Located 32 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is situated in the east and is renowned as the most scenic spot in Bhaktapur. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan sunrise, attracting tourists from Kathmandu who often spend the night here to witness this spectacle. Particularly popular during spring, Nagarkot adorns itself with various types of flowers during this time. The highest peak visible from Nagarkot is Panorama, with other prominent Himalayan peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Lengan, Choba Bhamri, and Gauri Shankar also clearly visible.
The distinctive feature of Nagarkot village is its location at the highest point in the world. While people in other villages observe the sky from ground level, the residents of Nagarkot look down upon the sky, experiencing the immense beauty of heaven. Besides Everest, several other peaks are visible from here, adding to its charm.
As you explore Nagarkot, you’ll notice narrow streams flowing down from the mountains in various places, while chickens and piglets roam freely in the backyard. Dried maize and potato bokharas adorn the landscape, complemented by children with rosy cheeks and narrow eyes, and elders in traditional Tibetan attire reciting mantras with prayer beads at their doorsteps.
The sunset at Nagarkot is an unforgettable experience, especially when altostatus clouds adorn the sky. The golden hues of the ice peaks against the backdrop of the sky create a mesmerizing sight that lingers in memory.
Best Time to Visit
April to September is the ideal time to visit Nagarkot when the temperature ranges between 10-15 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant weather conditions. However, December to February should be avoided due to harsh temperatures dropping as low as 3 degrees Celsius.
Entrance Fee
An entry fee of 200 Nepali rupees per person is required for SAARC countries, while Nepalis pay 100 Nepali Rupees, and citizens of all other countries are charged 1200 Nepali rupees per person.
How to Reach
It takes approximately one and a half to two hours to drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot. Starting from Kathmandu, the journey crosses Talkot and follows a narrow winding road along the hills, offering panoramic views of mountains and valleys.
Shopping
Nagarkot offers a variety of souvenirs including Pashmina, woodwork, stone bangles, necklaces, earrings, yak bone items, Gautama Buddha idols, and Nepali kukris.
Accommodation
Nagarkot boasts several good quality hotels, including Club Himalayan, where Himalayan views can be enjoyed from most rooms. Mid-range hotels and private guest houses are also available, although water scarcity can be a common issue, with larger hotels having their own water transportation and lifting systems.
