This day trip gives you the opportunity to see one of the best sunrises in the Himalayas and visit a hidden gem of the Kathmandu Valley.
Itinerary
The day starts with an early morning drive to the beautiful hill station, Nagarkot. On arrival we will be treated to the spectacular sight of the sun’s first rays appearing over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, causing a surreal orange and yellow glow. It is fascinating to think that nestled between the highest mountains in the world are small villages and isolated monasteries, where the Nepalese and Tibetans have lived through hundreds of years.
The area around Nagarkot has a rich cultural heritage, so after breakfast, it’s time to explore the town and meet the residents of this impressive location. You will then be driven down to Telkot, where we get a chance to discover the area on foot. As we make our way gently up towards Changunarayan we will meet several of Nepal’s ethnic groups including Newar (the original occupants of the Kathmandu valley) and Chhetri, and learn about their cultures. We hear about village life, farming, and the laborious work required to maintain the impressive terraces that you can see on every hillside, getting a glimpse of life that is very different from what we have seen in Kathmandu.
This gentle hike takes us to Changunarayan Temple, situated on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is said to be the oldest pagoda-style temple in Nepal, built-in 323 A.D, and is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu – the Preserver. Your local guide will escort you around this ancient complex, which is one of the Kathmandu Valley’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the temple, you also get amazing views of farming land and villages at this end of the valley against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan Range. After the visit, you will be driven back to Kathmandu or you could consider a stop or even an overnight in Bhaktapur.
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Included In Price
Not Included In Price
Himaĺayan Trails was fantastic!! Seven of us went on a two week trek in the Manaslu Circuit and had a fantastic time. Erin coordinated the trip and was always quick to answer any of our questions stateside, as well as available to solve problems once we got into Nepal. She was very enthusiastic, upbeat, and understanding.
Our guide for the trek was Sonam who we all highly reccommend. Our safety was forefront to her and we always felt like she was looking out for us. We were a mostly all female group and it was super cool to have a female guide. Her group of four porters and the assistant guide far exceeded our expectations. Everyone had a great attitude and was always there to make our experience special. They did a few things that really stood out as beyond the call of duty. A few times the assistant guide or porter would run ahaead to our lunch spot, make tea, and run back to meet us on the trail with a thermos of tea. It was such a morale booster when we were tired to get some tea on the trail. One day one of the group wasnt feeling weel and the assistant guide carried her daypack the whole day. So kind!
The crew was also super fun! We sung, danced and laughed together and by the end we felt we had made new friends.
It is without reservation that i recommend Himalayan Trails, and if you want a fantastic guide, ask for Sonam!!
Susan Lamping
We travelled on an itinerary organised by Mads, Raj and Co in Nov/Dec 19. Our brief was a short trek and lots of culture. And culture we got! Our pickup was from Chitwan , and stayed a night in Bandipur. This was our introduction to the wonderful "hobbit houses" of Nepal, with its amazing woodwork. Then to a trek spread over 4 days , walking village to village, enjoying the terrace of a thousand of agriculture and the hospitality of locals. Then Lumbini, visiting Buddha's birthplace, Bandia to see hippos and tiger, and then to the personalised tour of the world heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley.
Every facet of the trip worked seamlessly, with drivers always ready, the guides expert, and the sites amazing. The standard of accommodation was always comfortable. In Kathmandu, the fabulous Hotel Manuslu, and a jazz club located around the corner. The hot shower at Sikles village, and the bottle of Gurka, after a 1600m ascent, was so welcome.
I recommend these guys to all.
And we are going back, ready for a trek through the flowering rhododendron forests and into the alpine areas
Peter BrookhousePikey Peak hiking and Nargakot Mountain biking were such unforgettable experiences. Stunning scenery and beautiful people. Thanks again guys 5 stars straight up
matt mcleodLooking for something you don’t see yet? Get a trip that‘s customized just for you! (And actually, this is where our best work happens.)
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