Nagarkot and Changunarayan, Namo Buddha Hiking Tour to Kathmandu

  •   Trip Grade: Easy
  •   Meals: lunch, breakfast and dinner
  •   Accomodation: included
  •   Transportation: included

Overview

Come experience beauty and serenity with Alpine Paradise Treks and Expedition with the 5-day refreshing package of Nagarkot and Changunarayn, Namo Buddha hiking tour. Situated extremely close to the valley, these areas exhibit the well-preserved beauty of Nepal and showcase the picture of true Nepal in a short duration.

The Changunarayan-Nagarkot hike marks the first day of the package. After a drive to Changunarayan through the green hills and scenic locations, we reach Changunarayan, the Heritage Site with an ancient temple standing proud and tall. After this, the hiking to Nagarkot starts off with a gradual descend through the Tamang Village, it is amazing how the local villages in these areas have remained unchanged and have maintained their natural beauty. Through rich deciduous forests, the trail takes you to Nagarkot Tower which offers roundabout, beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges like Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and even the Mount Everest on a clear day.

After extremely mind boggling sunrise views from atop the Nagarkot tower, the trail takes us to Dhulikhel today. The naturally beautiful trail takes us past scattered villages to Dhulikhel with its well-persevered pagoda styled temples. The Easter Himalayas are visible from almost every corner of Dhulikhel and the views of the glistening peaks, casting a white glow all over, surely helps to cheer us along the path.

We move on, the very next day to visit Namo Buddha. The morning starts with excellent sunrise views from atop Dhulikhel, followed by a fine trail to Namobuddha Monastery. The ascending trail takes as past the Newari village of Panauti. Through ethnic settlements and natural, green beauty we reach the pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, which is characterized by a sense of peace and serenity. After visiting the monastery there, and witnessing the natural beauty offered by the Namo Buddha, we return back to Kathmandu on a drive the very next day. Come experience the serene and beautiful experience around the Kathmandu Valley, with Alpine Paradise Treks and Expedition.

 

Outline Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu to Nagarkot (hiking)

Day 3: Nagarkot to Changunarayan (hiking)

Day 4: Nagarkot to Namo Buddha (hiking)

Day 5: Nagarkot to Kathmandu

Day 6: Departure from Kathmandu

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own or rest and acclimatize.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Nagarkot (hiking)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Sundarijal, the starting point of your hike to Nagarkot. The hike takes about 5-6 hours and passes through beautiful forests, streams, and villages. You’ll have lunch on the way and arrive in Nagarkot in the late afternoon. Nagarkot is a scenic hill station known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on a clear day.

Day 3: Nagarkot to Changunarayan (hiking)
You’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast, you’ll hike to Changunarayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and passes through scenic countryside and villages. You’ll have lunch in Changunarayan and explore the temple complex before returning to your hotel in Nagarkot.

Day 4: Nagarkot to Namo Buddha (hiking)
After breakfast, you’ll hike to Namo Buddha, a sacred Buddhist site and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The hike takes about 4-5 hours and passes through picturesque villages and countryside. You’ll have lunch in Namo Buddha and explore the monastery and stupa before returning to your hotel in Nagarkot.

Day 5: Nagarkot to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Kathmandu. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own or rest and relax.

Day 6: Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time in the morning to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation (5 nights) in Kathmandu and Nagarkot
  • Private transfers between the airport, hotel, and hiking trailheads
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the hiking tour
  • English-speaking guide for the hiking tour
  • All necessary permits and fees for the hiking tour
  • Sightseeing in Changunarayan and Namo Buddha

 

Exclusions:

  • International airfare and visa fees
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guide and other staff
  • Additional activities or excursions not included in the itinerary (such as a mountain flight or cultural tour in Kathmandu)

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Essential Equipment:

  • Hiking boots with good ankle support and sturdy soles
  • Lightweight and breathable clothing (including layers for changing weather conditions)
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Daypack with water bottle, snacks, and personal belongings
  • Trekking poles (optional but recommended for stability)
  • First aid kit with basic medications, bandages, and blister care
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sleeping bag (if camping or staying in basic accommodations)

FAQs:

Q: When is the best time to do this hiking tour?

A: The best time to do this hiking tour is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is generally clear and dry, with comfortable temperatures and good visibility. However, the tour can be done year-round, but you should be prepared for possible rain, fog, or cold weather in the winter (December to February) and hot and humid weather in the summer (June to August).

Q: Do I need any special permits or visas for this hiking tour?

A: You will need a tourist visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or in advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate. You will also need to obtain any necessary permits for the hiking trails and national parks that you will be visiting, which can be obtained through a tour operator or the Nepal Tourism Board.

Q: Do I need to be in good physical condition to do this hiking tour?

A: Yes, this hiking tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and endurance, as you will be hiking for several hours each day over varied terrain and elevation. It’s recommended that you train and prepare for the hiking tour in advance, especially if you are not used to hiking at high altitudes.

Q: What kind of accommodation will I be staying in during the tour?

A: You will be staying in basic guesthouses or lodges along the hiking trail, which may have shared bathrooms and limited amenities. In Kathmandu and Nagarkot, you will stay in comfortable hotels with private bathrooms and modern facilities.

Q: Is it safe to drink the water in Nepal?

A: It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Nepal, as it may contain bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. It’s recommended that you drink only bottled or purified water during the tour and avoid ice or raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.