Trek · Nagarkot, Nepal
Ridge walk from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan
A mostly downhill walk of about 10–12 km from the Nagarkot ridge through pine forest, terraced fields and farming villages to the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan, then on to Bhaktapur by bus or taxi.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsThe panoramic trail leaves the ridge near Nagarkot and drops gradually west along forested slopes and village paths. You pass terraces of rice, wheat and mustard depending on the season, and small farms where buffaloes are tethered under the eaves. Paths branch often, so a local guide or an offline map is useful. Most people take 3–4 hours at an easy pace.
The walk ends at Changu Narayan, a temple to Vishnu on a hilltop above the valley floor. It is one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site, and its courtyard holds some of the finest stone sculpture in the valley, including images of Vishnu on Garuda. The village lane leading to the temple has a small museum and tea houses.
From Changu Narayan, buses and taxis run down to Bhaktapur in about 30 minutes. Carry water, snacks and sun protection; there are few shops in the middle of the walk. In the monsoon the path is muddy and leeches are common.
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Trips through Nagarkot
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Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Kathmandu valley heritage on a saver budget
Local buses, microbuses and shared taxis
Questions
Before you book
How long is the Nagarkot to Changu Narayan walk?
About 10–12 km, taking 3–4 hours. It is mostly downhill, with a few short climbs.
Do I need a guide for the Changu Narayan trail?
Not legally, but the paths branch often. A guide or an offline map app prevents wrong turns.
How do I get back from Changu Narayan?
Local buses and taxis go to Bhaktapur in about 30 minutes. From Bhaktapur, buses and taxis continue to Kathmandu.