Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour
Easy Tour 📍 Kathmandu

Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour

Medieval Newari architecture and a Himalayan sunset in one day

🗓 1 day 🏔 2,195m 👥 Max 12

Overview

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.

📌
Duration
1 Day
📌
Max Altitude
2,195 m (Nagarkot)
📌
Difficulty
Easy
📌
Group Size
2 - 12 travellers
📌
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
📌
UNESCO Sites
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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View Points
Nagarkot
📌
Start/End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Trip highlights

1 Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
2 See the five-roofed Nyatapola Temple and the 55-Window Palace
3 Watch sunset over the Himalaya from Nagarkot (2,195 m)
4 See eight of the world's 8,000 m peaks on a clear day, including Everest
5 Wander the traditional pottery square of Bhaktapur
6 Sample Bhaktapur's famous juju dhau (king curd)
7 Perfect, low-cost introduction to the Kathmandu Valley

Itinerary

1 day
1
Day 1: Day 1: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, lunch, drive to Nagarkot, sunset over the Himalaya and return 2,195m

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.

🚶 82 km drive total ⏱ 3 hrs walking 🏨 - 🍽 Lunch at traditional Newari restaurant 🏔 2,195m
Highlights Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, pottery square, Newari lunch, Nagarkot sunset, 8 8,000 m peaks visible

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.

Elevation profile

Elevation data available once itinerary is complete.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • All transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed English-speaking cultural guide
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square entrance fee
  • Nagarkot entrance fee
  • Lunch at a traditional Newari restaurant
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Trip options

Choose the option that suits you best.

Extra services

Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145

Meet your guides

👤

Anjana Shrestha

City Guide
🏅 10 yrs 📜 Licensed City Guide, Newari Culture Specialist

<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>

Departure dates

Mar 20, 2026 Mar 20
Seats: 9/12
Guaranteed
$85
Apr 3, 2026 Apr 3
Seats: 7/12
Guaranteed
$85
Apr 17, 2026 Apr 17
Seats: 3/12
Guaranteed
$85
May 1, 2026 May 1
Seats: 3/12
Guaranteed
$85
May 15, 2026 May 15
Seats: 1/12
Guaranteed
$85
May 29, 2026 May 29
Seats: 12/12
Available
$85

Pricing

Per person
$85
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$60
InfantsFree
Group discounts

Automatically applied at checkout:

5+ travelers -5%
8+ travelers -8%
10+ travelers -10%
12+ travelers -12%

Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.

Route map

🗺

Map coordinates not set for this trip.

🟢 Start point: Kathmandu 🔴 End point: Kathmandu 🟠 Trek route

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Frequently asked questions

Can I see Everest from Nagarkot?

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.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travellers?

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.

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