Nagarkot Sunrise with Changunarayan Hike and Bhaktapur Tour

Witness a stunning Nagarkot sunrise over the Himalayas, hike to the ancient Changunarayan Temple and explore Bhaktapur’s rich culture and heritage. A perfect blend of nature, history and spirituality!
Escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and embark on a day filled with breathtaking Himalayan views, an immersive nature hike, and a deep dive into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. This carefully curated tour takes you from Nagarkot’s stunning sunrise viewpoint to a peaceful 3-hour hike through lush forests, leading to the ancient Changunarayan Temple. The journey continues with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a medieval city where history, art, and tradition come to life.
Your day begins early with a private drive from Thamel to Nagarkot, taking about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, with the first golden rays illuminating Everest, Langtang, Annapurna, and Manaslu. The tranquil ambiance, fresh mountain air, and panoramic landscapes make this one of the best sunrise viewpoints near Kathmandu.
After soaking in this mesmerizing view, enjoy a delicious breakfast in Nagarkot, fueling up for the next adventure- an exciting 3-hour hike to Changunarayan Temple.
The hike follows the scenic Telkot route, passing through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. Along the way, encounter friendly locals, grazing cattle, and small temples nestled in nature. The well-maintained trails and gentle slopes make it a great experience for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Upon reaching Changunarayan Temple, step into history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 4th century, is Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Adorned with intricate stone carvings and ancient inscriptions, its beautiful pagoda-style architecture showcases Nepal’s artistic excellence. The sacred atmosphere offers a deep sense of spirituality and historical significance.
A 15-minute drive from Changunarayan brings you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of Nepal’s best-preserved medieval cities. Bhaktapur is a living museum, where narrow alleys, temples, and courtyards take you back in time.
Spend about two hours exploring Bhaktapur, visiting landmarks such as:
• Nyatapola Temple- Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temple, known for its five-tiered structure.
• 55-Window Palace- A former royal residence with intricately carved wooden windows.
• Golden Gate- A magnificent entrance, one of Nepal’s finest metalwork masterpieces.
• Pottery Square- Watch artisans craft beautiful clay pots using ancient techniques.
Complete your Bhaktapur experience by savoring authentic Newari cuisine, including the famous Juju Dhau- King of Yogurt. This sweet, creamy delicacy is a must-try, offering a taste of Nepal’s rich culinary heritage.
After an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and historic cities, we drive back to Thamel in a private vehicle, concluding a day filled with adventure, spirituality, and cultural wonders.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.