NAGARKOT AND CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE TOUR Overview

‘stunning sunrises and sunsets over an array of Himalayan snow peaks’

HIGHLIGHTS:

Enjoy the tour around Kathmandu Valley, amidst a pristine environment.
Visit the ancient Changu Narayan, the oldest Hindu Temple of Kathmandu Valley.
Explore rural Changu Narayan, an impressive temple and a quaint farm town.
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over a chain of Himalayan peaks from Nagarkot.
Enjoy the 360° panorama of the Himalayan snow-capped mountain ranges.”

Short Tour Profile:

Tour Grade: Leisure with Moderate short walks.
Area of Tour: Nagarkot and Changu Narayan above Bhaktapur.
Tour duration: 01 night and 02 Days.
Mode of Transportation: As group size from Cars, coach, Tourist standard
spacious bus.

THE BEST SEASONS FOR NAGARKOT & CHANGU NARAYAN TOUR:

The best seasons are spring, from March to May, and autumn/fall, which begins from September to November. Interested travelers can visit all year round, except for the summer/monsoon time of mid-June to August.

During the springtime, most days are bright with longer sunny days, but it can get cloudy sometimes in the afternoons. The late afternoons, nights, and mornings are cooler; the right time to visit is when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom.

The next best season is autumn/fall, with bright sun, to enjoy the views of snow-capped peaks. Days are short with limited sunlight hours, cold mornings, afternoons, and nights.

Enjoy the tour during winter also, when the days are crystal clear for the views.
Cold temperatures occur during the mornings, late afternoon, and nighttime.
But an enjoyable winter season despite the cold months of December to February. Sunrise is late, from 5:30 -6 a.m., and gets dark by 5 p.m., but with a clear, bright, starry night sky.

OVERVIEWS:

Nagarkot and Changu Narayan Temple Tour allows visitors and city folks to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Where one can enjoy and feel the cool and refreshing mountain air, just a mere distance from Kathmandu city.

Nagarkot and Changu Narayan Temple Tour leads towards the eastern suburb,
from Kathmandu Valley rim. An exciting short drive through the Bhaktapur city outskirts to reach the historic Chang Narayan and scenic Nagarkot hills.

Changu Narayan Temple is less visited by foreign visitors than the famous hill station of Nagarkot. The areas around Chang Narayan and Nagarkot are located in tranquil surroundings amidst a lovely forest of pines and rhododendron trees. Visitors can enjoy the superb scenery of the Kathmandu Valley along with the Himalayan mountain panorama.

Changu Narayan is an ancient and, the oldest temple of Kathmandu and Nepal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The holy complex is within a serene environment where the beautiful pagoda temple stands. A sacred Hindu site is located above the scenic valley and Bhaktapur city. The tour then leads higher to Nagarkot, a popular weekend holiday spot for the city folks and interested travelers.

Nagarkot is a vantage spot for sunrise and sunsets over an array of Himalayan snow-capped peaks. Where visitors can enjoy the spectacular views and surrounding scenery in the comfort of a deluxe lodge or hotel.

NAGARKOT HILL:

Nagarkot scenic green hill stands high above the Kathmandu Valley’s northeast rim. Nagarkot Hill is at 2,175 m / 7,136 feet high, within the district of Bhaktapur.
The driving distance of 28 km / 18 miles from Kathmandu city to the suburb of Bhaktapur city. It takes less than two hours, driving on a winding uphill road to Nagarkot Hilltop. Nagarkot Hill is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Which reflects its crimson lights over an array of Himalayan peaks, making Nagarkot one of the best scenic hill stations. The grand vista with a 360° panorama of the Himalayan snow-capped mountain ranges includes views as far as Everest.

Nagarkot Hill, with a green pristine environment, makes an excellent holiday destination for a day or more. From Nagarkot, interested people can enjoy the hikes to Dhulikhel or towards Chisapani and Sundarijal near Kathmandu.

CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE:

The Changu Narayan temple and the hills are about 4 km or 2.5 miles driving distance from Bhaktapur city. From Kathmandu city, approx. 19 km / 12 miles to reach the Changu Narayan temple and its quaint farm town.

Located above the Kathmandu Valley eastern rim, and from Bhaktapur city at
1,543 m / 5,062 ft. Changu Narayan is among the 7th UNESCO World Heritage sites around the three cities of Kathmandu. Which are Kathmandu, Patan/Lalitpur
and Bhaktapur cities, where visitors can experience the vintage traditional Newari culture and its farm life.

The temple with pagoda style is one of the magnificent examples of craftsmanship, history of more the 4th century old.
The temple stands above the old traditional Newari village, the oldest temple of Nepal. It was built during the Lichhavi Dynasty period around 325 AD.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the three main gods in the Hindu religion.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive to Nagarkot and transfer to a hotel- 02 hours approx.

By 9 a.m. or later, our guide will pick you up for an exciting drive to Nagarkot Hill.
A drive of about two hours, heading past Kathmandu city outskirts on a well-built, wide highway. An interesting drive through Thimi town, and then the drive diverts from the main road towards the suburb of Bhaktapur city. The drive leads through farm villages and towns, then on winding uphill. As the air gets cooler amidst a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pines. Then reach Nagarkot for an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice hotel, lodge, or resort.

At Nagarkot, check into your nice rooms, and the rest of the afternoon, explore the hill town of Nagarkot. As well as enjoy the striking sunset from the hotel, as it reflects on the Himalayan range of snow peaks.

Day 02: Enjoy the sunrise, dive to Kathmandu with a tour of Changu Narayan.

Rise early morning and have warm refreshment, then take a short walk to the best viewpoint. Reaching where observation tower is located above the Nagarkot main bazaar. At the time of sunrise, enjoy the spectacular sunrise as it reflects over the white peaks of the Himalayas. After a refreshing, cool morning with exciting views of sunrise and snow-capped mountain ranges. Walk back to the hotel for breakfast and then get ready for the drive downhill to Changu Narayan Temple. A short drive downhill to the car park of Changu Narayan Temple and the town. Located above Bhaktapur city within a lovely forest on a hilltop of the old town-village of Changu Narayan. A short walk towards the temple premises, it is one of the most magnificent and oldest temples in Nepal.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the three main gods after Shiva and Brahma. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings with grand views of the beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountains in the north.

After a great, exciting morning at Nagarkot and Changu Narayan, drive downhill to the Bhaktapur city outskirts. The drive then leads on the main road to Kathmandu and then back to your hotel.

Please Note:

Interested people can enjoy the tour of Bhaktapur city either en route to Nagarkot or on the way back.