Changunarayan & Nagarkot Hike

Nagarkot which is also regarded as the touristic viewpoint is a small hill village well known for panoramic mountain views. It is 32km east from Kathmandu valley and lies in Bhaktapur district.   Nagarkot is usually famous for its view tower where one gets a chance to explore sunrise and sunset including Himalayan ranges like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even an Mt Everest if weather supports the visitor being a very fine day. Thus the trekker needs to reach the viewpoint at the very 1st hour to enjoy the magnificent view from the tower and head towards their end destination of the hiking.

The hiking begins from the Nagarkot after visiting the tower towards Changunarayan which is an ancient temple since the 7th century and is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The journey is a down walk where the trekker gets a chance to view hills, mountains, small villages and temples. The villages are surrounded by Tamang Community. The houses are made of local stones built by local craftsmen. Most of these houses are of the three-storied consisting kitchen on the ground, living and bedroom on the second floor and roof on the top which provides a rural vibe. One can also see the sheds for cows in their courtyard in most of the houses. These houses also offer local alcohol to their guest as it is prepared throughout the year. However, these people are also involved in the business of pork and buffalo meat including local alcohol.

The hike offers an experience of having an encounter with the cultural vibes towards the trekker. Leading ahead of its journey, the visitors go through the dense forest. One can also get an opportunity to have an interaction with the Himalayas. It takes 4-5 hours to reach till Changunarayan depending upon the pace of the walker. Changunarayan which is built in pagoda style provides a wider knowledge of History of the temple. One can enjoy taking photographs in the permitted area. The temple is situated on the high hill and is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The visitors can also see the Chamak tree which has covered the entire temple. The Manohora River flows beside the hill of Changunarayn. One can see the Hindus devotees inside the main premises of the temple. The temple is named after the Lord Vishnu. Thus one can see the different arts and sculptures related to him. However one can also see the shrines of Lord Shiva, Chinnamasta and Krishna inside the courtyard of the main temple. There are four entrances for the temple which is guarded by the gigantic stones crafted lions and elephants.

Nagarkot-Changurayan is the short hiking route for the visitors which offer a great experience in this hustle-bustle. Thus it is the best destination for the one who does not have sufficient leisure from their professional life.