Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike combines the relaxing hike from Nagarkot hill to the historically valued Changunarayan temple. Just under an hour’s drive from Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is a preferred viewpoint for the Himalayan ranges and mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. During the hike, villages that pass en route exhibit a traditional lifestyle rich in ancient cultural practices.
An early morning hour-long drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot passes through terraced fields and climbs the hill with scenic views all along the way. Nagarkot lies at an altitude of 2100 meters and is ideal for pictures of the snow peaks. The hiking trail descends through terraced fields to an ethnic village of the Tamangs with thatched-roofed stone houses. Nepalese countryside houses are typical, with a small courtyard at the front, a shed for animals, and a small adjoining vegetable garden. The trail further moves through a deciduous forest along a ridge. The easy downhill walk takes around four hours to the UNESCO world heritage site of Changu Narayan, the oldest Hindu temple in Pagoda Style in Nepal. We enjoy a lunch of local cuisines before taking our drive back to Kathmandu.
