Overview
This Changu Narayan to Nagarkot hike pairs the oldest temple in Nepal with a walk through the hills to the valley's best-known sunset point. You begin at Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a ridge east of Kathmandu, then set off on foot through villages and terraced fields towards Nagarkot, stopping at a suspension bridge and waterfall along the way. The day ends at the Nagarkot viewing tower, watching the sun go down over the Himalaya, before the drive back to Kathmandu.
The itinerary
- Hotel pickup around 9 in the morning
- Drive to Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the temple and its early stone carvings with your guide (about one hour to ninety minutes)
- Set off on the hike from Changu Narayan towards Telkot, through villages and terraced fields
- Reach Telkot in the early afternoon and break for lunch
- Carry on to the Rani Jhula suspension bridge and the waterfall nearby, on foot or by vehicle
- Spend time around the suspension bridge and waterfall
- Stop at the Shanti Stupa for the view across the valley
- Reach the Nagarkot viewing tower and watch the sunset over the Himalaya
- Drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu, arriving around 8 in the evening
Things to carry
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Layers for the cooler evening
- Sun protection: hat and sunscreen
- Enough drinking water
- A light torch for the walk back
Good to know
Changu Narayan to Nagarkot, on foot
Nagarkot is the Kathmandu Valley's classic viewpoint, and Changu Narayan is its oldest temple, and this tour links the two on foot. Rather than driving straight up for the view, you start the day at the temple, walk the ridge and countryside between it and Nagarkot, and arrive in time to watch the sun set over the Himalaya. It is a full, unhurried day that mixes heritage, a gentle hike and one of the best mountain panoramas near the city.
What the Changu Narayan to Nagarkot hike covers
The day begins at Changu Narayan, on a hill east of Kathmandu, then follows trails and quiet roads through villages and terraced fields towards Telkot and on to Nagarkot. Along the way you stop at the Rani Jhula suspension bridge and a waterfall, and at a hilltop Shanti Stupa, before reaching the Nagarkot viewing tower for the sunset. Your guide sets the pace and can shorten the walking section for anyone who would rather ride more of the route.
Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in Nepal
Changu Narayan is a two-tiered pagoda dedicated to Vishnu, and is widely held to be the oldest temple in the country. It sits inside a walled courtyard surrounded by centuries of stone and metal sculpture, including a kneeling Garuda, the mount of Vishnu, and the oldest known stone inscription in Nepal, set up by King Manadeva in the fifth century. It is a quieter, less crowded UNESCO site than the durbar squares, which is part of its appeal. If you would rather see all seven of the valley's UNESCO sites in one day, our seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites day tour takes them in by vehicle.
The hike and the Nagarkot sunset
The walk between Changu Narayan and Nagarkot is a country hike rather than a mountain trek, through farmland, small settlements and forest, with the odd climb and plenty of open views. The Rani Jhula suspension bridge and its waterfall make a natural break, and the Shanti Stupa gives a wide look back across the valley. The day is timed to reach Nagarkot, at around two thousand metres, in the late afternoon, so you are at the tower as the light drops and, on a clear evening, the Himalaya turns gold along the northern skyline.
Best time to go and what to know
October to April is the most reliable window for clear skies and the mountain view that makes Nagarkot famous. The monsoon, from June to September, is lush and green but often cloudy, so the peaks and the sunset can be hidden. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring layers for the cooler evening at Nagarkot, and carry water and sun protection. Changu Narayan charges a separate entry fee for foreign visitors, paid on the day. If you would rather stay in the city, our three Durbar Squares tour is an easier heritage day out.
