Every year you can ask me “Which is that one destination that you want to go with your hubby?” and each time, you will get a different answer from me. Proves that I am only human for as I discover places, I find some special ones to be shared with him. Last year was no exception. From Pangong Tso in Ladakh to Penang and more, there were quite a few that I wish I could head back to with Ash but the one that I pick for today is Nagarkot in Nepal.
We were in Nepal on invite by the Nepal tourism board to witness their Indra Jatra Festival. It was already over a week and we were at the fag end of our tour, with Nagarkot as our end destination. All of us were down with a bad throat resulting from the Kathmandu dust and our endless travel. Nagarkot was almost like a doctor’s prescription to our ailments. There is something therapeutic about this place that set off feelings of serenity and peace within each of us.
The celestial romance of the sun with the mountains & valley in Nagarkot set off vibes that filled the whole atmosphere with warmth. Had Ash been with me, there would have been an additional tug on my heart. As a destination, Nagarkot surprised me of how much you can do and yet not really do. It is one of those places that slows down your pace while ensuring you don’t get bored. Take a peek at what makes Nagarkot one of the key places to see in Nepal.
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Introduction to Nagarkot
30 odd kilometers from Kathmandu, is a quaint little hill town called Nagarkot. During its early days, it served as a fort for the Bhaktapur kingdom but after seeing the beauty of Nagarkot, the royal family turned it into their summer retreat. Still pristine and beautiful, this town serves as a good weekend destination for people from Kathmandu. And for travelers – it is a heaven, especially if you like nature and adventure with that slight touch of heritage.
Quaint Village Feel in Nagarkot
Nothing prepared us for the clean, refreshing atmosphere of Nagarkot. We were so used to the dusty lanes of Kathmandu that when we entered the green pastures of Nagarkot, we were pleasantly shocked. Cute little cottages amidst green fields welcomed us cheerfully as we drove past them along the winding roads of the town. Nagarkot gave that quaint village feel in the dark evening that we arrived.
The whole village seems to be under a cheerful spell for not only will you find people along the roads waving at you but even the brightly colored flowers greeting you. Fresh winds carry the scent of the fields to you and if you are lucky as we were, a bout of rain will allow you to witness the glory of that lush green cover.
Mountains of Nagarkot
They say that Nagarkot has the best view of the Himalayan range and I agree with them. 8 of the thirteen Himalayan ranges can be spotted here including Mount Everest, Manaslu, and Annapurna range. On a clear day, the Everest appears like a dot but is clearly visible. Someone from our hotel mentioned that today was that clear day and you could see the Everest on our left. Excited, we went clickety-click, only to have our bubbles burst. It was Langtang-Ri that we had spotted. Another promising peak turned out to be Dorje Lhakpa but the Everest seemed to elude us.
Frankly, it did not feel disappointing despite that the fact that we had a better view of Annapurna from Pokhara. I guess, it was the classical beauty of the green valleys enclosed by the snow clad Himalayas that made Nagarkot a better destination to see the mountains.
Sunrises in Nagarkot valley
Every place has their own special sunrise but the epic passion between the mountains and the sun at Nagarkot makes the Sunrise here extraordinary. The burst of light at the break of dawn kisses those icy peaks, making them blush a gorgeous pink. This strange intimacy between the Sun and the Himalayas fills the valley with passion felt by some as serenity and by the others as a torrid state of their hearts. No words can really describe the feeling – for the Sunrises in Nagarkot Valley have to be experienced.
Scenic Hikes of Nagarkot
With its rich forest feel and high trails, Nagarkot struck me as a place for adrenaline junkies – especially hikers. Correctly so, my hotel staff informed me of many trails that one could take to enjoy the scintillating views of the place. One trail to the Nagarkot Tower took the hikers to the views of the Himalayas while another took them past the village to a UNESCO site – the Changu Narayana temple. An easy trail called the Nagarkot Panorama trail along the periphery of the town allowed even the kids to enjoy a round view of the valley. For those who needed a higher dose of thrill, mountain biking is quite famous here.
Me? I did nothing for a change. I know that is the first that you might have heard but I did miss Ash sorely enough to do nothing but take in the views.
Stay in Nagarkot
Nagarkot has plenty of hotels to suit your budget and taste. In my case, we were spoilt at the Mystic Mountain Hotel, that overlooked the Nagarkot valley. This was part of the reason that I ditched stepping out and missed Ash for the hotel was just perfect. The rooms were comfortable and the best part of it – they overlooked the same Himalayan range that people come here to take in. I literally saw the first ray of light that the Sun send out from my balcony.
The Infinity pool was a perfect point to enjoy the cool water while you took in those valley views. The views of Nagarkot did not leave us for even one minute for even the dining area of the hotel faced the valley. It seemed just perfect to make the most out of our short stay at Nagarkot.
