Nagarkot Sunrise Tour: See Bhaktapur & Changu Narayan (Review)

Okay, so you’re thinking about that Nagarkot sunrise tour, right? With that visit to Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur included? Well, I’m just here to give you the lowdown, kind of like a friend giving you some tips. It’s about deciding if it’s the right trip for you. It has amazing views, a glimpse into history, plus some cool cultural spots.

Why Choose this Particular Sunrise Tour?

First, is that you aren’t just seeing the sunrise, right? That is, you are cramming in three amazing sites into pretty much one day, more or less. Nagarkot has those views of the Himalayas which some find totally awesome at sunrise (if, and it’s a big if, the sky decides to be clear), Bhaktapur gives that look into Newari culture and then there’s Changu Narayan, a temple with an atmosphere. What it is, you get quite a blend. Is that cool or what?

What You Can Expect: Sunrise Views, Temple Visits, and Pottery

Okay, here’s pretty much the rundown of what to expect, very generally speaking. You get up before dawn which, yeah, is that part some don’t enjoy. Then you have a drive to Nagarkot for that sunrise. So, assuming the weather is behaving, right, you could very well get Himalayan views that some describe as magical. After this, it’s Changu Narayan Temple which, just so you know, is very old and interesting. Finally, it is Bhaktapur where, in a way, you could spend hours wandering around and you will possibly watch some pottery happening.

Sunrise at Nagarkot

Right, the sunrise is quite a big deal on this trip. I mean, it is really early when you start but that means reaching Nagarkot with plenty of time, hopefully, right, to snag a nice viewing spot. Okay, so here’s the honest bit. Clouds? They do spoil things a bit, obviously. However, if you are lucky and there are amazing clear skies? Then, yeah, you are seeing those snow-capped peaks which is, in fact, breathtaking. Bring warm layers just so you know, it is somewhat chilly up there, specially before sunrise, that is just something you should know beforehand.

Changu Narayan Temple

Alright, so Changu Narayan. Some see this temple and describe it as quite old and quite special. So, it is that one of the oldest Hindu temples around that is still standing and it has carvings, which can be great. Also, it’s not just the main temple; what it is you have courtyards and smaller shrines around, to see some history. In a way, it’s quieter than Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, in a way providing time, maybe to breathe.

Exploring Bhaktapur

Now, Bhaktapur! This location? Kind of feels a little like you are stepping back in time a bit. I mean, there’s Durbar Square. So that area is filled with temples, palaces and that is pretty nice looking, right? Some old Newari architecture there, is that a plus for you? If you watch carefully you’ll notice it in action all around this destination. It isn’t a museum it just still how normal people live day to day.

The Pros: Scenery, Culture, History All rolled into One

Okay, there is more than one benefit that this day trip has going for it. What you get is three very different sights that offer three totally distinct experiences. With any luck, fingers crossed, there will be good weather and so there are incredible mountain vistas at Nagarkot and really rich artistic temples as well as architectural things at Bhaktapur. Some appreciate history and what they believe is some very real cultural experience.

Cons and Possible Downsides of The Sunrise Tour

I mean, nothing’s totally perfect, correct? So early mornings? Well, naturally not that popular, basically if you aren’t really that morning person, that’s something, ahem, to think about, really. Nagarkot sunrise view? That’s depending very much on the weather and so you are chancing things to some extent. Finally, there’s that tourism element. Yes, there could very well be a lot of other tourists in these particular spots and so expect that, really.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Arrive ready with lots of layers: It really might be cooler up in Nagarkot for that sunrise bit, seriously.
• Just so you know: Get some cash because not all the places take card, naturally
• Is that you like taking pictures? Ensure, therefore, that those camera batteries are totally ready.
• Basically respect any of the local customs at those temple sites to cause as little cultural offense as possible.

Is This Tour Right for You?

Okay so it really just depends what that is you want really. In reality if it’s your goal is those Instagrammable Himalayas and you are willing to rise really, very early then that it a tour that can reward you. The visit to Bhaktapur? A nice slice of culture really. And that temple is also pretty special, too. In many ways this isn’t your chilled and relaxing experience because it does involves lots of travel in a somewhat constricted timeframe. Really.

So that’s basically it, the Nagarkot Sunrise with Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur trip has that combo thing going on. And that it worth it or that is it a bit too rushed? Only you are able to tell me the real deal there really. I have just told you there are sights and you may be able to squeeze three cool sites into a pretty short amount of time? If early mornings do not turn you off then, honestly, it can just make it one very efficient, really fantastic cultural travel experience!

Okay, so below is the frequently asked questions section.