Nagarkot road trip for sunrise views of the Himalayas

Nagarkot is located 32 km east of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,195 meters, known for a sunrise view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest as well as other peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal.

Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. For those active nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there are lots of hiking opportunities to do in and around Nagarkot.

 

Nagarkot is famous for its Himalayan views – the Himalayan peaks at sunrise,  the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley, 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 from here. The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range (Everest range) and Numbur range with views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park.

Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family before becoming popular as an international hill station.

Keep in mind you are not guaranteed a view!

I tried and travelled here to spend a night only to encounter a thick air and clouds in the distance with no view… I was lucky enough to see the hills in the valley in front of Hotel Country Villa.

The roads here were rough and slow, and the forests rare. There is little of interest nearby and you will likely be captive to wherever you are staying.

Personally, if you are on a short trip to Nepal, I would not recommend going the distance to gamble a day away in the chance you will get just a view.