Private Tour to Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Trip Expectations

1. Enjoy a scenic drive to Nagarkot through rural villages, hills, and landscapes.
2. A relaxing and rewarding trip
3. Get breathtaking sunrise views and enjoy stunning Himalayan views on clear days.
4. Mornings in Nagarkot can be chilly, especially in the winter season.
5. You will get a chance to explore the historic UNESCO sites of Nepal- Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
6. Learn the culture, customs, and traditions of the Newari people.
7. It is an ideal trip for families, children, solo travelers, couples, honeymooners, cultural enthusiasts, and photographers.
8. At the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, admire other incredible sites – Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, 55 Windows Palace, Historical Museum, and more.
9. Excellent photograph opportunities combining the mountains, culture, people & alike.
10. Enjoy the local flavors of Bhaktapur – “JuJu Dhau” (King Curd)
11. Except for a well-balanced day, comfortable traveling, and a fruitful sightseeing.
12. A perfect which is expected to be completed in a single day (10-12 hrs).

Trip Plans & Preparations

You need thoughtful planning & preparation for the Sunrise Nagarkot Trip & UNESCO Bhaktapur Durbar exploration. Here are some significant things you should keep in mind that will give you unforgettable experiences.

• Choose the ideal season – autumn and spring will better compare to monsoon and winter.
• Check the weather forecast before the trip, so you will get the perfect visibility of the mountains.
• Wear warm layers for the early morning tour to Nagarkot and comfortable walking shoes for the Bhaktapur sightseeing.
• Essentials to carry – camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and other personal necessities.
• Stay hydrated throughout the trip.
• Take the tour fullest. Enjoy the delectable meals and buy souvenirs at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
• Carry rain coat attire; if you are planning to travel during the monsoon season.
• Carry some cash for snacks, souvenirs and shopping.
• It is an optional accommodation. You may have an overnight stay at Bhaktapur or Nagarkot.

Useful Information about the Trip

Ideal seasons for the journey

The Private Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar Square can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, choosing the perfect time ensures you have perfect mountain views and a comfortable journey.

Spring (Mar-May) – Spring is an excellent time for the Nagarkot Visit and exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square. During these three months, the weather is warm and appropriate, perfect for outdoor activities and heritage site exploration.

The hills and forest bloomed with flowers and rhododendrons. The sunrise views are majestic in the spring season. This season is famous among photographers and cultural enthusiasts.

Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Autumn is regarded as another promising season of this tour. As the monsoon ends, the weather becomes clear. The travelers will get perfect views of the mountains from Nagarkot. You will get a chance to explore the Himalayas, such as Ganesh Himal, Jugal, and Langtang.

The temperature is pleasant everywhere – neither too hot nor too cold. However, you will feel colder in the mornings when you are in Nagarkot. In the afternoon, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is worth exploring in the autumn.

You will also get a chance to celebrate the major festivals of Nepal, which include: Dashain (worshipping goddess Durga), and Tihar (festival of lights).

December (Dec-Feb) – Winter is a peaceful time to explore Nagarkot. The season offers cold mornings, especially in Nagarkot.  The days will be warmer when you visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Warm clothes are essential when you are in Nagarkot.

Monsoon (Mar-May) – The monsoon has its own charm & beauty. In this season, there are fewer tourists compared to spring, autumn, and winter. During this time, there are heavy rain falls which may obscure the panoramic views of Himalayas. You may also disappoint; if you not witness the sunrise due to heavy clouds.

Availability of Food & Meals

During the Nagarkot Sunrise view and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, food is accessible but limited. 

Nagarkot

When you are in Nagarkot, travellers can enjoy a hearty and delectable breakfast. It includes pancakes, egg dishes, chatmara, toast, porridge, Mo:Mo (dumplings), noodles, tea, coffee, and fruit juices alike.

There are some rooftop terrace restaurants, offering amazing mountain views while you have breakfast.

Bhaktapur

The area around Bhaktapur is a worthwhile place that offers several exotic restaurants and cafes. Here are some popular options of meals you may try before or after exploring Durbar Square

• Thakali Khana (Rice, Lentils, Veggies, Chicken/Fish/Mutton curry, Spinach)
• Newari Khana Set
• Ju:Ju Dhau (King Curd)
• Bara
• Papadi & Samosa Chat
• Dyakula
• Choila
• Sekuwa

On-the-Go Snacks

You may also carry light snacks to stay energized and active during the early morning tour.

Vegetarian Options

Some restaurants in Bhaktapur also offer vegetarian and gluten-free food to their travelers.

Is Accommodations is necessary during the trip?

Accommodation is not necessary during the Private Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar Square trip. There are many travelers starting this trip early in the morning, driving to Nagarkot for sunrise, continuing the journey to Bhaktapur for sightseeing, and returning to Kathmandu on the same day.

