Friday, July 4, 2014

Nagarkot- Gateways to Mount Everest


Nagarkot Tourist Attractions


NAGARKOT is located at a distance of 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu and 28 Km from International Airport is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is a simple farming town, had a population of 4571 and had 973 houses in it, according to census conducted in 2011. Nagarkot is one of the popular tourist destination from natural scenery, fresh air and stunning mountain views. Panoramic views of Himalayas can be seen from Nagarkot. Nagarkot is great choice for green travellers interested in outdoor activities, scenic walks and culture.

 nagarkot great views on sun set

Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east with an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers an panoramic view of the valley

Nagarkot, historically, used to serve as the summer retreat for the royal family and many other aristocrats from Kathmandu. While the town offers great views of the mountain, there are few monasteries and temples

Best Time To Visit Nagarkot: The best time to visit Nagarkot is from October to April so that you can have a clear view of the Himalayan peaks. You will be awarded with clear mornings with the most stunning views of Himalayas at sun rise. The monsoon from June to September, it is unlikely to get a view of the mountain.

Things To Do In Nagarkot: The city has plenty to offer visitors in the form of panoramic sights, hiking, nature trails, mountain biking and more. Nagarkot is most beautiful during spring.The stunning sights of the Dhaulagiri range in the west and the Mount Everest in the east are the most popular with tourists. Along the way the historic town of Sankhu is a much frequent tourists spots.


Bhaktapur, Sundarijal and Banepa are excellent hiking destination. While on their hikes, you can also visit the temples of Sankhu, Changu Narayan and Vajra Yogini. Cafe Dumont is a peaceful place, where you can watch the sunset.

For those who wish to spend more than one night in Nagarkot, there are plenty more activities to keep you occupied. Here, you can savour the beauty of majestic mountains under comfort and quite, or if you wish you can do pony-riding, a visit to Tamang village, bird watching, meditation and yoga, hiking or simply stretch out in a terrace with a vodka cocktail.


nagarkot terrace farming

Places To See In Nagarkot: Nagarkot is surrounded by thickly forested hills of pine trees which gives you an idyllic escape. It is a rustic resort high on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu valley. It is an outstanding hilltop that offers great views of Himalayas, breathtaking mountain scenery and most impressive view of sunrise and sunset. From Nagarkot, one see the breathtaking views of the major himalayan peaks of Nepal like Manaslu (8,463m), Ganesh Hill (7,111m), Lantang (7,246m), Dorje Lakpa, Sisa Pa Choyu, Gauri Shanker etc. On a clear crystal day, one can even see tip of Mt. Everest (8848m) from Nagarkot.


Get in: The easiest and cheapest way to get here from Kathmandu is to take a bus at the "Bhaktapur Bus Terminal" located east of Ratna Park to Bhaktapur , 40-50 minutes trip and from there another bus to Nagarkot 1.5 hours, nice trip although buses are very overcrowded.

There is also a tourist bus which goes directly from Kathmandu. Departs Kathmandu at 13.30 from Shorankhutee Tourist Bus Park Narayan Bazaar. And from Nagarkot at 10.15. But please check first if it still operates.

It is best to travel by private-hire cars and taxis to Nagarkot. From the International airport, it should take about 40 mins and from the city centre, about an hour. A scenic drive via the ancient city of Bhaktapur and tiny villages along meandering mountain roads is a journey by itself.

Nagarkot Tourism Overview 
Country Rank - 5 out of 5 places to visit Nepal.
Sub-region    -  Kathmandu Valley.
Ideal Duration - 2.
Best Time - Oct. to March 
Nearest Airport - Nagarkot (Check Flights)





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