Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trekking

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At a Glance
Duration
3 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
2,300m
Group Size
1 - 10
Starts
Sankhu
Best Time
Sept - Nov and Mar - May
Overview

This easy trek in Nagarkot Dhulikhel, which provides distant views of snow-capped mountains, is ideal for learning about rural life, culture, and religion of various ethnic groups. Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek is ideal for those looking to spend a short vacation with their children, families, or students.

The Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek begins in Changu Narayan Temple (1,541 m), which is situated on a hilltop just above Nepal's historical town Bhaktapur; it is approximately 12 km east of the capital city Kathmandu. This pagoda-style ancient temple, dedicated to the deity Vishnu, is one of the most respected and prematurely Hindu temples in Nepal. In the temple, you can see one of the oldest sculptures of stone dating back to 464 AD.  It has spiritual significance, a rich history, and outstanding architecture.

This trek offers a panoramic view of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Mt. Everest Far East, and the Annapurna Range. Nagarkot and Dhulikhel (1550 m) are the most popular viewing points on the Kathmandu Valley ride, where you will see a typical village with a rice terrace, amazing landscape, a green hill, and beautiful scenery, as well as agro-old traditional hospitality people and the birthplace of Nepalese civilization and culture. The Kathmandu Valley 3-Day Trek Trail goes to the amazing village of Namo Buddha, the sacred shrine of the Buddhists. People believe this is one of the best places to study Buddhism and meditation. Where the famous Buddhist Stupa and historical Thrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery are remarkable in this hike, villages, which are small sleepy settlements, rest at the junction of the Roshi and Ladku Khola Rivers, are also worth seeing. You will drive back to Kathmandu for your destination from Shankkapurvillage (the village of the Nepali well-known comedian actor "Hari Bansh Achyarya") to Panauti (a Newari settlement with culture and tradition) through the rice field.

Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hike, known as the Short Trek around Kathmandu, takes you through typical Nepalese countryside and exposes you to the various ethnic groups of Nepal and mountain scenery. Nepal Mother House Treks arranges a short trek near Kathmandu with a professional guide and other helpers for travelers with small children who suffer from altitude sickness but still want to see the Nepalese mountain experience and vibrant culture.

Highlights

  • Visit historical and religious World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, including Changu Narayan Temple.
  • Walk through the old village, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel viewpoint, Namo Buddha, Panauti, Banepa, and Bhaktapur.
  • It was memorable hiking through a different village with its own culture and customs.
  • Significant Himalaya Panorama view from East Mt. Everest to West Dhaulagiri.
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Day-to-day

Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trekking Itinerary

We drive from Kathmandu to the Chngunarayan (1541 m) east edge of the Kathmandu valley for about an hour and a half by private transport and start to hike through the ancient village and temples. Visit one of the oldest Visnu temples, Changunarayan, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Where you will witness the ancient stone sculpture dates back to 464 AD.  The trail goes along the ride hill onward east to the Nagarkot through the alpine forest, village, scenery of rice terraces on both sides of Bhaktapur and Shankhu with Sali Nadi (river), jungle, and beautiful mountain views including Annapurna range, Manaslu, Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Everest also during the good weather. The hike from Chyangunarayan to Telkot is enjoyable with amazing views of about 2 to 3 hours; however, sometimes there will be some vehicles, such as motorcycles. After Telkot it will be another 45 minutes to an hour of walking, you get to Nagarkot, enjoy the sunset view, and which offers magnificent & panoramic views of many Himalayan ranges, including the 8,848-meter top of the world, Mt. Everest. Among the many incredible beauties of Nagarkot, Sunrise and Sunset views over the mountains are some of the best. Stay overnight at a hotel in Nagarkot.

Day Highlights
Max Elevation: 256m (839ft)Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

We wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise and the Eastern Himalayan views, including Mt. Everest and other many mountains. Then, after breakfast, we start trekking to Dhulikhel (1550 m). The trek led to Dhulikhel, passing many pine forests and rice terraces through the Nala village with many countryside activities. There is a direct trail along the ridge to Dhulikhel. The Dhulikhel is renowned for its splendor of Himalaya views, and it harbors many species of exotic birds. In addition, the most attractive of Dhulikhel is the Newari culture and tradition. We stay overnight at a hotel in Dhulikhel.

Day Highlights
Max Elevation: 1,350m (4,429ft)Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Today, after having breakfast, we start our journey toward Namobudha (1982 m), where a popular monastery is situated. Religious people often visit here for meditation and praying. Panauti is renowned for its Newari culture and tradition, the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, and the beautiful landscapes, and it harbors many species of exotic birds that can be seen all around. After that, you will return to Kathmandu by bus to stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Then your destination.

