Nagarkot is a scenic hilly town in the midst of snow-capped mountains. It stands more than 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan mountain range. Snap photos of the exceptional mountains that dwarf this tiny village.
Stay at a hotel with balconies overlooking some of the Himalayan behemoths. Travel from October through March is best for cool, clear skies that allow better photos. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella the rest of the year, which is fairly wet and warm. Be prepared for clouds to roll in, totally blocking the mountains at times.
Hike along picturesque walking paths leading up through the mountainous terrain surrounding the village. Wear warm clothing and additional layers for the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. Among the best routes are the Nagarkot Nature Trail and its extension as the Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail, a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) trek that takes 3 or 4 hours to complete and incorporates a Tamang village walk.
Make your way to the mountain ranges to the east and paraglide over jagged peaks. In the distance on a clear day, you might see the summit of Mount Everest on the border with Tibet.
Wander through the pleasant farming town and chat with locals for a glimpse into the Nagarkot culture. Wake up early and watch the sun rise gradually over the surrounding mountain peaks. The village has an intriguing history as an ancient fortress of Kathmandu that kept watch over rival kingdoms.
Note that many hotels and facilities were damaged by a 2015 earthquake. Some structures are still in the process of restoration.
The village is in the heart of the Himalayas in the Bhaktapur District of central Nepal. Arrive at the Kathmandu International Airport and drive east for 17 miles (27 kilometers) to get here in just over 1 hour. You can also take a bus from the airport, although it is rather infrequent. Alternatively, start your trekking trip to Nepal by hiking the distance.
Nagarkot is a quaint farming village that acts as a window to the giants of the Himalayas.
