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Nagarkot: Himalayan Sunrise on the Rim of the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley

In this article
  1. Nagarkot at a glance
  2. Things to do
  3. Trips and guides
  4. Plan your visit

Nagarkot sits at around 2,175 m on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, and on a clear morning its view of the Himalaya is one of the widest you can get without a trek, stretching from the Annapurnas and Manaslu through Langtang to the Everest region.

It is popular for an overnight stay to watch sunrise, and as the start of easy hikes along the valley rim.

Quick answer: Nagarkot (about 2,175 m) is about 1.5 hours by road from Kathmandu. Stay overnight for sunrise, then hike to Changunarayan or Dhulikhel. Best views: October–March.

Nagarkot at a glance

FactDetails
AltitudeAbout 2,175 m
From KathmanduAbout 1.5 hours by road
ViewsAnnapurna to Everest on clear days
Best timeOctober–March
HikesChangunarayan, Chisapani, Dhulikhel

Things to do

  • Watch sunrise from your hotel or the view tower.
  • Hike to Changunarayan (3–4 hours).
  • Walk to Dhulikhel or start the Chisapani trek.

Trips and guides

Plan your visit

Nagarkot is ideal for a night out of the city. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

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About 1.5 hours by road.

On very clear days the Everest region is visible on the horizon.

October–March.

Yes, for the sunrise.

Changunarayan, Dhulikhel and Chisapani.