Destination

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Duration
1 Day
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Tour Type
Private Day Tour
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Group Size
1-15
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Tour Guide
1
Nepal

Nagarkot Sunrise and Historical Bhaktapur Tour – 1 Day

Trip Highlights

  • The beautiful sunrise vista from Nagarkot Tower.
  • Take in the beautiful countryside scenery as you travel from Kathmandu to Nagarkot.
  • Uncover the timeless allure of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Views of the entire Himalayas, including Annapurna and Everest.
  • Follow a serene forest trail to the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan.
  • See regional potters in action at Pottery Square. 
  • Climb the stone steps to reach the tallest pagoda, Nyatapole Temple.

Trip Information:

Nagarkot is a well-known vacation destination around 32 kilometers from the Kathmandu Valley, known for its captivating views of the sunrise and sunset. It stands at an elevation of approximately 2,165 meters above sea level. Standing on a verdant slope, Nagarkot is encircled by an unending chain of snow-capped peaks and green hills. Even Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, may occasionally be seen in clear weather. 

Nagarkot Sunrise and Historical Bhaktapur Tour offers breathtaking architecture and natural beauty, making it a must-do experience for anybody traveling to Nepal. This tour also takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a beautiful moment spent early in the morning in Nagarkot, proceed to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is stunning with historical, architectural, and artistic treasures. In addition to learning about the city’s historical past, you can observe and learn about the traditional way of life that the locals lead.

The Palace of 55 Windows, the Golden Gate, the National Art Gallery, Nyatpole, Pottery Square, and other attractions are a few of the square’s highlights. 

Itinerary

You leave your Kathmandu accommodation early in the morning to start your tour. In order to reach Nagarkot in time for the sunrise, you must set out early. A calm start to the day is created by the picturesque and serene trip to Nagarkot. At five in the morning, you will be driven to Nagarkot from your Kathmandu hotel. You reach the tower as you drive uphill and watch the sunrise over the gorgeous peaks. You drive back to Nagarkot Bazaar and have breakfast while taking in the expansive vistas of the surrounding Himalayas after experiencing the breathtaking views of peaks, lush forests, sceneries, and rhododendron hills. You take in the scenery as you travel to Telkot. Follow a trail through the forest from Telkot to the mountaintop Changu Narayan temple. Tucked away amidst a verdant forest, the temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The courtyard and temple are adorned with exquisite decorations made of stone, wood, and metal that date back to the Malla and Licchavi dynasties. With the exception of a few local devotees, the temple grounds are populated with scuttling monkeys and cheerfully chirping birds.
You spend the remaining time seeing Bhaktapur Durbar Square. exploring the National Gallery, 55 Window Palace, Nyatapol, Dattatreya, Mini Pashupati, Bhairavnath, and other religious, cultural, and artistic shrines. Square of Potteries as one might expect, Potters' Plaza is a public plaza dotted with potters' wheels and lines of clay pots drying in the sun. To watch the fire process in action, you can also visit a traditional kiln. Without sampling the renowned "Juju Dhau" (king of yogurt), a trip to Bhaktapur isn't complete. Finally, upon touring every gallery, shrine, and monument, you take a drive back to the hotel.

Whats Included

Services Included:

  • Comfortable private transportation based on group size for a smooth travel experience.
  • Professional, English-speaking guide for insightful sightseeing tours.
  • Complementary bottled water for refreshment.

 

 

 

Whats Excluded

Services Excluded:

  • Entrance fees for historical sites and monuments.
  • Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation and trip cancellations.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers.
  • Any additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

 

FAQ

This tour offers a breathtaking sunrise view from Nagarkot and an immersive experience in Bhaktapur, a UNESCO-listed city rich in history, culture, and medieval architecture.

The tour begins before dawn, typically around 4:30–5:00 AM, to reach Nagarkot in time for the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas.

Bhaktapur is home to ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and traditional Newari culture. Highlights include Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, and Pottery Square

Yes, the tour is easygoing and suitable for all ages. However, there will be some walking in Bhaktapur's heritage sites.

Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing for the early morning, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended.

Yes, an experienced guide will accompany you, providing insights into the history, culture, and significance of each location.

Absolutely! You can customize the itinerary or extend the trip to include nearby attractions like Changu Narayan Temple.

Breakfast is not included, but you can enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Nagarkot or Bhaktapur at your own expense.

Useful Info

What to Expect During the Nagarkot Sunrise and Bhaktapur Tour?

A day trip to Nagarkot and Bhaktapur will delight you with a beautiful blend of historical sightseeing, cultural exploration, and scenic natural splendor. You may expect the following at each stop on the tour:

Nagarkot Sunrise

Situated on an impressive mountain at the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is a small and charming town. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get from Kathmandu or Bhaktapur to Nagarkot.

You can enjoy a magnificent dawn at Nagarkot, which is reflected on a string of Himalayan peaks that stretch the entire length of the eastern horizon, including the summit of Everest. Photographers can take advantage of sunrises to get breathtaking images of the Himalayan terrain bathed in golden light. 

You may take in the clean mountain air and take in expansive views of the surrounding landscape, terraced fields, and pine trees. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The term Bhaktapur, which translates as “city of devotees,” is composed of the words “Bhakta” and “Pur.” At the center of this journey is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of Nepal’s World Heritage Sites, which is surrounded by a number of other temples and buildings.

The Golden Gate

The 55-window Royal Palace, one of the primary attractions, is entered through the Golden Gate. Rich woodcarvings, elaborate detailing, and vivid colors define the Golden Gate as a magnificent example of traditional Newari architecture. 

Nyatapola Temple

Located in Bhaktapur, the Nyatapola Temple is a stunning pagoda-style templ. The Nyatapola Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Pottery Square

Bhaktapur still has a large number of potters who use their antique wooden wheels to give clay different sizes and forms.

The National Art Gallery

Buddhist and Hindu schools have produced artworks from antiquity to the medieval period at the National Gallery.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Entrance Fee: 

  • For non-natives: $20 or NRs. 2000
  • For Nationals of SAARC: NRs. 500
  • For Citizens of China: NRs. 500

Changu Narayan Temple Tour

The temple, which is tucked away in a verdant woodland, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this sacred site dates back to the Licchavi dynasty (450–750 AD).

From the fourth century onward, this temple has a plethora of images featuring Lord Vishnu. Bishnu, the god, is also known as Changu Narayan. It is also known for its elaborate woodcarvings, stone sculptures, and beautiful architecture. 

Hindus who are devoted to Lord Vishnu travel there on pilgrimages and occasions of adoration. The Changu Narayan Temple holds profound cultural and religious significance for the people of Nepal.

Changu Narayan Temple Entrance Fee: 

  • USD 5 or NRs. 500 for non-citizens
  • NRs. 100 for SAARC Nationals 
  • For Citizens of China: USD 3 or NRs. 300

Ideal Time of Year for Nagarkot Sunrise

You can visit Nagarkot almost year-round, with the exception of the monsoon rainy months of mid-June to August, if you’re looking for dawn views. summer is monsoon season, with overcast skies and lots of rainfall. But even in the summer, you could still be able to see a stunning dawn from Nagarkot.

Due to their ideal weather and breathtaking Himalayan vistas, autumn and spring are typically regarded as the greatest seasons to visit Nagarkot and witness sunrises.

Positive Impact of Your Journey:

  • Directly contributes to the livelihood of local guides and communities.
  • Helps preserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
  • Provides an immersive and authentic experience of local traditions and lifestyles.
  • Ensures that a significant portion of your travel expenses benefits the local economy.

 

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