Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel Hike

1 Day

Overview

Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel Hike is a one day hike from Nagarkot after viewing the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan ranges to the north to the town of Dhulikhel to the east-east south of it. Nagarkot is a town that lies atop one of the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley east-east north edge of it at an elevation of 2195 meters above sea level. It is got to after going through or around from Bhaktapur. This town was once a fort town in the medieval past to monitor the activities of the kingdom of Nepal. It also used to serve as a summer hill station for the Malla kings of the valley. This is because besides, being cooler in the summer months, one gets a spectacular view of the sun rising over the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains to the north. The additional advantage is that from this vantage point more than eight ranges can be seen from here, more than any other in Nepal.

Nagarkot, besides being a place flocked for viewing the sun rising over the Himalayan Mountains, the forested area around it has a plethora of wildlife and birds, which is a haunting ground for bird-viewing enthusiasts from the valley.

Dhulikhel is another town but on the other side of the Kathmandu Valley just past the ring of hills surrounding the Valley, a little above the plains of Banepa where two highways meet for entry into the valley via Banepa below it. It was a historical town which was one of the most difficult to add to King Pritivinarayan Shah’s list of conquest in his unification. Now it is a town of Mostly Newars and Brahmins and a smaller amount of other communities. It lies at an elevation 1550 meters above sea level, lower by about 500 meters than Nagarkot. It also gives one view of some of the Himalayan Ranges.

Since both of them are vantage points one lower than the other, the Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel Hike is about 60 percent downhill at the starting half of this Dhulikhel one day trek and the remaining 40 percent somewhat uphill to the ending section. In it, you cover a distance of about 15 kilometers through mostly forested trails than should take you about six hours to cover at a moderate walking speed. This gives you the chance to spot game and birds of variant species. Plus, you pass through few hamlets on the way, where you can have local lunch if you have not packed some for this Nagarkot Dhulikhel one day hike with sunrise. You need not worry, the Nagarkot sunrise tour is so made to pick you up in time from your lodging and have you privately driven to the starting point of the trek to Dhulikhel for you to observe your spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, then have breakfast to your taste while observing the snow-capped mountains while you eat and sip your tea or coffee. Then take off for your one day hike to Dhulikhel and when it is all said and done, you are taken back by private vehicle to Kathmandu to the point where you were picked up early in the morning.

There is much one can take away from this Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel hike. The foremost being, able to capture the spectacular and breath-taking sunrise over the Himalayan snow-capped mountains which seems to show them in different shades, hues and colors. In addition to this having tea or coffee over breakfast while getting to take in the Himalayan ranges that can be easily seen from this vantage point, puts anyone in the brightest of moods to encounter the hike ahead.

The next that one can take away from such a hike to Dhulikhel is getting a foretaste of what hiking in Nepal is all about, especially in the Himalayan Mid-Range Mountains. It is all about forest and woods with a variant species of vegetation, trees, animal life and a plethora of species of birds. Adding to it is the rural life that one pass through and notice how life is like in these hamlets where communities of various identities live in relative harmony.

Most important of it all is you getting to your destination of the hike to catch what the theme is all about, the sunrise in time before it happens in comfort early in the day and being guided through the process of the hike from start to finish by a competent guide, who shows you and points out to you things of ecological value to the heart and mind for psychological enjoyment. When it is all over, you being rejuvenated from being in the open and the fresh verdure atmosphere, you are taken back in comfort in a private vehicle. It all happens in a day to retire to a peaceful sleep at night.

What should I know about this trek?
You should get up early in order to catch the ride to Nagarkot so that you don’t miss out on the beginning of the sunrise. Plus, you ought to bring suitable clothing, as it is nippier at that elevation than it is in Kathmandu and colder still in the early morning, plus a knapsack to store your clothing while on the hike, summer is not that bad. Then some packed lunch, if you don’t like eating out from local eateries on the way, and enjoyed there while viewing the snow-capped mountain ranges to the north. Then you must be ready for a downhill walk and some walking uphill too; well that’s what trekking in nature is all about to take the natural benefits of it.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Drive to Nagarkot view sunrise & hike to Dhulikhel passing over Rhonnie Bhanjyang, Kankre, Tanchok. Admire the Himalayan view from the Dhulikhel hilltop then drive back to Kathmandu.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy scenic drive from Kathmandu/Nagarkot/Dhulikhel/Kathmandu
  • Experience the mesmerizing sunrise view from Nagarkot.
  • Witness majestic Himalayan panorama of mountains like Mt. Everest, Dorje Lhakpa, Gauri Shankher
  • Hike past countryside, farmlands, pine forests, villages
  • Catch bird-eye view of beautiful mountains, Kathmandu valley, nearby villages
  • Visit the age-old Newari town in Dhulikhel

Itinerary

At the break of the dawn, your guide shall meet you at your hotel then drive to Nagarkot. Witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot view tower (as per season). Then start the hike at first passing through pine forest alongside road head. The hike is past beautiful countryside, villages (especially of Tamang community), small tea-shops, farmlands etc. The trail passes along Rhonnie Bhanjyang, Kankre, Tanchok with great mountain panorama of the peaks like Gauri Shankhar, Dorje Lhakpa. Soon, Dhulikhel is reached and again observe panoramic Himalayan views and the valley below from it’s hilltop. Afterward, drive back to Kathmandu.

