How To Reach Nagarkot

One of the top spots in Nepal for enjoying the majesty of the Himalayas is in Nagarkot, a town located in Bhaktapur district, about 30 km from the capital of Kathmandu. Situated along the edges of the Kathmandu Valley, it is one of the most scenic spots in the country that boasts spectacular views of eight out of thirteen ranges that make up the Himalayas; the Annapurna, Langtang, Rolwaling, Numbur, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and most importantly, the Everest.

It is an idyllic setting located at an altitude of 2100 m, with resorts and hotels perched at strategic spots that allow perfect views of the stunning scenery from all directions. Don't forget to stopover at Nagarkot for a day or two on your next trip to Nepal; listed below are some of the best and most convenient ways to get here.

The closest airport to Nagarkot is the Tribhuvan International Airport located in Kathmandu. All major domestic and international airlines connect Kathmandu to local cities in Nepal and prominent destinations worldwide, respectively.

Outside the airport, a little distance away is a bus station that operates regular buses to the city of Bhaktapur, which is around 12 km away from Nagarkot. Upon reaching Bhaktapur, you can opt to take a connecting bus to Nagarkot or hire a private vehicle to get there directly.

For the cheapest option to get to Nagarkot, take a public bus to Kamalbinayak Bus Park in Bhaktapur from Ratna Bus Stand in Kathmandu, which takes about an hour. Another 90 minute journey from Kamalbinayak following the Araniko Highway will land you in Nagarkot. Luxury tourist buses operate from Shorakhutee Tourist Bus Park in Kathmandu and can be taken directly to various bus stands in Nagarkot like Green Line Bus Station, Maitidevi Bus Station, Chautara Bus Station, and Gongabu Bus Station. The journey passes through Bhaktapur with no stops on the way, and is a scenic route with forests and hilly roads that make for a beautiful travel experience by itself.

For some people, a better option might be to hire private taxis or cars to reach Nagarkot directly from Kathmandu. Since Nagarkot doesn’t have official taxi stands, it is advisable to make advance bookings from your hotel or lodge. Traveling by cabs may be a costlier option, but they guarantee a comfortable journey and reduce the travel time substantially.

Nagarkot is a small village that is best explored on foot. A lot of people prefer to rent cycles to explore the countryside and make a fun activity out of it. Public transport is not available within the town limits, but may be arranged privately through hotels and resorts.