Duration

1 Days

Activity

Tours

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Summer, Spring, Winter

Arrival/Route

Your Hotel in Kathmandu

Introduction:

Embark on a full-day tour of Nagarkot, Changunarayan, and Bhaktapur, where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. Begin your day in Nagarkot, renowned for its stunning mountain views and serene alpine forests. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, visit the ancient Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, where you can explore its sacred grounds and enjoy views of the valley and snow-capped peaks.

Next, head to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases exquisite medieval architecture and vibrant culture influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Wander through its historic squares, visit iconic monuments, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this ancient city. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature and history, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

If you are in group, cost is as foollow, and this cost is per vehicle cost not per person cost.

• car: you can adjust 2 to 3 person: $70
• Jeep: You can adjust 5 to 6 Person: $100
• Hiace: You can adjust 13 to 14 person: $140 

A. Changunarayan

1500-Year-Old Changu Narayan Temple – Oldest Temple in Nepal

Located 12km east of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Changu Narayan temple is the oldest temple in Nepali history. The temple is also known as just ‘Changu’ or ‘Dolagiri’ and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple gathers important histories and religious values.

The History of Changu Narayan temple                        

The recorded history, however, has it that the temple was built by Licchavi King Haridatta Varma around 4th Century A.D. It was then rebuilt in 1702 after a major arsenic disaster. Since then, it has undergone many reconstructions over the year.

Interesting story about Changunarayan:

There used to be a cow herder, known as Gwala during the time, who bought a cow from a Brahmin in the ancient times. The Gwala took the cow to Changu for grazing and the cow could produce large quantities of milk. Changu then was forest filled with Champak trees. One day, that cow only went to one tree in particular for grazing. That evening, the cow produced a very small amount of milk, and that continued for several days. The Gwala could do nothing about it, so he called Sudarshan, the Brahmin he bought the cow from. Both the Gwala and Sudarshan observed the cow’s activities when they took her to graze in the forest. They were surprised when they saw a small black boy coming out of the tree and drinking the milk from the cow. They thought the boy was a devil, so they decided to cut down the champak tree. Astonishingly, human blood started flooding out of the tree. Both of them got worried thinking they committed a crime in cutting the tree. When they were crying, Lord Vishnu emerged and told them that it was not their wrongdoing.

Vishnu mentioned that he had committed a great crime when he unintentionally killed Sudarshan’s father while hunting in the forest. Lord Vishnu was then cursed to wander the earth on his mouth. As Garuda, he eventually descended on the hill at Changu. Nobody knew he was there, and there was no way he could free himself of the curse. He survived on the milk of stolen cow. When they cut down the tree, they freed him from the sin as he was beheaded.

Hearing this, both Sudarshan and the Gwala started to worship the spot and established a Vishnu temple there. Since then, the site is considered to be sacred. The priests in the temple are the descendants of Sudarshan.

B. Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a village located about 25 miles east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of close to 6,800 feet above sea level. It is one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise views of the Himalayas. You can see Mount Everest with its snow-topped peaks, and there is an observation tower at the very top of the village’s hills. 

Nagarkot is also a famous hill station for the short hikers, biking tour for a day. Nagarkot is magnificent place to view the panorama of major peaks of eastern Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest on clear days.

C. Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient newar community situated in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, the distance to the Bhaktapur is approximately 13 km from the Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is also called as an open museum, it is home to some of the best preserved historical monuments including courtyards, palaces, temples, mountains, craftwork, hand crafted windows, pagodas.  It has listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO among seven monument zone.

Popular things of Bhaktapur:

marvelous crafts including Pottery, weavery, Thanka, Masks, Mask dance,

Some inside of Bhaktapur:

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an area of cultural and historical value. Major attraction of Bhaktapur could be 55-window Palace, National Art Gallery, Big Bell, Golden Gate, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Pashupatinath Temple and the Vatsala Devi Temple.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is said as ‘Layaku’ in Newari language, is one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO located in Bhaktapur. It is a historical plaza in front of the royal palace of old Bhaktapur Kingdom and is one of the most visited tourist sites of the Kathmandu Valley.

Taumadhi Square is famous for the Nyatapola Temple and The Bhairav Temple. It is an open place located just south-east of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Dattatraya Square is another famous square in the Bhaktapur, that located in east of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Pottery Square is another historical square in Bhaktapur that located in south of Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Major attraction of this place is people make various pots out of clay. The most famous one is the ‘Khutruke’, which is basically a piggy bank. It is very refreshing to witness generations of family at work together.

Siddha Pokhari is also called 'Ta-Pukhu' in Newari. It is a pond located near the mini bus park of Bhaktapur. It was built in the fifteenth century, during the reign of King Yaksha Malla. It is associated with a number of myths, and is a common hangout spot for many people.

Car: $10 

Jeep: $15

Hiace :$20 

Also, We will support you for accomodation (Hotel) reservation as per your requirements (Standard of hotel).