Nagarkot and Changu Narayan hiking tour from Kathmandu

Nepal's oldest stone inscriptions sit inside a remote temple you reach on foot through the hills.

A 10-hour private hiking tour from Kathmandu takes you into the Kathmandu Valley hills to Nagarkot village, where you walk through lush forests and reach panoramic views of the Annapurna range and other Himalayan peaks. The route includes Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage temple with wooden carvings and ancient inscriptions carved into stone. A private guide and hotel pickup are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Changu Narayan30m
2. Annapurna Mountain Rangepassing by

Hike to Nagarkot and Changu Narayan

• Visit Changu Narayan Temple
• Walk through lush villages and woodlands
• Enjoy views of Annapurna and Jugal Himal
• See panoramic Himalaya views including Everest

The experience

The hike starts from your hotel in Kathmandu Valley and climbs through forested villages toward Nagarkot, where the landscape opens to 360-degree views of the mountains. On clear days you can see Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa and even Everest from the ridge. The trail passes through lush woodlands and past statues of Lord Buddha, moving at a pace that suits all fitness levels.

Changu Narayan, one of Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sits along the route: a remote temple known for its intricate wooden carvings and the oldest stone inscriptions in the country. Your English-speaking guide explains what you're seeing as you move through the site and the surrounding landscape. The full day takes about 10 hours from pickup to drop-off, though the itinerary can shift if weather or traffic conditions change.

Private transportation and your guide are included. You arrange your own meals and drinks. If you're traveling from outside the Kathmandu Valley, you'll need to reach the departure location on your own, though public transport options exist nearby. The hike is not suitable for people with spinal injuries or serious heart conditions, but welcomes children from age one.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in Kathmandu Valley.
• a well-trained English-speaking licensed guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:15

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (21 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Youth (14 to 20 years) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Infant (1 to 7 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Nepal Highpoint Trekking Private Limited.

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine hiking and temple-visiting in one day: the private guide leads you through mountain trails to Changu Narayan while the dedicated transportation means you're not coordinating multiple stops yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 20 years); Child (8 to 13 years); Infant (1 to 7 years).

What are the Himalayan peaks I'll see from Nagarkot on a clear day?

On clear days, Nagarkot offers views of Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa and Everest, along with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Visibility depends on weather conditions.

What makes Changu Narayan temple different from other temples in Nepal?

Changu Narayan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful wooden carvings and Nepal's oldest stone inscriptions, which are carved directly into the temple's stone surfaces.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, so you'll need to bring or purchase your own meals and water during the 10-hour day.

Can I do this hike if I'm not in great physical shape?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it does involve hiking through mountain terrain for most of the day. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The itinerary is subject to change without notice in the event of poor weather or bad traffic. No cancellations or refunds are issued in such cases. Check your voucher for full details.