8 Best Things to Do in Nagarkot, Nepal

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Nagarkot?

You’ve come to the right place as I live in Nepal and have been to Nagarkot many times!

Nagarkot is 30 km east of Kathmandu and is one of the most popular destinations near Kathmandu to see the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas.

As Nagarkot is close to Kathmandu, it makes it very easy to reach – both by public bus or taxi. Nagarkot can be great for a short 1 night/2 days trip if you are short on time. If you have more time, it is easy to spend 3-4 days in Nagarkot.

How to Get from Kathmandu to Nagarkot

• By taxi: the taxi from Kathmandu to Nagarkot will cost around Rs. 3,000 and take about 1,5 hours to get there.
• By bus: There is not a direct bus from Kathmandu to Nagarkot. First you have to take a bus from the Bhaktapur Bus Park (Bagbazaar, Kathmandu) to Bhaktapur and then change to Nagarkot.

💡 Read my complete guide on how to get from Kathmandu to Nagarkot here!

Best Time to Visit Nagarkot

The time best time to visit Nagarkot is between October-November and March-May. During this time, the weather is clear and you get the best sunrise/sunset views of the Himalayas.

When you visit, keep in mind that Nagarkot is higher up in the mountains than Kathmandu, so whatever season it is, it will always a bit colder – make sure to take a warm jumper/jacket and warm socks.

8 Best Things to Do in Nagarkot

1. Watch the Sunrise Over the Himalayas

The sunrise view in Nagarkot is so beautiful. If you are feeling sleepy in the early morning, the easiest way to watch the sunrise will be from your hotel room.

Many hotels have balconies where you can sit outside with your blanket and watch the sunrise. If you do not have a balcony, you may still get nice views from your window or you can also go up to the rooftop of your hotel and watch the sunrise from there.

2. Watch the Sunrise from the Nagarkot Geodic Survey Tower/View Point Tower

The Nagarkot Geodic Survey Tower is about 1 hour walk away from the town centre of Nagarkot. The walk to the tower is not too scenic as it follows a concrete road all the way to the tower.

If you feel too tired to walk to the tower for sunrise, you can also book a taxi beforehand to take you there. Make sure to arrange the taxi the day before as it could be difficult to get a taxi so early in the morning.

3. See the View from the Nagarkot Panoramic Sunrise View Point

The Nagarkot Panoramic Sunrise View Point is actually on the way to the Nagarkot Geodic Survey Tower. Still, it takes about 45 minutes walk to reach on the same road that leads to the tower.

You can still get pretty great views from here, even if you do not walk all the way to the View Point Tower.

4. Hike the Nature Walk and the Panoramic Hiking Trail

The Nature Walk and Panoramic Hiking Trail make up one hiking trail in Nagarkot. Together it is about 11 km walk and can be completed in about 3-4 hours.

The Nature Walk starts closely from the main road in Nagarkot. It is an easy, 2.5 km long hike in a forest area. Once you reach the end of the Nature Walk, you will be on a concrete main road. Here you have to walk on the main road a little bit until the trail starts for the Panoramic Hiking Trail.

During the section of the Nature Walk, you will be walking through a forest so you will not have any views of mountains. However, during the section of the Panoramic Hiking Trail there will be really nice views of the Himalayas.

Make sure to take water and snacks with you. Also, I do not recommend this hike during monsoon season as the trails will be full of leeches.

5. Explore the Tudhi Jharna Hiking Route (Waterfalls and Suspension Bridge)

It takes a bit over 1 hour of walk to reach the Tudhi Jharna hiking route from the town centre of Nagarkot (Nagarkot bus stand).

On this hiking route, you will pass by 2 waterfalls (Rani and Nagarkot Waterfalls) and there is also a suspension bridge you can cross through. If the weather is hot, people usually go to chill by the waterfall.

6. Visit the Buddha Peace Park

The Buddha Peace Park is about 40 minutes walk from the Nagarkot town centre. There is a statue of Buddha here and a small park area to walk around.

I think it is a good place to check out if you are going to the Tudhi Jharna hiking trail. I found it is really peaceful and the views from here are great.

7. Hike to Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is another town famous for its sunrise and sunset views and it is located close to Nagarkot.

The hiking trail between the two towns are 16 km long and can be completed in about 4-6 hours. Dhulikhel is the less touristy version of Nagarkot.

