunning location, positioned at 2,175–2,195 m and located about 32 km east of Kathmandu, taking in eight Himalayan ranges with one sight (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Jugal, Rolwaling, and Numbur). It is no surprise that Nagarkot has earned its name as Nepal's Himalayan Sunrise Spot.
First light breaking through the clearly visible snow‑capped peaks against a morning sky rewards photographers and lovers of nature alike with golden alpenglow.
Day after day provided us with a spectacular showing, and with this easy accessibility from Kathmandu, relatively unpolluted conditions to breathe clean air, and exquisitely nice mornings, Nagarkot will always be one of Nepal's favourite destinations to view and experience a sunrise.
Changunagrayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple on a small hill in Bhaktapur District is thought to be the oldest continuing Hindu temple in Nepal. Scholars believe the temple dates from the 4th century, during the reign of the Lichhavi kings in Nepal.
The temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Vishnu in his Narayana avatar, and it has received considerable emphasis for the historical value, rich Newar style, and copious inscriptions on stone, carved stone artifacts in and around the temple dating from the Licchavi period.
The temple complex has a two-story pagoda-style having beautifully carved wooden struts, stone carvings of several deities, which include Vishnu, Shiva and Durga.
One of its singular features of this place of worship is that it has a 5th century statue of Garuda, the statue of kneeling figure at the mount of Vishnu is at the entrance of the temple.
Changu Narayan Temple, which was a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, is still vibrant as a temple and an expression of cultural heritage, and represents Nepal's great tradition of both religion and architecture.
Small Group Nagarkot Changunarayan Tour and Trek: Scheduled Departures with Local Guides in 2025, 2026
This is a small-group, guided tour, experiencing a beautiful sunrise in Nagarkot, a leisurely 4-5 hour hike or trek to the UNESCO Changu Narayan Temple, with a local English-speaking guide.
The highlight:
- The fixed departure dates offered for 2025 are available in all 12 months and every day.
- Guaranteed dates in every season for 2025-2026 at the very best cost rate.
This tour is appropriate for families with children and/ or seniors. This tour includes cultural elements, scenery of the Himalayas, and 'true' rural experiences, and is just a moderate day tour. Suitable for all types of small group travel, and suitable for all ages and abilities.
You could expect a fair level of fitness in this trip and the following: Breaks, cultural learning, scenery and a well-cared-for single day experience.
What are the Top Attractions in Nagarkot and Changunayaran?
Nagarkot View Tower
This prominent lookout is a prime location to catch the sunrise or sunset over the Himalayas, delivering breathtaking wrap-around views—from Mount Everest to the Annapurna range—that have made mornings in Nagarkot a memorable experience.
Nagarkot Village Walk
Walking along the peaceful roads of Nagarkot villages lets you dive deep into Newari culture and traditional architecture and offers you the opportunity to understand the local people more truly, beyond the existing tourist attractions.
Mountain Biking in Nagarkot
The undulating land and beautiful scenery transform Nagarkot into a perfect spot for cycling, offering adrenaline lovers not only amazing trips but also the incredible Himalaya as a backdrop.
Changu Museum
Located next to Changunarayan Temple, this small museum is the perfect place to explore further the temple’s archaeological and artistic significance if you are a lover of the Nepali culture.
Fully Customizable Itineraries: Lunch Stops, Route Variations, Extensions
Personalize your travel experience in Nagarkot and Changunarayan with an all-inclusive itinerary that is completely reconfigured based on your preferences, style, and timing in 2025, 2026, and beyond.
Please let us know if you wish to include a lovely lunch stop where you can see the Himalayas when you want alternate trekking roads, or if you want to add on other activities in the area. Regardless of what you want to include, we will tailor it for you.
- You also have several lunch stops to select from: charming hilltop cafes, local Nepali restaurants, or picnic areas with far stretches of view.
- There are different ways to take your routes, for any level of fitness and interests - natural trails, cultural detours, or longer or shorter walks.
- There are also extensions to Bhaktapur, to Telkot, and cultural workshops.
This is for people, family (friends), or private groups looking for a meaningful, memorable experience.
This itinerary is very popular and well-received for an education and flexible way of experiencing Nagarkot and Changunarayan. you can tailor your whole trip to have your own travel experience.
Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike Price in 2025, 2026
Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike is a budget-friendly cultural/nature walk for the 2025 and 2026 season starting at US$75 per person. This price typically includes private transportation from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, professional licensed hiking guide, & permits. You would receive a more economic price if you are two people or more.
The hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan is a good deal for a cultural and nature hike; it costs US$75 per person in 2025 & 2026. Cost generally includes your private transport from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, a licensed hiking guide (with hiking experience), permits, etc. Group discounts are available for 2 or more people.
Last Minute Booking and Departure
- Available for Last Minute Bookings: The Nagarkot to Changu Narayan hike is very bookable with hardly any notice; in some cases, you can book your hike on the same day, or even the day before you hike, with most providers.
- Flexible Departure Times: Most tours will go early morning or daytime; with pick-ups you can ask for, as early as 4:30 AM (if you are contemplating a sunrise hike); or you have later morning start times (generally between 7:00 - 8:30 AM) for a non-rushed hike.
- Quick Confirmation: Typically, if you book a last-minute hike, you will get an email confirmation immediately, and the arrangements will be in place for you to go ahead and depart.
- Private Option or Group Options: With little notice, you can easily arrange a private hike, or small group hike; last-minute bookings are just as good for a solo traveller, a family, or if you are with a group of friends.
- Pickup at the hotel on the same day: Your guides can pick you up at any hotel in Kathmandu, provided you are in your room when they arrive. This applies until just a few hours, prior to your trek.
- No special preparation is required: You do very little 'preparation' - simply bring basic shoes and clothes according to what season we are in and everything else - you will have far less stress - guiding, transport, food and so on - this is all taken care of.
- Seasons - all year round availability: We operate in all seasons, meaning we can even do same day or last minute bookings during peak season.
