An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Nagarkot, Changu Narayan & Bhaktapur: Day Tour
This tour is widely considered the best single-day escape from Kathmandu. It combines a world-class Himalayan sunrise with a scenic 3-hour downhill hike and explores two distinct UNESCO World Heritage sites: the oldest temple in the valley (Changu Narayan) and the best-preserved medieval city (Bhaktapur).
Highlights
- Nagarkot Sunrise: Witness a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas, including views of the Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest ranges.
- The Heritage Hike: A gentle 3-hour trek through pine forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Tamang and Newari villages.
- Changu Narayan: Visit Nepal’s oldest pagoda-style temple (dating back to ~320 AD) famous for its intricate Licchavi-era stone carvings.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Explore the “City of Devotees,” including the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, and the towering Nyatapola Temple.
- Pottery Square: See local artisans working traditional wooden wheels and sun-drying clay ceramics in the ancient courtyards.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- 05:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu/Thamel for the drive to Nagarkot.
- 06:30 AM: Arrive at Nagarkot in time for a majestic sunrise over the high Himalayas.
- 07:00 AM: Breakfast at a local hotel with a mountain view.
- 08:00 AM: Begin the 3-hour hike toward Changu Narayan, passing through rural landscapes and tiny forests.
- 11:00 AM: Reach Changu Narayan Temple; explore the museum and ancient courtyard followed by lunch.
- 12:30 PM: Drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (approx. 30-minute drive).
- 01:00 PM: Spend 2+ hours exploring Bhaktapur’s squares (Durbar, Taumadhi, and Pottery Square).
- 03:00 PM: Scenic drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Details Itinerary
Cost Details
What’s Included:
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pickup, drop-off, and all transfers.
- Professional, government-registered English-speaking tour guide.
- All guide-related expenses (meals, salary, insurance).
What’s Excluded:
- Meals: Breakfast in Nagarkot and Lunch in Changu Narayan or Bhaktapur.
- Entrance Fees (Payable at the gates):
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: NPR 1,800 (~$14) for Foreigners / NPR 500 for SAARC.
- Changu Narayan Temple: NPR 400 (~$3) for Foreigners / NPR 300 for SAARC.
FAQ
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route Map
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.