Nagarkot is famous for its stunning sunrise views over the Himalayan range. This trek takes you through charming villages, terraced fields, and pine forests to reach the perfect viewpoint for witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the mountains.
Located just 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot sits at an elevation of 2,175 meters and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest on clear days. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for beginners, making it a perfect weekend getaway from the city.
Explore the Nagarkot Sunrise Trek route and key points of interest
The trek begins at the Nagarkot bus stop. From here, follow the main road toward the Nagarkot view tower. This is a good place to start early in the morning before sunrise.
A short walk from the bus stop brings you to the famous Nagarkot view tower, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas. This is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise if you're starting your trek early.
From the view tower, follow the trail that descends through pine forests. The path is well-marked and takes you through beautiful scenery. After about an hour, you'll reach a traditional Tamang village where you can experience local culture.
Continue your trek through terraced fields and more forest areas. This section offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and distant mountains. The trail is mostly downhill or flat in this section.
The return journey follows the same path back to Nagarkot, but with a steady uphill climb. Take your time and enjoy the different perspective of the landscape as you ascend. The total round trip takes about 4-5 hours at a leisurely pace.
Read what other hikers have to say about their experience on this trail
The sunrise view from Nagarkot was absolutely breathtaking! We stayed overnight at a hotel and woke up early to catch the sunrise. The colors over the Himalayan range were spectacular. The trek itself was pleasant with beautiful scenery along the way. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Kathmandu who wants to see the mountains without a strenuous trek.
The trail was nice but unfortunately it was cloudy when we visited so we couldn't see the mountains. The path is well-marked and not too difficult. The Tamang village was interesting to visit. I would recommend checking the weather forecast before planning your trip to make sure you have clear skies for the mountain views.
As a local, I've done this hike many times and it never disappoints. Winter is the best time for clear mountain views. The trail is easy enough for beginners but still offers beautiful scenery. Don't forget to bring a camera for the sunrise! The terraced fields along the way are also very photogenic.
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