Nagarkot

This article is about the village in Nepal. For the Indian town historically known as Nagarkot, see Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Nagarkot नगरकोट
Village Development Committee
Crops and houses on the hills of Nagarkot
Country	Nepal
Zone	Bagmati Zone
District	Bhaktapur District
Population  (1991)
• Total	3,504
• Religions	Hindu
Time zone	UTC+5:45 (Nepal Time)

Nagarkot is a village and Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3,504 and had 655 houses in it. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya including Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Nagarkot is an international tourist destination with spectacular views of the whole Langtang range, sunrise on the mountains and sunset views.

Located approx. 7000 ft (2000 m) above Sea level and 28 km from Kathmandu international airport, Nagarkot is a world famous hills station commanding breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, rolling hills, deep valleys, lush pine forests in a quaint rural atmosphere.

Considered as the best viewpoint spot to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset with spectacular Himalayan vistas, Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the snow capped Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley ( 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 from here). The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range( Everest range) and Numbur range with splendid views of the Kathmandu valley and shivapuri national park.

Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley to monitor external activities of another kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat places for the royals before becoming popular as an international hill station.

So near yet so far from heat, dust, smoke and city's hustle-bustle, Nagarkot is a small village where tourists love to come here for acclimatization before heading to trekking or for a good rest after trekking. Locals love to come here to enjoy the beauty of nature with fresh mountain air and to rejuvenate their body, mind and spirit in a tranquil atmosphere.

Activities to do in Nagarkot

There are many nice walk for those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the beauty of Nature. There are several pleasant strolls to explore the local village and surroundings. Some nearby suggested walking destinations are:

1. Walk to the view point tower

Level: Easy Time Duration: 3 hours Altitude: 2200 metres

It is a very scenic walk where we can enjoy the unobstructed landscapes, deep valleys, rolling hills, forests, etc. This is the highest point of Nagarkot ( 2200 meters) above sea level commanding 360 degree panoramic views of the kathmandu valley in the west, himalayas in the north and deep lush jungles in the south and east. You will pass the military camp on the way and it is a very peaceful and easy walk to do with the kids as well.

2. Nature walk

Level: Easy Time Duration: 1.5 hours in total Altitude: 1900 metres It is a very beautiful walk inside lush pine trees with only birds inside. We can gently stroll across the pine trees while inhaling fresh mountain air and enjoying the beauty of Nature with nothing to disturb you. It is a very peaceful walk that any guest of any age can do it in a slow pace. It is one of the recreational outdoor activity that you can engage in during your stay in Nagarkot.

3. Tamang Heritage Walk

Level: Medium Time duration: 3-4 hours Altitude: 1800 metres

People living in the local village are mostly Tamang. Tamangs are one of the ethnic groups of Nepal originially from Tibet. They have their own unique dialect, culture, tradition, way of living, etc. A visit to tamang village will give you a glimpse of mountain people and their living settlement.

4. Walk to Changu Narayan Temple

Level: Medium Time Duration: 4 hours Altitude: 1500 metres

This hiking route is one of the most popular hiking route around the Kathmandu valley. It is a very beautiful walk where we explore local tamang culture with their local settlements for the half way whereas the half way is through the lush pine forests. It is a 15 km walk with an altitude drop of around 450 metres and we arrive in a Changu Narayan temple premises, one of the seven World Heritage sites in the kathmandu valley.

5. Walk to Sankhu

Level: Medium Time Duration: 3 hours Altitude: 1400 metres Distance  : 11 km

The hike to sankhu works best as a way of returning to kathmandu.Sankhu is an ancient Newari town located at the fringe of Kathmandu valley, 20 km northeast of Ratnapark. In the ancient times, this town was a trade route to Tibet from Kathmandu. The town is ideal for studying the traditional architecture and culture of Newari community. Sankhu is also home to the temples of Bajrayogini and Shalinadi. Every year, the fair of Shalinadi takes place in this town when thousands of devotees from different parts of the country come to celebrate. From Sankhu, one could also embark on a short trek to Nagarkot and Melamchi.

In Sankhu, you can visit to the Vajra Jogini Temple. The small and pleasant town of sankhu is a major pilgrimage site with the temple of vajrajogini. This legendary village is worth a visit because of its old houses, woodcarven windows and stone water taps.

Transport Details

Public buses are the main form of transportation and are incredibly cheap, incredibly uncomfortable and tediously slow. The buses to Nagarkot leave in every hour and is always packed. Buses leave almost every hour for Rs. 40 (NC). These are only the buses where you can stay at roof of the bus and enjoy a fresh air and there is no traffic as well. Or you can simply take a taxi from Kathmandu, which costs about 2,000 Rs from the tourist area of Thamel.

• 
  A house and some cattle in Nagarkot
• 
  Village distillery

External links

• Website