Overview

Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking is one of the shortest and easiest hiking prospects in the capital valley. This 2-day hiking package gives you an incredible opportunity to relish the natural allurements and the cultural charms of the diversified Kathmandu Valley in a short period. This remarkable hiking journey in Kathmandu for suitable for travelers who want to explore the natural and cultural charm of the Himalayan country without the need to set out on weeks-long mountain exploration.

In a short hiking excursion, you will get a chance to explore the hillside of the Bhaktapur district. Your Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking will take you across the major religious sites in the country, Changu Narayan Temple, which has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. This cultural site was built during the 2nd century of the Lichhavi Dynasty and houses valuable ancient inscriptions, stone sculptures, and architecture with historical and cultural significance.

Similarly, Nagarkot Hill, the most popular hill station in the country, is another popular highlight of this short hiking adventure. Nagarkot, which is located about 32 km (19 miles) east of Kathmandu, is situated at an elevation of 2,175 meters (7,135 feet) from the sea level and offers the most stunning views of the capital valley, which is believed to have been once a deep lake, and the Himalayan vistas.

This hill station was originally built to monitor the activities of the neighboring kingdoms, thus, such a strategic location. However, later, it became the summer retreat destination for the royal families before earning fame as the international hill station. Now, it is the most popular short hiking destination in the Kathmandu Valley for travelers who are looking for a refreshing retreat.

Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking is a unique combination of exploration that unifies the cultural and natural prospects of this great capital valley that carries a rich history. Even if you don’t have time to set out on long endeavors, this short hike will be a mesmerizing experience during your visit to Nepal. As it is one the easiest and shortest hiking options in this Himalayan country, you will be able to easily fit it into your itinerary plan and partake in it with your family and friends without any worries about the difficulty factors.

What You Expect With This Hiking?

As Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking is a unique blend of both natural and cultural prospects, you can expect a fascinating and immersive experience during your trip. You will get the opportunity to explore the natural landmarks, tourist highlights, and cultural sites along the trail. Your short trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Shankhu, during the short 2-day hike, you will walk about 3 to 4 hours on average with enough breaks along the route.

During the first part of the trip, you will head toward the popular hill station, Nagarkot Hill, and then explore the UNESCO Site, Changu Narayan Temple on the next day. Adventure Great Himalayan will provide a government-licensed trekking guide who is fluent in English for your hike. Your guide will provide you with all the information about the highlights of this hike and add value to your experience.

After your hike on the first day to Nagarkot, you will rest at a lavish hotel enjoying the epic scenery. The standard meals during your trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be covered by your hiking package and we will also take care of all land transportation during this hike.

Best Time for Kathmandu Nagarkot Hiking

As this is a short and easy hiking adventure within the capital valley, the Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking can be enjoyed throughout the year. Still, for the best of the best experience, the high seasons like autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the most suitable choices. The lush greenery surrounds the landscapes during the spring season and as for the autumn, you will be able to enjoy the clear and crisp Himalayan vistas.

This short hike can be slightly challenging during the monsoon (June to August) as the continuous downpour can make the hiking trail slippery. As for the winter (December to February), the Kathmandu Valley is below the snow line, so hiking on this exciting trail won’t be a challenge. Although the evening and morning can be little the days are generally warm during the winter season which ensures an enjoyable experience.

You will be able to enjoy the grandeur of nature and the cultural experience no matter which season you visit. Still, be a little careful and adequately prepare for the continuous rain and slippery trails of the monsoon season.

Difficulty Level

The Kathmandu Nagarkot Hiking is one the shortest and easiest hiking opportunities in Nepal. As your hiking trails are inside the capital valley, you can expect to enjoy a safe and comfortable experience without the need to push your body to its limit. Unlike the trekking adventures in the Himalayas, you don’t even have to prepare physically for this short 2-day hike, although a little bit of preparation will help you walk comfortably.

You will need to walk about 3 to 4 hours on average during this hike and the terrains are not challenging like the remote mountain regions. Although you will navigate your way across the moderately steep sections, they are not physically exhausting. You will also get enough time to rest during your hike where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks.

As for the altitude gain, the maximum altitude point in this trek is about 2,175 meters (7,135 feet) at Nagarkot Hill. Similarly, the Changu Narayan Temple is at an altitude of 1,600 meters (5,249 feet). Thus, you will not face any kind of altitude-related challenges in this short hiking excursion like the high-altitude Himalayan treks.

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