Start your day with a scenic drive to Nagarkot and witness a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas, including Langtang and Gauri-Shankar peaks. Then explore Bhaktapur, a living museum of Newari culture, with its ancient temples, palace squares, and traditional pottery-making. A perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in one memorable trip.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip with Bhaktapur Sightseeing
Destinations
Nagarkot, Bhaktapur
Trip Durations
01 Day
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Meals
N/A
Activities
Day Trip
Accomodation
N/A
Max Altitude
2200 meters
Best Season
Round the Year
Start/End Point
Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip overview
Who doesn’t love witnessing the rising sun through snow-capped mountains? If you are in Kathmandu and haven’t witnessed the rising sun from the Himalayas, you are definitely missing a lot as a travel enthusiast. The one-day Nagarkot sunrise trip, including Bhaktapur sightseeing, is a perfect combination of natural, historical, and cultural exploration, just like most trips in Nepal.
Starting early in the morning before the sun rises, this specific travel allows you to have breakfast with a stunning backdrop of rising suns on the mountain ranges. On a clear day, one can see the Langtang range , Dorje Lakpa Himal, Manaslu to the sacred Gauri-Shankar Himal. This 2000m high hill gives a fresh start of your day. Following the descent through the luscious green forest, this excursion further leads to Bhaktapur, the city of preserved culture, architecture, historic buildings, and more.
Bhaktapur is not a city, it is a living museum of Nepal. Build with authentic local bricks and preserved by the heart of locals, this is probably the most preserved durbar square of all in Kathmandu Valley.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip highlights
- Breakfast with a breathtaking sunrise view and a backdrop of the Himalayan ranges.
- Excursion of Historical Heritages at Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Culture immersion into preserved Newari culture of Bhaktapur City.
- Detailed wooden and stone architecture at the 55-window palace, Nyatapola temple, Dattatreya temple, and more.
- Pottery square displaying live pottery making and display of artistic pottery works.
- Picturesque backdrop of the palace square to click outstanding pictures.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip Itinerary
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Day01
Activity 01: Drive to Nagarkot from Kathmandu
The Nagarkot sunrise trip begins with an early morning drive at 4:30 am. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a scenic drive to Nagarkot Hill before sunrise. Since Nagarkot is 27 kilometers away from the center of Kathmandu, it will take about one hour to reach the sunrise viewpoint.
Day01
Activity 02: Watch Sunrise from Nagarkot
Without a doubt, the spectacular sunrise from Nagarkot is the major highlight of this trip. As soon as you reach, take a stroll around the viewpoint unless the sun rises. You can climb up the view tower to catch the first rays of the sun coming up from between the mountains. Soak up the serenity of the atmosphere and enjoy the glistening snow-capped mountains.
Day01
Activity 03: Enjoy a Breakfast with a View
Continuing the vibe of Nagarkot sunrise, you will enjoy a breakfast with a view here. The backdrop of Ganesh Himal, Langtang ranges, Annapurna, and even Mount Everest on clear days. After a heartful meal, you can stroll around the area and grasp more of the natural abundance of Nagarkot Hill.
Day01
Activity 04: Drive to Bhaktapur
Continuing the journey of a natural excursion, we will drive to Bhaktapur from Nagarkot while enjoying the beautiful scenery of verdant hills and green forests. The beautiful city is 13 kilometers away from Nagarkot, and it will take about half an hour to reach there. As you reach Bhaktapur, you will be welcomed by the intricate architecture of the buildings and temples and the ethnic lifestyle that is well-displayed in the houses.
Day01
Activity 05: Take a Stroll of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
You can enter Bhaktapur Durbar Square from the main entrance, the golden gate, or walk through the back alleys leading to the courtyard. You can take a stroll around the palace squares, courtyards, and palaces on the premises. The five-tiered Nyatapola temple, the 55-windowed palace, Taumadhi Square, the stone statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and the peacock window are a few attractions of this palace square.
