Nagarkot is one of the most famous hill stations in Nepal. It’s a beautiful destination located around 32 km (20 mi) east of Kathmandu in the Bhaktapur District of Bagmati Province.
The hill is popular for enjoying the sunrise and sunset views of the peaks in the Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, and Mahalangur Ranges. If the weather is thoroughly clear, even the summit of Mt. Everest (locally known as Sagarmatha) can be seen.
Nagarkot lies between forests, terraced farmland, and other villages, making it ideal for a short nature walk to Changu Narayan Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The hiking trail is connected to the Shivapuri National Park area, but it’s not exactly a part of the protected area.
The entire hill is inhabited by the Newar, Tamang, Brahmin, and Kshetri. During hiking, you’ll go through their villages, completely away from city noise.
There are enough accommodation facilities in Nagarkot, from budget lodges to luxury resorts/hotels. All these hotels feature a mountain-facing balcony that offers you the sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Nagarkot. These seasons offer clear skies, mild weather, great visibility, and stable weather.
Winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) aren’t quite good times to visit here. During winter, nights and mornings are cold, but the views are mostly clear. During the monsoon, the landscapes look lush and green, but mountain views aren’t guaranteed, as skies mostly remain cloudy.
It’s easy to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu because road access is available from the city up to the hill. Therefore, you can take a public vehicle or a taxi to get there. It takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