Cost

What is Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop off.
  • Nagarkot Dhulikhel hike as per the itinerary.
  • All transfers by a private vehicle.
  • Lunch & bottled water during the hike.
  • Professional government licensed tour guide.
  • All government and local taxes, VAT.

What is Not Included

  • Nagarkot entrance fee.
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold beverages/drinks etc.
  • Tips & Gratuities

FAQs

Where is Nagarkot located?

Nagarkot is located about 32 kilometers from Kathmandu City. It is the most popular hill-station closer to the city which offers spectacular Himalayan views. There are lots of hotels both from standard to luxury accommodations should one wish to stay in Nagarkot. Nagarkot sunrise and sunset are worth watching.

What the specialty of private Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike to Dhulikhel Day Tour?

The specialty of private Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike to Dhulikhel Day Tour is you get to witness the most spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas and do the easy hike inside the Kathmandu Valley passing along green forest, farmlands, villages and see the daily lives in Nepalese countryside. Basically, it’s one-day getaway program with about 5-6 hours.

Can you see Mt Everest from Nagarkot?

Yes, you can spot Mt. Everest at the distant horizon in a clear day including the spectacular Himalayan panorama of peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling and Numbur. But timing is everything here as the mountains may disappear in cloudy skies.

When is the best time for Nagarkot Dhulikhel day Hiking with Sunrise and mountain view near Kathmandu?

The best time for Nagarkot Dhulikhel day Hiking with Sunrise and mountain view near Kathmandu is from October to December and March to April, when clear skies are clear.

How much is Nagarkot altitude?

Nagarkot altitude is 2,175 meters (7,136 feet)

When is Nagarkot sunrise time?

Nagarkot sunrise time depends upon season which can be in between 5.30 am to 6.30 am. You need to start early so pick-up time will be 4 am to 4.30 as per the season.

How to get to Nagarkot from Kathmandu?

Nagarkot from Kathmandu can be reached by an overland drive which takes about 1 & a half hours drive. Getting closer to Nagarkot as you begin to drive up along the highway is a rough and dusty road, so it’s going to be a bumpy ride though road maintenance is going on.

How difficult is Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking?

Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking is a relatively easy hike compared to other hikes or treks in the Himalayas. But one may find it difficult if they haven’t walked or hiked in mountainous terrains but still, the hike can be accomplished.

Is there a Nagarkot entrance fee?

Nagarkot entrance fee is Rs. 339 or US$3 approx which can be paid in Nepali rupees as well. The entrance fee is collected on the way to Nagarkot from Kathmandu.

Can I buy a drinking water en-route hike?

You need to buy it in Kathmandu or on the way to Nagarkot since there aren’t any shops during the trek. You can buy it at Nagarkot too but the price will be higher.

What about lunch?

Usually, lunch is included in your tour cost which includes a packed lunch with a juice if not your lunch will be provided after you finish your hike at Dhulikhel at the local restaurant though alcoholic drinks are extra.

Where is Dhulikhel Nepal?

Dhulikhel is another popular Himalayan viewpoint inside the Kathmandu Valley though a little less popular than Nagarkot. One can witness good mountain panorama from Dhulikhel of the peaks like Langtang Lirung in the west, Dorje Lakpa including the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse, and as far as Numbur in the east. Dhulikhel is also the town of Newar community with age-old temples, houses and streets.

How do I get back to the hotel after the hike?

After you finish your hike at Dhulikhel, your driver will be meet you then drive back to Kathmandu and drop you off at your hotel.

Is guide included or I shall be hiking by myself?

Our guide is included but you can hike by yourself as well but the route can be confusing if you decided to go on your own, so taking along a guide is highly recommended.

Trip Information

Tour guide
We have a team of highly experienced and professionally trained tour guides who are thoroughly versed in culture and history of each place of the places you will be visiting.

Tour Availability
We operate Nagarkot Sunrise and hike to Dhulikhel Hiking Day Tour privately with your personal guide so that you don’t have to confront with other people who might have different interests or attitudes. To keep our tours private and comfortable we limit our groups with 10 people per guide. Please contact us if you have a bigger group and we will arrange several guides for you depending on group size.

Vehicle
We use comfortable car/mini-van for the transfers. For up to 2 people, car is provided and mini-van is for the group of 3-10 people.

Tour duration
The total tour duration is about 6-7 hours. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive to the hike-start-point. It’s approximately 5 hours hike to reach Dhulikhel from Nagarkot.

Clothing
Clothing varies with the type of tour and season. It’s warm in Kathmandu from April to October-end and from November to March-end, days are usually warm but evening colder. Summer clothes are okay during the day time but the evening requires a light jackets. Winter is from December till February so bring along sufficient winter wears like jackets, sweaters, trousers etc. Or you can purchase clothes of your choice in Kathmandu clothing stores too.

During the Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hiking, light clothes and good walking shoes are recommended. But pack along a light jacket too as it might get cold at the hilltop.

Meals
Packed lunch is provided during the hiking program. Upon reaching the required destination, enjoy your packed lunch observing the beautiful landscapes and the surrounding mountains.

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Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel Hike

Trip Facts

  • Nepal
  • 01 Day(s)
  • All year round
  • Private vehicle
  • 2,175 meters
  • Easy
  • Nagarkot
  • Dhulikhel
  • Your hotel in Kathmandu
  • Your hotel in Kathmandu
  • Sunrise and hiking
  • 5-6 hours
  • Leisurely Hiking
  • Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Himalayan views, farming villages

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