We will also have lunch at this place and enjoy a few local delicacies before returning. Don’t forget to try the special yogurt found here, which is also called the king of yogurt or “Juju Dhau” in the local language.
Day01
Activity 06: Drive Back to Kathmandu
After wrapping up our sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, we will drive back to Kathmandu in a luxurious tourist vehicle. The drive will take approximately 40 minutes since Bhaktapur is approximately 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu. You will be dropped off at your hotel at the end of the trip.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip Cost Includes
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Bhaktapur Guided Tour
- Local English Speaking Licensed Tour guide.
- Private vehicles for the early morning sunrise from Nagarkot
- First-aid treatment in case of any emergencies.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip Cost Excludes
- Any food items or meals you will have on the trip.
- Bottled water or any beverage.
- Travel insurance and the emergency evacuation service charges.
- Personal expenses, including personal gear or equipment.
- Tipping and gratuities for Guides and Drivers
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip date and time
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Nagarkot Sunrise Trip Map
Trip Video
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip FAQs
Expand AllWhich is a good sunrise point in Nepal?
Nagarkot Hill is a good place to watch the sunrise in Nepal. It lies just on the outskirts of Kathmandu, so it is closer to the capital.
How far is Bhaktapur from Kathmandu?
Bhaktapur is approximately 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu, and it takes 40 mins to drive to this place on a low-traffic hour.
What is the highlight of the Bhaktapur area?
The artistic 55-windowed palace square, the five-tiered Nyatapola temple, and many other temples of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the highlights of Bhaktapur. Apart from this, the city’s pottery and a special type of yogurt called “juju dhau” are very famous.
How much does the Nagarkot sunrise day tour cost?
A standard Nagarkot sunrise day tour costs $100, and customizing this trip can cost a few additional dollars.
Is Nyatapola temple famous in Bhaktapur?
Yes, the Nyatapola temple is quite famous in Bhaktapur as a cultural heritage. It is a five-tiered Hindu temple and the tallest of all in Nepal.
Can I eat Breakfast in Nagarkot?
The answer is Yes, you can have lavish breakfast with the magnificent view of the Himalayas from the terrace of the hotel in Nagarkot.
What time is the sunrise at Nagarkot?
Sunrise in Nagarkot typically occurs between:
In summer, the sun rises between 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM.
In winter, the sun rises between 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM.
Check local time GMT +5:45 hour in Kathmandu.
How do I reach Nagarkot for the best sunrise view?
You need to leave Kathmandu by 3:30–4:00 AM in a private vehicle for a sunrise view from Nagarkot.
What is the best time of year to visit Nagarkot for sunrise?
All the open clear days are suitable for visiting Nagarkot and viewing mountains.
How long does it take to reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu for sunrise?
It takes about an hour to reach Nagarot from Kathmandu in a private vehicle.
Is it possible to see the sunrise at Nagarkot without a guide?
Yes, it is completely possible and safe to go without a guide to experience the sunrise in Ngarkot.
What should I bring for the Nagarkot sunrise trip?
You need a pair of warm clothes in the morning.
-Bring your camera or phone
-Binoculars can be an optional choice
-Warm water and snacks
-Sunglasses and sunscreen (for later in the morning)
What are the best spots to capture photos of the sunrise at Nagarkot?
-Nagarkot View Tower, the main viewpoint, but climb carefully
-The Hotel rooftops, if you are staying overnight in Nagarkot
-Nagarkot–Changu Narayan trail, if going for a side hike
-Some private viewpoints run by hotels (e.g., Hotel Country Villa or Club Himalaya)
What is the altitude of Nagarkot and how does it affect the sunrise view?
Nagarkot is at an altitude of 2,175 meters above the sea level, from where we can watch the unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Langtang, Manaslu and even Mount Everest on a clear sunny day.
Can I combine the Nagarkot sunrise trip with Bhaktapur sightseeing?
