About Nagarkot

Overview

Nagarkot is a hill village on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, about 32 km from Kathmandu at about 2,195 m. People come up for the sunrise: on a clear morning the view runs along a long stretch of the Himalaya, and Everest can be picked out far to the east. It is quiet compared with Kathmandu, with pine woods, terraced fields and walking trails down to the Changu Narayan Temple. Most travellers combine an overnight stay with Bhaktapur, which is on the way up.

Best Time to Visit Nagarkot

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct-NovBest Window

Why visit

The clearest mountain views of the year and comfortable hiking weather.

Keep in mind

Popular for weekend breaks from Kathmandu, so ridge hotels fill up.

Dec-FebBest Window

Why visit

Crisp, often cloudless mornings for the sunrise view.

Keep in mind

Nights are close to freezing; many hotels have little heating, so bring warm layers.

Mar-May

Why visit

Rhododendrons and mild days for the trails.

Keep in mind

Haze usually hides the mountains.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

Green hillsides and empty hotels.

Keep in mind

Monsoon cloud and fog block the views most days, and trails are slippery.

How to Reach Nagarkot

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Nagarkot has no airport or railway. Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, about 28 km away, which has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities, then take a taxi up through Bhaktapur, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Local buses run from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot. Travellers driving from India reach Kathmandu first, via Sonauli and Bhairahawa or Raxaul and Birgunj. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal, by road or by air. Carry a valid Indian passport or an original voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India; Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licences are not accepted as travel documents. Children can travel on a birth certificate or school ID. If you fly in, carry your passport.

Getting Around Nagarkot

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

The ridge is small and walkable. Hotels can arrange taxis to Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and Kathmandu, and trails lead downhill through villages to Changu Narayan.

Best Areas to Stay in Nagarkot

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Nagarkot ridge

Sunrise views

Hotels strung along the ridge road towards the view tower, many with east facing rooms or rooftops for the sunrise.

Bhaktapur

Combining old town and sunrise

A heritage town about 15 km below Nagarkot with guesthouses around Durbar Square, workable if you only want a pre dawn drive up.