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Nagarkot Changunarayan is the closest route to the short walk in Nepal that takes place in the Kathmandu valley. The Nagarkot hiking trail in Chagunarayan gradually descends through the terraced fields. If you only have one day in Kathmandu and are looking for a simple climbing experience, this day trip to Nagarkot Changunarayan is the best alternative way to escape from the bustling city and discover the countryside. You will be amazed by the magnificent views, the local villages and the traditional lifestyle in the countryside, even though you are so close to the city on your day of hiking in Kathmandu.
Nagarkot is popular for a stunning sunrise and sunset view and is one of the most popular hill stations. Situated at an altitude of 2100m from the sea level and 32 km from Kathmandu this small hill station provides a spectacular view of the northern mountain, sunrise, and sunset. However, timing is everything, as the mountains are well known for disappearing behind cloudy skies. The best viewing seasons are summer time and slightly in winter when clear skies are likely. For those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh morning air, there are charming walking trails as well as a lookout tower from which the sights can be taken in.
Changunarayan Temple is a historic temple, that is very old, this temple has a history that dates back to around 3000 years. Perched on a hill, the temple stands majestically over the rice fields of Bhaktapur, around 22 km away from Kathmandu. The Changunarayan temple is a double-roofed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In our Nagarkot-Changunarayan Day Hiking in Go Nepal, we organized the pick-up from your hotel for an hour or two drive to Nagarkot through the green fields and climb through terraced fields. The drive is scenic with the green valley views and also the amazing views of Himalayas. Nagarkot is a hill station at 2100m and it is where your day hike in Kathmandu valley will start. The hiking trail from Nagarkot to Chagunarayan gradually descends through the terraced fields through the ‘Tamang Village.’ You can also enjoy wilderness and serenity, you may also see lush rhododendron and other vegetation. The journey is simple with steady downhill and genuinely level ways. It will take around 4 hours to reach Changunarayan, the most established pagoda style Hindu Temple in Nepal. After properly visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site and having your lunch, we will then return back to Kathmandu to end our amazing day hike.
Embark on an exciting journey to Nagarkot and Changu Narayan Temple, two iconic locations that offer panoramic views of the Himalayas and a deep dive into Nepal's rich cultural heritage in our Nagarkot-Changunarayan Day Hiking. This tour combines the serene beauty of nature with the historical significance of one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley.
Your Nagarkot-Changunarayan Day Hiking journey begins with a drive to Nagarkot which is a beautiful hilltop located about 32 km away from Kathmandu. This place is known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan range, and Nagarkot is also a must-visit destination for nature lovers, and our trip will begin from this must-visit destination.
As you start to ascend the hill, the landscape will gradually start to change from the busy city of Kathmandu to the peaceful, serene hills that are very peaceful and relaxing. You'll pass through small villages, lush green forests, and terraced fields, offering you glimpses of the natural beauty that surrounds the valley. The drive itself is an enjoyable experience as you leave the noise and chaos of the city behind and move closer to the tranquility of the hills while admiring the breathtaking views from your car window.
Once you arrive in Nagarkot, you’ll now be ready to embrace the incredible views Nagarkot has to offer and then start the next step of the journey which is enjoying the magnificent views that Nagarkot provides.
Upon your arrival in Nagarkot, you’ll now have the opportunity to fully appreciate the breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds you properly. The hilltop offers an overall view of the Himalayan range, including snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest and the Langtang Range which is definitely a sight to behold and do take a picture to share with your closed ones later on.
Nagarkot is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views. Early risers can witness the first light of day casting a golden hue over the peaks, while the evening sky transforms into a stunning canvas of colors as the sun sets behind the mountains.
The peaceful environment and cool mountain air in Nagarkot makes it a perfect place to relax, take a load off your mind, take photographs of various beautiful places, and immerse yourself in what nature can provide. Nagarkot offers you a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle and is definitely a place that is worth your visit so if you are up for it try our Nagarkot-Changunarayan Day Hiking at Go Nepal we will be sure to provide you with the best service and make your trip memorable for sure .
Nagarkot is not the only place where you will visit there is also our next destination in our journey which is Changu Narayan Temple, after you have taken in the stunning views of the Himalayas in Nagarkot and properly relaxed, your journey will now again continues with this time, moving towards Changu Narayan Temple which is located about 22 km from Kathmandu. The trip will take about 4 hours. This temple is perched on a hill, and overlooks the lush rice fields of Bhaktapur, offering a serene and scenic backdrop that is sure to amaze you.
Changu Narayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is not only an important religious site that provides stunning views but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is recognized for its cultural significance and historical value. Changu Narayan is renowned for its ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and stone sculptures that dates way back to the 4th century.
This temple is also considered one of the most revered in Nepal and attracts both devotees and history enthusiasts from various places who come to admire its architectural beauty and sacred atmosphere. As you explore the area, you’ll also be able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, adding another layer of beauty to your cultural journey.
Now that you have reached to Changu Narayan Temple lets talks about what this place truly offer and why this is also a must see place, Changu Narayan is not just a single temple but it is a complex of smaller shrines with each shrine dedicated to different deities like Lord Shiva, Goddess Chinna Masta (Kali), Lord Ganesh, and Lord Krishna. All these shrines with different gods and goddesses add to the temple's spiritual significance, making it a truly diverse and sacred place.
The temple is also surrounded by a forest of champak trees, which enhances the tranquility and peace of the location. The soft rustling of leaves and the calm atmosphere urges you to explore not only the architectural beauty but also the spiritual serenity that this temple offers.
Architecturally speaking, the complex is an impressive example of ancient Newar craftsmanship, with detailed stone carvings, wooden sculptures, and beautiful pagoda-style roofs. As you wander through the grounds exploring what this temple has to offer, you’ll be able to appreciate the delicate artistry of the structures while being immersed in the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. Don’t forget to take your camera out and take pictures as this place is definitely worthy of you doing so.
Changu Narayan is truly a perfect destination for those seeking both spiritual connection and architectural exploration, and if you are too then do take a look at out trip at Go Nepal, it doesn't matter if you are not for those even if you simply just want to explore this magnificent place and have a memorable day this trip is still worth considering as this trip offers you with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities be it if you are a tourist or a local.
After you have visited Changu Narayan Temple and explored what this place has to offer, unfortunately the time has now come for your trip to end, you will now be driven back to Kathmandu, thus marking the end of your memorable tour. The drive will take you through the scenic countryside, offering more views of lush fields, and peaceful villages, allowing you to reflect on the day's journey.
As you make your way back to the city, you'll carry with you long lasting memories of the stunning landscapes and rich cultural exploration that Nagarkot and Changunarayan Temple was able to provide. From the overall mountain views in Nagarkot to the historical and spiritual significance of Changu Narayan, this tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for our country Nepal's natural beauty and ancient heritage.
All in all the entire tour will take about 6-8 hours depending upon traffic and stops when you feel like exploring and upon returning to Kathmandu, you will feel refreshed, inspired, and connected to the profound history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley .
This Nagarkot and Changu Narayan Temple Tour combines the best of both worlds: scenic mountain views and deep cultural heritage. And we provide you with both of these in one whole trip so whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or someone that is looking for a relaxing escape, this day trip offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for, contat us and book now, our Nagarkot-Changunarayan Day Hiking at Go Nepal and come and experience what our trip can truly provide as sometimes just words alone aren’t enough you will need to experience them firsthand yourself to understand !
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