If you prefer a relaxed pace, choosing an overnight stay will be a great experience for you. An overnight stay in Nagarkot allows travelers to enjoy the serene atmosphere of Nagarkot. You will also get a chance to witness sunset and sunrise, take leisurely walks, and enjoy the majestic views of the mountains from your hotel room balconies.

Similarly, staying in Bhaktapur will offer a great cultural experience to the visitors. Bhaktapur is less crowded compared to Kathmandu. The heritage hotels and guest houses allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the historical charm of the traditional city.

The travellers who have limited time completed their tour without any accommodation services. For those who love photography, cultural experience, and the slow rhythm of travel, an overnight stay at Bhaktapur or Nagarkot may be enjoyed.

Scenic drive to Nagarkot

The Scenic drive to Nagarkot is one of the main highlights of the Private Nagarkot Sunrise Tour and Bhaktapur UNESCO Sites exploration.

It is a popular journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, approximately 30-32 kilometers. The drive will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic.

While driving to Kathmandu, you will get the fantastic views of terraced fields, bustling markets, rural Nepali villages, and traditional Newari architectural style buildings on the outskirts of the valley.

As you approach to Nagarkot, the air becomes cooler and a refreshing natural escape, offering you unforgettable memories.

On clear days at Nagarkot, you will get the majestic views of several mountain ranges.

Visa Information and Entrance Fees

Travelers planning for the Nagarkot Sunrise Tour and Bhaktapur Heritage site exploration; understanding the visa and Entrance fees ensures a reliable and smooth traveling experience.

Visa Information

International visitors need a valid tourist Visa to enter Nepal. Nepal offers an on visa-on-arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

The visa process is comfortable and suitable for foreigners. To avoid queues, the travellers may fill out the online application before starting their journey.  The passport must have a validity of six months while entering in Nepal.

Indian citizens do not need a passport. However, they have to bring the Identification Card.

Permits

No special permits are required for Sunrise Nagarkot Tour and Bhaktapur Durbar Square exploration. Since it is an accessible by road transport the travelers do not need TIM’s card or any special permit passes.

Entrance Fees

During the Bhaktapur Sightseeing, entrance fees are applied. These fees are collected for the conservation and preservation of historic monuments, temples, and courtyards. The entrance fees differ for international visitors, SAARC nationals, and Nepali citizens.

Here are the current standard entrance fees for the Bhaktapur Heritage Site.

• International Citizens – NPR 1800 (13-15 USD)
• SAARC Nationals – NPR 500 (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives)
• Chinese Citizens – NPR 500
• Nepalese Citizens – Free of Cost
• Children (below 10) are free from any country.

Relevancy of Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is not mandatory for the Private Tour to Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar exploration, especially for a short trip which is close to Kathmandu. However, the international tourist can depend on their reliable travel insurance for a hassle-free journey.

The tour involves an early morning drive to Nagarkot from Kathmandu. You will have a safe and convenient journey while travelling to Nagarkot.

Upon exploring Nagarkot, we will have sightseeing activities at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Your reliable insurance makes you safe from unexpected circumstances that include minor & accidental injuries, trip delays, loss of belongings or any other emergency medical needs.

It is better to know what your insurance covers.

• It covers all medical emergencies (hospital bills, medicine cost and alike)
• It compensates all costs if the trip is cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.
• Complete refund if you’re belonging is lost during the trip.
• A peace of mind while you’re travelling.

Is this trip possible for the beginner’s?

Yes, this trip is perfect for beginners and the first time visitors. It is a comfortable nature exploration and sightseeing tour that does not require prior travel experience.

The tour involves road travel, so the visitors don’t need any technical hiking skills. The tour is a perfect retreat for you. The elevation of Nagarkot is 2,195 m. Therefore, there is no chance of altitude sickness. The sunrise viewpoint can be easily reached by vehicle with no physical strain.

This trip is ideal for families, children, and even solo travellers.

With simple preparation and warm and comfortable clothes, your trip will be flawless and unforgettable.

Tips for the first time visitors

For the first-time visitor, the Nagarkot Sunrise tour and Bhaktapur Durbar Heritage exploration is a rewarding trip that offers joyful and unforgettable experiences.

Firstly, the visitors are advised for the early in the morning departure to witness the sunrise at Nagarkot. The weather of Nagarkot in the early morning can be cold in the season, so warm clothes will be better for you. The visitors should check the weather forecast before starting the tour.

It is also advisable to carry sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a water bottle in your carry bag. You may take a digital camera or a fully charged mobile with good camera quality to capture the stunning views at Nagarkot and Bhaktapur.

You’d better keep your belongings safe in crowded places. Carry some denominations of cash, it is essential for the entrance fees, local delights, and buying souvenir’s and antiques at Bhaktapur.