Yes! You can watch the sunrise at Nagarkot and have breakfast, then drive or hike down to Bhaktapur and enjoy the cultural city of Bhaktapur.
How can I book a Nagarkot sunrise tour?
You can book a Nagarkot sunrise tour through travel companies in Thamel or online platforms and use local tour apps or websites such as Bookmundi, Viator, expedia.
Is there a taxi service to Nagarkot for the sunrise view?
Yes. Taxis and other private vehicles can be booked with a negotiable price (both one way and two ways). You can also book them via online ride sharing apps like Pathao, Yango or Tootle.
Can I do a Nagarkot sunrise trip and return to Kathmandu on the same day?
Yes , it is possible. View the sunrise in Nagarkot, have breakfast and return to Kathmandu without a city tour in Bhaktapur. Most travelers return by 10–11 AM.
What time should I arrive to see the Nagarkot sunrise?
Reach at least 20–30 minutes before sunrise, arrive by 5:30 AM in summer or 6:00 AM in winter.
What are the must see attractions in Bhaktapur?
The must see attractions in Bhaktapur are:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Nyatapola Temple and Taumadhi Square
- Dattatreya Square
- Pottery Square
- 55 Window Palace
- Golden Gate
How can I explore Bhaktapur’s main attractions in one day?
You can explore the Bhaktapur within 4-5 hour following the route:
Durbar Square → 55 Window Palace → Golden Gate → Nyatapola Temple → Taumadhi Square → Pottery Square → Dattatreya Square.
Include lunch and shopping on your favourable time.
How much does a Bhaktapur city sightseeing tour cost?
The entry fee is NPR 1,800 for foreigners, NPR 500 for SAARC countries.
Can I book a private sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur?
Yes. Many agencies offer halfday or fullday private tours with expert English speaking guides. Some include meals and cultural shows.
How long does it take to tour Bhaktapur?
The half day tour to Bhaktapur covers all major sites (3–4 hours) and the full day sightseeing covers more cultural depth, food tour, and local pottery workshops of pottery.
Are there group tours available for Bhaktapur sightseeing?
Yes. Group tours of 10-25 tourists often depart from Kathmandu or Nagarkot for Bhaktapur sightseeing.
What are the most popular temples and cultural sites in Bhaktapur?
The most popular temples and cultural sites in Bhaktapur are Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Pujari Math and Taleju temple.
Can I book a vehicle for a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur from Kathmandu?
Yes. Private taxis or private vehicles can be booked for roundtrip sightseeing. You can also book vehicles using ride sharing apps like yango, photo and tootle.
How do I get to Bhaktapur from Nagarkot for sightseeing?
One hour ride in private vehicles from Nagarkot By private vehicle can take you to Bhaktapur. You can also get a local bus or shared jeep to Kamalbinayak, then walk to Bhaktapur.
What is included in a Bhaktapur sightseeing tour package?
Most Bhaktapur sightseeing tour package includes
-Private vehicle
-Entrance fees
-Local/ English speaking guide
-Bottled water
-Cultural lunch or pottery workshop (optional)
Can I combine Bhaktapur sightseeing with other tours in the Kathmandu Valley?
Bhaktapur sightseeing is often combined with Nagarkot sunrise, Bhaktapur, Patan or Kathmandu Durbar Square tour, and visit to Changunarayan Temple.
Nagarkot Sunrise Trip Reviews
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What makes this trip different ?
Environment-Friendly Initiative
- Awesome Holidays Nepal believes in contributing to the wellness of the environment while promoting adventure and tourist destinations in Nepal.
- For every visitor who books a trip or trek with us, we plant a fruit tree in barren lands in collaboration with community forests.
Giving Back to the Community
- Awesome Holidays believes that the native residents know any destination better than an outsider. Thus, the guides, porters, and travel companions who will serve you through the trek or tours are local residents of that particular region.
- As a part of our communal service, Awesome Holidays is also contributing to the welfare of street dogs by feeding them every week.
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