Medieval Newari architecture and a Himalayan sunset in one day
Our Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour packs two of the Kathmandu Valley's most rewarding experiences into a single day: the medieval Newari city of Bhaktapur, frozen in time since the 17th century, and the sunset viewpoint at Nagarkot (2,195 m) on the eastern rim of the valley, where - on a clear day - you can see eight of the world's 8,000 m peaks including Everest.
Start with a morning exploration of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning 55-Window Palace, the five-roofed Nyatapola Temple, the Golden Gate and the famous peacock window. Wander the traditional pottery square and the narrow streets of this living medieval city, sampling the famous king curd (juju dhau) along the way.
In the afternoon, drive up to the hill station of Nagarkot (2,195 m), where you can watch the sunset paint the Himalaya - from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east - in shades of gold, pink and purple. Return to Kathmandu in the evening. A perfect, low-cost introduction to the cultural and natural wonders of the valley.
8:00 AM - Pick up from your Kathmandu hotel and drive east about 1 hour to Bhaktapur. Explore the Durbar Square with its 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, the five-roofed Nyatapola Temple and the stone temple of Vatsala. Visit the traditional pottery square and the peacock window - the finest example of Newari wood carving.
12:30 PM - Lunch at a traditional Newari restaurant in Bhaktapur - try the chatamari (rice crepe), yomari (sweet steamed dumpling) and the famous juju dhau (king curd).
2:30 PM - Drive about 1.5 hours up the winding road to the hill station of Nagarkot (2,195 m) on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley.
5:00 PM - From the Nagarkot viewpoint, watch the sunset paint the Himalaya in shades of gold, pink and purple. On a clear day you can see eight of the world's 8,000 m peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and Everest.
6:30 PM - Drive about 1.5 hours back to Kathmandu, arriving at your hotel around 7 PM.
Wear comfortable walking shoes - Bhaktapur has cobbled streets. Bring a warm layer - Nagarkot is cool in the late afternoon. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for the sunset.
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<p>Anjana is a Newar-native of Bhaktapur who has been guiding visitors through the Kathmandu Valley for 10 years. She specializes in Newari cuisine, traditional crafts and the festival calendar of the Valley.</p>
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Yes, on a clear day. Everest appears as a small pyramid on the eastern horizon, about 120 km away. The best months for clear mountain views from Nagarkot are October to December and March to April. The view is small but unmistakable. For a closer view of Everest, consider our Everest Helicopter Tour or Everest View Mountain Flight.
Yes. The walking in Bhaktapur is on flat but cobbled streets, and there are occasional steps. The drive to Nagarkot is on a winding mountain road. We can adjust the pace and reduce the amount of walking to suit your group. Please let us know in advance of any mobility issues so we can plan accordingly.
Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour
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