Respect local culture and traditions. If you visit any temple, remove your shoes before entering it. First ask permission; then only take photographs.

Sometimes traffic and weather may affect your trip; so be patient & persistence.

By following these simple tips, your journey will be cherished and unforgettable.

People, Culture & Festivals

The Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Bhaktapur region offers a rich cultural experience, marked by ancient traditions and warm hospitality.

These two elegant places are home to a diverse range of  caste and people – Newari, Brahmin, Chettri, Tamang, Magar, and others.

While exploring the nature of Nagarkot and the beauty of Bhaktapur Durbar, you will witness the Nepalese people greeting you with “Namaste”. (Join the hands (palm) together) with a cheering smile on their face.

The Nepalese people are admired everywhere for their warm and gracious hospitality. They consider their visitors “Guest is God” (Atithi Devo Bhava)

While exploring these two places, you will find several temples, monasteries, and shrines. The Bhaktapur city reflects the pioneer art & architecture that was built several centuries ago.

Festivals play a vital role in the local Nepalese life. Dashain (worshipping goddess Durga), Dipawali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of color), Indra Jatra, and Bisket Jatra are some major festivals that are celebrated in these two regions. Through these celebrations and festivals, people and the community bring harmony and strengthen bonds.

Language & Communication

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity and hosts a wide variety of languages. Private tour to Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar Square exploration is easy and convenient for domestic as well as international visitors.

The people reside in Bhaktapur, and sorroundings speak Nepali and the local Newari language. There is no language barrier for the guests and visitors. In the tourist areas like hotels, restaurants, and markets, tourists can easily understand and speak English.

Hiring a professional English guide make your trip wonders & wonders. They have in-depth knowledge of the destinations. In addition, the guide also provides historical context and cultural insights during the tour.

The local people of Nagarkot and Bhaktapur are welcoming and friendly. Even with the language barriers, they are helpful and accompany their guests and customers.

Mobile network and connectivity are excellent in Bhaktapur and Nagarkot. The Local SIM Card NTC/Ncell provides reliable data services and low-priced calls. Furthermore, free Wi-Fi services are available in some public areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Extra Expenses

While booking the Nagarkot Sunrise tour & Bhaktapur UNESCO sites trip includes almost everything that you need during the tour. However, the visitors have to pay some additional expenses that are usually not included in the package.

One common additional expense is the Bhaktapur Heritage Site entrance fee. It varies from SAARC, Nepalese, Foreign and Indian nationals. Similarly, fees for museums and special exhibits need separate charges.

Food and beverages are the other extra costs that have to be paid by the visitors. It will be in the form of breakfast and lunch. At Bhaktapur, you may try local meals such as Ju:Ju Dhau (King Curd) and Newari Dishes.

You have to pay yourself for the local shopping. Bhaktapur is an ideal place to buy traditional handicrafts, handmade jewelry, paper products, pashmina shawls, spices, and paintings.

Tipping is a common practice in Nepal, though it is not mandatory but highly appreciated. You may also donate a small amount to the monasteries and temples.

Trip Extensions

Yes trip extension is possible for the Private tour to Nagarkot Sunrise Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and it is also the popular choice of the visitors.

You can extend your wonderful tour by adding an overnight stay in Nagarkot, which allows you both to witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset views. In addition, you will have an amazing time in the peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Another common extension is spending some more time in Bhaktapur. An overnight stay allows you more time to explore this beautiful city.

The tour can also be extended to explore Changu Narayan Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples of Nepal, also listed in the UNESCO Heritage Site.

For broader experiences, the travelers may combine this tour to Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing like Patan Durbar Square, Pashupati Nath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour (Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Boudhanath Temple).

Aside from these heritage sites, you may also extend your trip with an evening exploration in Thamel. After enjoying the nature and sightseeing at Bhaktapur, you may relax in Thamel – a bustling market of Kathmandu.

Photography at Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Nagarkot is one of the promising destinations for sunrise and landscape photography. Perched on the hilltop, it gives sweeping views of several Himalayan ranges.

The early mornings are the most rewarding time for an avid photographer. On clear days, you will get outstanding pictures of snow-capped peaks on your camera. Even on the cloudy mornings, the dramatic clouds and fog creates atmospheric shots.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a photographer paradise. During the sightseeing, you can take pictures of courtyards, temples, architectures. In addition, Nyatapola Temple, 55 Windows Palace, and Pottery Square are the main highlights and attractions for the photographers.

Photography Tips and Regulations

• Visit Nagarkot early for the promising viewpoints.
• Respect local customs while taking any picture.
• Ask permission before photographing people.
• Use a wide-angle lens for the best photography.
• Additional fees or permits are required for additional photography in Bhaktapur.