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Clouds hovering Nagarkot

Beautiful scene

Nagarkot is a village , located 32 kms east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur district in Bagmati Zone. It is approx 28 kms from Kathmandu International airport. At a height of 2195 meters , it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Nepal , renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

The beauty of this spot is in its panoramic view it offers on all sides, with sunrise view of snow capped peaks of Himalyan range of eastern Nepal and on other side it offers view of Kathmandu Valley.

Misty view from Country Inn

Scenic view

Nagarkot has become an international tourist destination with spectacular views of whole Langtang range of Himalyas at sunrise.

Located at approx.7000 ft , it is now a world famous hill station , since most of the hotels provide breathtaking views from the room itself.

The most thrilling part of the scenic beauty is view of majestic Himalyas reflecting sunrise , as most peaks facing sun glow with sunlight as sun rises in the valley. Also considered as best viewpoint spot to enjoy the magnificent and spellbounding sunrise and sunsets over atop many hillocks.

Famous Durbar Square at Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple

Another most important part is its proximity to Kathmandu, easy accessibility and transportation. One can visit Bhaktapur on the way to Nagarkot, which is again a world heritage site. The most enjoyable part of the journey was visit to Bhaktapur and our stay for two hours over there to see this living museum.

Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the snow capped Himalyas in the Kayhmandu valley – 8 out of 13 ranges of Nepal are seen from here. The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range , Rolwaling range , Mahalangur (Everest range), Numbur range with a splendid view of Kathmandu Valley.

Beautiful scenery

On the way to Nagarkot

Another aspect of Nagarkot is deep valleys , multiple rolling hills and lush green pine forests in a silence that is appealing and one can actually go on long nature walks over here.

We had planned a relatively short vacation in Nepal. We saw a spectacular sunrise in Sarangkot , near Pokhra against a backdrop of Machchhapuchchre mountain in Annapurna range.

However , we could not afford to miss out on Nagarkot. We started off from our hotel in pokhra in the morning by 8 AM so that we don’t miss out on sunset in Nagarkot.

Mountain peak from between the trees

Serpentine road between mountains

The drive was comfortable and picturestique. We enjoyed the vast green lush fields and steep turns of hillocks with view of Kathmandu from greater heights.

Sunset at Nagarkot

We wanted to see both sunset and sunrise at Nagarkot as it was what It was famous for. We just dropped our luggage in the hotel room and straight away went ahead to a viewpoint where lots of people had gathered to have glimpse of the sunset. Actually made it just in time and saw yellow-orange sun setting in the clouds with backdrop of the valley.

Sunset

Closeup

Children were superexited to climb the hillock and actually enjoyed being on top of a mountain. We also met travelers from Germany and France (who had come for a month long vacation with week of trekking in Himalyas) and interacted them for a while.

We then checked into our hotel , Country villa resort. The speciality of the resort is that all the rooms are east facing, so that one can see the sunrise from the room itself. We actually convinced the manager to give us a room with good view on second floor (Higher the floor,better the view is).

Orange hues created by setting sun

Setting sun

My husband insisted that we sleep early after a early dinner. Kids were not ready to sleep since they wanted to enjoy dinner in open dining area facing the valley and play around. Travellers were enjoying the cool breeze and were lazing around. It was getting cold and we decided to retire to our room and slept by ten.

It was a nice evening with beautiful sunset and lovely dinner with fresh air on the terrace along with mesmerizing valley view.

Till now our trip to Nepal was fantastic

Disappearing

Sun descending

Almost gone

Gone

Sunrise at Nagarkot

Orange sky before sunrise

Shades of orange

In the morning , to my surprise my husband was sitting outside in the balcony , clicking photographs. As I was sleepy I again went off to sleep. May be after fifteen minutes or so , my Husband raised an alarm when It was just ten minutes before sunrise. Actually , if one is staying at Nagarkot and misses sunrise , It’s a shame. As I came out, rubbing my eyes I saw groups of people on rooftops clicking pictures. And there it was , one of the most memorable sunrise. As orange sun rose up from the clouds bang opposite us , we could see it’s rays reflecting from the mountain peaks. The peaks started glowing as we could see the sun fully. It was a spectacular view and certainly a memorable one.

About to rise

I slept for some more time , contended that I did not miss the sunrise.

Sun peeping from clouds

Spectacular sunrise

Almost there

Nature’s Trail

Nature’s trail

Forest

After a nice and tasty breakfast we went on a nature’s trail. I got pretty scared after some time as this was in absolute jungle , and no one was around us. So we returned back and went back to our room. We got ready and checked out for our day long excurtion to Kathmandu.

Just to have a glimpse at one of the most memorable sunrise over these mountains was reward for me as a travel enthusiast.

I would certainly recommend this place to all ,at least for a night’s stay , even if you are on a short vacation to Kathmandu , Nepal.

Nidhi KM

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