Hike to Changu Narayan: 464 B.C.E. temples and valley views

Walk farmland to temples older than most cities, with a guide who knows the stories

Hike to Changu Narayan is a four-hour guided walk through farmland in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley to a UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples bearing inscriptions from 464 B.C.E. Your English-speaking guide shares the history and culture of this Newar town, takes you through a small museum of traditional artifacts, and stops at viewpoints overlooking the entire valley. The hike is classified as easy and suits various fitness levels.

The Experience

The walk starts at Bastola Gaun and climbs through picturesque farmland toward Changu Narayan, a site that draws fewer visitors than the valley's other heritage spots because of its remote location north of Bhaktapur. Your guide leads the way, narrating the history of the temples and the predominantly Newar community as you go. The hike itself is straightforward—no scrambling, no technical sections—which is why it works for people across different fitness ranges.

Changu Narayan's temples are the draw: some carry inscriptions dating back to 464 B.C.E., and they sit at a vantage point where you can see across the entire Kathmandu Valley and the city sprawling below. After the temples, you visit a compact museum displaying traditional Nepali artifacts and craftsmanship. The whole experience takes about four hours from start to finish. If you're staying nearby, the Nagarkot Community Homestay sits a short walk downhill from the site, making it a natural pairing for a longer stay in the region.

Public transportation options are available near the starting point, so you can arrange your own way to Bastola Gaun or coordinate with local services. The guide is included; temple entrance fees and any transport to the trailhead are separate. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes—the farmland paths can be muddy after rain.

What’s included

Your English-speaking guide who shares local history and cultural insights throughout the walk; entry to the small museum of traditional Nepali artifacts at the site.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Community Homestay Network

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide explaining the temple inscriptions and local history as you walk—you'll hear the stories directly rather than reading plaques or guidebooks.

Top questions

How old are the temples at Changu Narayan?

Some of the temples at Changu Narayan carry inscriptions dating back to 464 B.C.E., making them among Nepal's oldest religious structures. The site itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Kathmandu Valley.

What does the hike actually involve?

The hike starts at Bastola Gaun and leads through farmland to Changu Narayan, taking about four hours total. It's classified as easy, with no scrambling or steep sections, so it's accessible to people with varying fitness levels.

What's included in the tour?

Your English-speaking guide is included, along with access to the temples and a visit to a small museum of traditional Nepali artifacts. Temple entrance fees and transport to the starting point are not included.

What will I see from Changu Narayan?

Changu Narayan sits at a viewpoint overlooking the entire Kathmandu Valley and the city. On clear days, the panoramic vistas stretch across the valley floor and surrounding hills.

Is there a place to stay near the hike?

The Nagarkot Community Homestay is situated a short downhill walk from Changu Narayan, making it a convenient option if you want to stay in the area before or after the hike.