Though we were at the end of our 10 day trip to Nepal, and we were wanting to get home, we felt the pull of the place enticing us to stay a day more. We could only delay our departure by a few hours but when we left, it was with regret. In retrospect, it was just as well for getting back here with Ash is a hope I still have. One that will get me back to experience the magical romance of the Sun and the mountains with Ash in Nagarkot.
Getting here
- The nearest airport to Nagarkot is Kathmandu, at 32 kms
- You can get to Nagarkot via a bus from the Bhaktapur depot or hire a private taxi for the same.
Travel Tips
- For the SAARC nationals, there is no fee to visit Nagarkot but the non-SAARC nationals will have to pay a minimum fee of Nepali Rupees 300 or so to enter here.
- Anytime of the year is great to visit here. March to May is great for those who want to embark on an adventure trail.
- Warm clothes are advised for evenings and early mornings. If you are visiting in Winter, you might need heavier jackets too.
- Try staying here for at least two nights to experience the best of Nagarkot. It is a great place to unwind.
- Book your accommodation well in advance.
- Take the help of the locals or the hotel when heading for one of the nature trails. Best to get a guide to accompany you so that you can keep safe
- Please keep the place clean for it is still quite unspoiled.
P.S: I was here by invite from the Nepal Tourism Board. However, this has no bearing on my opinions, which are truly and honestly my own.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
Nagarkot looks so lovely and green. In fact some pictures reminded me of Switzerland. Lovely place to head to for a secluded and rejuvenating stay. Waking up in such a place to the spectacular views of the valley and the mountains must indeed have been a great experience.
It was a gorgeous experience to see the Sunrise here. Wish I could have stayed a little Longer. Thanks for stopping by
A doctor’s prescription to all ailments- that’s a lovely way to describe Nagarkot. Your description and the pictures capture the natural beauty and romance of the hills,
Thank you Somali. This place was an absolute dream treatment!
What an amazing and beautiful valley !! well written
Thank you Yogi
I didn’t stay in Nagarkot but took a hop here on my recent visit in December. But, I realize I should have stayed here instead to capture the real beauty of the place. Nevertheless, I will do the hop again… Lovely post.
Thank you Rajat. Even I stayed only for one night. Wish I could have stayed longer
Oh, these photos you have clicked are worth more than a days work. Nice frames. I am yet to learn how to do a good photography for my blog.. Long way to go yet 🙂
OMG!!! This is Awesome!!! Both the place and the post! 🙂
Thank you Deepa. Glad you liked it
Nice write-up and beautiful photos
Sunrise pic is too good, never seen it before.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Sachin. It was a pleasure to be there and share it with you all
Wow, this location looks so dreamy, I’d love to go here. It’s very romantic too, I’d like to go there with my partner. The views, and your hotel room, are wonderful. I think I would take hundreds of photos if I went there!
You got that right… It is a dreamy location.
What a beautiful place !!!!!! the extraordinary captures have made this post an amazing one,”The Sun kissed valley” “Dorje Lakhpa”,”First ray of light” and other pics of natures made me feel like i am seeing something dreamland,
Title is so much suitable to the content of he post and yes such a place filled with the beauty and grace of nature always has an therapeutic effect.
Thank you Jyotirmoy for the lovely comment. It made my day. Nagarkot is very special and even more beautiful when you visit it
I would love to see Nepal one day. Nagarkot looks so beautiful and peaceful. How you describe the sunrise makes me want to sit there right now and see that with my own eyes. I am sure you will never forget such a view. The Mystic Mountain Hotel looks like a perfect place to stay and having such unforgettable trip.
Mystic Mountain view is just perfect for this view. I got all this just from my balcony. Hope you get to Nepal and Nagarkot sooner
This reminds me of my two months trip to Nepal. I stayed in Dhulikhel but I was able to see the Himalayas even from there. I heard that Nagarkot is a great place to see, but preferred to leave it for next time, a reason enough to come back.
I missed Dhulikhel. Have heard a lot about their trek. Guess I might combine that with Nagarkot the next time. And I hope you get to Nagarkot soon
Ohh Nagargot! Makes me nostalgy reading your post! Ohh a pity that Ask wasnt there in Nagargot with your but as you said, there will be a next time! I remember us taking the local bus from Katmandu and it was crowded and long but the views was beautiful! We normally travel lowbudget but in Nagargot we had a more expensive room with huge window facing the sunrise, we then put our bed next to tje window. We had the alarm on and watched the beautiful sunset from the bed and then went back to sleep! The most memorable time was went we had an very old old local man hiking with us from Nagargot to another time where we did took a bus to Katmandu. Omg we though he was going to pass out along the way! It was so beautiful with all the yellow colza flowers everywhere. Ok sorry I will stop here, your post just brought back so much great memories!
I am so glad you shared your nostalgia. It was nice knowing that you too, had a lovely experience there. I hope to get back there with Ash in tow this time. cheers to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot looks a relaxed, calm and a place for unwinding out. Lush green mountain slopes are very inviting. The Mystic hotel with a stunning view of Himalayan valley, catching first rays of sun and other modern amenities looks like a great choice and even I would also prefer such place to stay. Best tips, specially to take a guide during nature trails.
