The Asia Series - Part Seven - Nagarkot, Nepal

Nagarkot - Nepal

So during this trip to Nepal I decided to take a few adventures that I had not previously done. It is one of those amazing countries, that every single time you visit, you have a brand new experience.

So Nagarkot was added to the list. A 2-hour motorcycle (or bus) ride from Kathmandu valley.

“It is a village in central Nepal, at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest to the northeast, which are especially striking at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding scrubland is laced with trails and home to many butterflies. To the west is the ancient, pagoda-style Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and a Hindu pilgrimage site. It’s elevations sits at 2,175m.”

The views coming out of the valley are astonishing, especially on the back of a bike. Between sore muscles and continuous potholes from Nepal’s interesting infrastructure you are very glad to arrive at your destination. But, - just soaking up the atmosphere of the gradual rise into the clouds makes you forget your pains and aches and just allows you to sit in awe.

We stopped just outside Nagarkot village at “Sherpa Alpine Cottage” for lunch, and it is possible that hours could go by and you would not even notice sitting on the side of this mountain staring into the blissful valley that hunkers below. Whether it is clear or foggy, this view does not disappoint. It really is paradise, and my camera was never far from my hand!

From here we travelled onto our accommodation for the night, just a few minutes ride up the hill. – The “Hotel At The End Of The World” welcomed us with open arms. A rustic hideaway with glamping like pods and wooden structures for accommodation, it was ideal, and would suit everyone’s budget and expectations.

Just a ten-minute ride uphill brought us to the viewing point at Nagarkot, the highest possible point to view the spectacular sunrise or sunset. If you are walking the area you would want to be prepared for a moderately intense hike, but if you can mange to hitch hike or get a friendly local to bring you that far, it is definitely worth it. At the view-point you can climb into the view tower and see the entire valley as the burning sun illuminates the mountains in the background, - including Mount Everest itself to the Northeast if you are lucky!

We stayed for both sunset and got up at 5am the following morning for sunrise. Most hotels in the area have rooftops available for viewing, and they are worth the early hike just to be able to stand, breathe, and soak in the enormity of the view that falls before you.

Nagarkot is a bucket list place, and without a doubt a lovely 2 days hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city. It is so quiet. Serene. Calming. A place to recuperate, ponder, and work out your next steps. It is so accessible from the city whether you travel there publicly, on a tourist bus, or privately with friends, there is no excuse not to venture out into the countryside.