⛰️ Check out the best things to do in Dhulikhel here!

8. Hike the Nagarkot – Chisapani – Sundarijal Trail

There is also a hiking trail between Nagarkot – Chisapani – Sundarijal. This route takes 2 days, with an overnight in Chisapani.

The section between Nagarkot and Chisapani is not very impressive as it follows roads and you are not much in the nature.

I have hiked this route a few times and I much prefer the section between Chisapani and Sundarijal. Between Chisapani and Sundarijal, it is very beautiful and you are completely in the nature. 

⚡ Worried about charging your phone while hiking? Grab your power bank now!

Once you get to Chisapani, there are hotels you can choose from and book your stay once you arrive. If you have a tent, there is also an area where you can pitch your tent for free.

This hike can also be completed from the other way around as well from Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot. If you are short on time, you can even just hike from Sundarijal to Chisapani and then take a bus back to Kathmandu. 

Where to Eat in Nagarkot

Berg House Cafe

The Berg House Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Nagarkot. It has both an inside and outside seating area. In the far end of the restaurant, there is also a balcony style seating area. The views are great from here.

Hotel at the End of the Universe

The Hotel at the End of the Universe functions both as a hotel and restaurant. It is a little bit further away from the main street of Nagarkot but its atmosphere and great selection of food and drinks definitely make it a place to stop by.

Sherpa Alpine Cottage

The Sherpa Alpine Cottage is also both a restaurant and hotel. They have great dal bhat here. It has both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The owner is really nice and the accommodation is set up in a couple of cottages across the premises.

Where to Stay in Nagarkot

Best Budget Hotels in Nagarkot

✅ Hotel Nagarkot Holiday Inn: check prices and book here!

✅ Hotel at the End of the Universe: check prices and book here!

Mid-Range Hotels in Nagarkot

✅ Everest Manla Resort: check prices and book here!

✅ Hotel Himalayan Villa: check prices and book here!

High-End Hotels in Nagarkot

✅ Club Himalaya by ACE Hotels: check prices and book here!

✅ Kavya Resort and Spa: check prices and book here!

FAQs: Best Things to Do in Nagarkot, Nepal

What is Nagarkot famous for?

Nagarkot is famous for the sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. It is a small town close to Kathmandu that can be easily reached by bus or taxi.

It is a very popular destination as it is close to Kathmandu and once you get to Nagarkot, you are in the nature in a peaceful environment. It is also a good place for short hikes and visiting waterfalls.

Is Nagarkot worth visiting?

Nagarkot is definitely worth visiting. It has beautiful sunrise and sunset views, short hiking routes, sunrise viewpoints and waterfalls.

If you are looking for a place to escape the busy Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a good choice to spend time in the nature.

Which month is best to visit Nagarkot?

The months to visit Nagarkot is between October-November or March-May. During this time, the weather is the best and the views are mostly clear.

However, Nagarkot can be visited during any time, just you will not have any clear views of the mountains during the monsoon. Also, if you visit during the monsoon, I don’t recommend to go hiking in Nagarkot as the trail will be full of leeches.

How many days to stay in Nagarkot?

Many people go to Nagarkot for one night only, but if you want to spend some time in the nature, it is easy to spend 2-3 nights here.

Can you see Mount Everest from Nagarkot?

Supposedly you can, however, you have to be a mountaineer expert or have someone with you who is an expert. The mountain ranges are at a far distance from Nagarkot so it can be difficult to make out the specific mountains.

When is the best time to visit Nagarkot, Nepal?

The time best time to visit Nagarkot is between October-November and March-May. During this time, the weather is clear and you get the best sunrise/sunset views of the Himalayas.

What are the best places to visit in Nagarkot, Nepal?

The best places to visit in Nagarkot include the Nagarkot Geodic Survey Tower/View Tower, Nagarkot Panoramic Sunrise View Point, Nature Walk and the Panoramic Hiking Trail, Buddha Peace Park, Tudhi Jharna and hiking to Dhulikhel or Sundarijal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nagarkot is a peaceful place to visit if you want to spend some time in the nature. Many people go for just one night but it is easy to spend 2-3 days in Nagarkot.

Nagarkot is mostly famous for the sunrise views, hiking and waterfalls. Nagarkot can be visitied all year round, however, you will get the best sunrise and sunset views if you visit between October-November or March-May.