Thank you Yukti. Trust me, you won’t regret visiting here.
Looks like my next destination in Nepal!
And rightly so. Thanks Hemal for stopping by
I can see why the Nagarkot Valley is one of your favorite places. Your photos are amazing and make me want to hop on a plane immediately to Nepal. And those views from the restaurant, wow. I’m sorry Ash wasn’t there to enjoy it all with you. Maybe next time! It looks and sounds more like a fairy tale place than a real one.
You got that right, Heidi. This place is very fairy tale like. I would like to try another season to enjoy it with Ash. Who know what I will discover. 🙂
No wonder you pick this as one of your favorites! Your photos of Nagarkot Valley are spectacular and the views from your resort are breathtaking! This destination looks like it came from a storybook. I am a nature/adventure lover so I would certainly enjoy this trip! I would certainly book a trip here the next chance I get. 🙂
Given your interests, this place is perfect. I hope to try out some of those trails next time. Be sure you do too. Thanks Jen for stopping by
Ahhh this place looks magical! Nepal is on my bucket list, but really only the cliche places had made my list. Might have to check this out- those views and that hotel are stunning!
If you are headed to Kathmandu, this is just an hour away. So, you must go. Cheers
Mountains are forever calling us and this place actually looks stunning. Its strange but have never been able to fructify our Nepal plans. Hopefully soon!
Hopefully 2018 will be your year. Thanks for stopping by
Wow well this is certainly a way to blow the cobwebs away! I never knew about this beautiful spot and am yet to make it Nepal. Time to go for sure!
Glad you think so, Alicia. Nagarkot is definitely appealing no matter what frame of mind you are in.
Wow! Looking at the green valleys and clouds that look like they’re on the same level as you, I’d think I’m in heaven if I was on your shoes. Great photography! Plus your beautiful hotel with stunning view is goals! <3
Thank you for the compliments. This place when filled with those clouds and that sunshine is nothing short of a paradise – or at least the one I imagine. Cheers
I love this, Nepal is such an incredible place – I want to take my partner there too, I truly think it is romantic. Theres just something about the mountains <3 Love the post 🙂
Thank you Sam. I hope you get to visit with your half. It is so worth it.
I have been thinking of visiting Nepal but just haven’t gotten around to doing it and I can see what I’ve missed out on. Nagarkot looks pretty awesome, the quaint village feel with the lush green mountains, makes for the perfect place to go for some hikes or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The hotel you stayed at looks really good too and I love restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the valley, just like the one you’ve put here. So lovely!
The hotel was a huge plus and part of the reason I did not step out. I hope to do some of those trails the next time. Thanks for stopping by, Medha.
The mystic mountain and Nagarkot look amazing…but more that that, your photos of the scenery are fabulous. I’d love to visit Nepal!
Thank you and I really hope you venture to Nepal soon. Cheers
I am utterly enchanted by your description of Nagarkot, Nepal. Being from sea-level Boston, mountains of that caliber are beyond my experience, but your photos and descriptions of looking out at them from the magical infinity pool are out of this world! I’ve got to make it to Nepal soon…
I know what you mean about the majestic mountains. The first time I saw them, I was stunned. They definitely are a class apart and I hope you can see them for yourself. Thanks for stopping by
Nagarkot sounds like a wonderful place to retreat after a couple of days in the chaos of Kathmandu – what stunnign views! I totally understand not wanting to step out from the Mystic Mountain hotel – I could sit there all day and enjoy Himalayan views like that. And I’m not usually an early riser, but sunrises that spectacular would convince me to set an alarm. What a great trip you had!
Thank you Meg. Am sure you will rise up to see this romance. Nagarkot definitely will appeal to you
Your article are very beautiful and your photos also beautiful.
I read your article and i’m glad with your article.
thank you for sharing…
Thank you Aman. Glad you liked it.
Nagarkot looks so clean and green, truly a mountain lovers paradise. Your first picture with clouds floating in between the mountains, is lovely. The first sun ray hitting the snow covered peaks, making them glisten and blush is such a spectacular moment. Beautiful pictures and post Ami.
oh my gosh, this looks absolutely gorg! You would have to drag me out of here when it comes time to depart. Having such a view for a companion would definitely cure me of any ailments too. How do I get an amazing invite like this? I need to be on your level too! lol
Invite or not, you must go to Nagarkot. Nepal is not that expensive either. Check it up 🙂
Will do!!
Hi – Just went through your blog and loved it. I’m planning to go to Nagarkot in December. Can you tell me which view is better there – sunrise or sunset? I’ll have time to do only 1 so need some advice 🙁
Having seen the sunrise, can only comment on that and trust me, that was lovely!
Thanks so much! Am opting for the sunrise too 🙂