Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a serene hill station perched on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, located in Bhaktapur District of Bagmati Province, Nepal. It is renowned for its panoramic views of the Himalayas—including Mount Everest on clear days. Situated just 32 km from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle and is a favorite among sunrise chasers, nature lovers, and weekend wanderers.
At the time of the 2021 census it had a population of 5,234 and had 1,084 houses in it. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. Nagarkot also offers views of the Kathmandu Valley. The scenery of the place makes it a popular hiking route for tourists. It is located approximately 7000 ft above sea level and 28 km from Kathmandu International Airport.
Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley. The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range and Numbur range with views of the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park.
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there are many hiking opportunities in and around Nagarkot. Among them, Nagarkot eco trail along with Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail is the most popular ones. It is also possible to do paragliding with Everest view in Nagarkot.
Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family before becoming popular as an international hill station.