Day Highlights
Max Elevation: 1,350m (4,429ft)Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Included

Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trekking Cost Details

Includes

  • Arrival and departure of all transportation (airport to hotel to airport).
  • All Transportation trekking starting point (Chngunarayan), and Dhulikhel/Panauti to Kathmandu by public bus.
  • Three times meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner of your choice).
  • Star-level accommodation in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel.
  • Shivapuri National Park Entry Fee and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Cards.
  • Warm down with a jacket and sleeping bag for the trek if needed.
  • Government license holders are experienced local guides who speak English and are friendly in their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and types of equipment.
  • 1 Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 10 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and types of equipment.
  • Duffel Bag during the trek. And first-aid medical kid.
  • Tourist service charge, VAT, government tax, and official expenses if necessary.

Excludes

  • All kinds of beverages, including mineral water, chocolate, cookies, dessert, phone calls, Wi-Fi, laundry, tea/coffee, and hot showers during Trek.
  • For Tipping idea to guides and porters (10 to 15% of your trek expenses is considered fair), however, this is from your inner heart, your meals at Kathmandu.
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance (compulsory).
  • Will provide the porter on your request, his/her salary, accommodation, meals, and all transportation.
  • If needed, Porter (2:1 porter) Each Porter carries Max. 20 to 25 kg. Including 4 to 5 kg of his gear, Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • If need private transport for the trip.
  • Shopping, souvenirs, or gifts.
  • Donation and Monastery entrance fee
  • Personal mountaineering gear.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended. 
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from the date of issue. You will require 2 passport-size photos.
Good to Know

Essential Information

Few things are worth arranging while you are at home. Please note down these list details before your departure. These tips will help make your trip enjoyable:

  • Read travel advice, inform yourself before traveling, and get advice locally when you arrive.
  • Make sure your passport is valid during your travels and consult about visa processing.
  • Estimate your budget and fixed holiday period, then choose a suitable destination.
  • Note down the travel checklist before leaving home and prepare accordingly.
  • Inform your friends and family about your trip and itinerary details.
  • Make copies of your important documents as a backup in case you lose the originals.
  • Buy a guide book and study Nepal’s general information (culture, customs, politics, people, geography, weather, festivals, religion, rules, and regulations).
  • Buy insurance that will cover all overseas medical and emergency evacuation costs.
  • It is better to know at least a few Nepali words while traveling in Nepal.
  • Make reservations with advance payment, especially during peak season, for trips, accommodations, and local guides.
  • Call your bank for debit and credit cards to let them know about fees and your travel destination. Get your bank’s emergency phone number if you have a problem.
  • Visit the doctor for your health report and take medicine and vaccines accordingly.
  • Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.
  • Be sensitive to local customs, traditions, and practices, as your behavior may be seen as improper, hostile, or even illegal.
  • Never step over anyone's feet/legs, and pull in your own legs when somebody wants to pass.
  • Never touch anybody with your feet, and never point in a direction using your feet. The feet are considered the most impure part of the body.
  • When entering a house, somebody's kitchen, temple, or monastery, take off your shoes.
  • As a woman, you should always be dressed to avoid provocation, so keep your shoulders and legs covered.
  • It is very polite to give and accept with your right hand, and even more so when you use your left hand to support the elbow of your right hand.
  • When in doubt about how to behave in certain situations, keep a low profile, do not shout, and keep your dignity.
  • It is better not to touch offerings or people when they are on their way to shrines.
  • Beef is prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food.
  • You may not be allowed entry to the inner sanctuaries of temples and stupas.
  • You may be interested in taking snaps of temples, stupas, and monuments. Generally, temples, stupas, and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to have permission before using your cameras. 

For more details, please visit Nepal Travel Tips.

Trip FAQs

Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trekking FAQs

Yes! You are right; we will provide private hotel accommodation on the first and second days, with a private bathroom and shower with proper hot and cold water. 

As this is a two-day hike in the Kathmandu Valley rim, you don't need a porter; you just need one extra pair of clothes when we get to the hotel. You can put those things in your dayhike bag. But you would like to bring more gear for the hike, and then you can hire a porter between the two of you for USD 23 per day, including his wages, meals,accommodation, and transportation. 

You need to bring hiking gear such as hiking boots, running shoes or Light trekking shoes, a hiking day backpack of 15 to 35 letters, a Hiking water bottle, at least two liters of drinking water or a mineral water bottle, hiking Pole, one extra set of clothes, as morning and evening will be chilling days to bring warm clothes, waterproof jackets, raincoats, ponchos, and an umbrella for sunny and rainy days, and personal gear like sun cream, UV sunglasses, camera, etc.

Nagarkot-Dhulikhel hiking trail is easy due to the lack of need to ascend and descend a lot on the same day. The trail goes gradually, up and down through the rural village with modern utensils and livelihoods, jungle, and amazing mountain views. However, sometimes the trail goes up and down. for 15 minutes to an hour. I hope you are fit to cope with such a situation. For this trek, batter has proper hiking boots, running shoes, or light trekking shoes.