Nagarkot
The most popular sunrise viewpoint near Kathmandu, offering a panoramic view of the Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri to Everest.
Altitude
2,164m
Best Seasons
autumn, winter, spring
Duration
1–2 days
Entry Fee
Free
Nearest City
Bhaktapur
Location
Bhaktapur, Bagmati
Nagarkot is a hilltop village 32km east of Kathmandu, famous for offering one of the broadest views of the Himalayan range accessible by road from the capital. On a clear day, you can see peaks from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east — a panorama spanning over 300km.
The primary draw is the sunrise view over the mountains, with Himalayan peaks glowing pink and gold as the sun rises. Several hotels and viewpoints along the ridge cater to visitors. The iconic view tower at 2,164m is the highest point.
Nagarkot is also the starting point for a scenic day hike to Changu Narayan, a 5th-century Vishnu temple that is the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike takes 3-4 hours through terraced fields and small villages.
The village is a popular escape from Kathmandu's hustle, offering clean air, quiet surroundings, and simple accommodation. October through March offers the clearest mountain views.