Sankhu To Nagarkot: A Perfect Day Hike

A day away from the hurly-burly of the city and to the peaceful and slow life of a small settlement is what most people need. That's why a day hike from Sankhu to Nagarkot is a perfect selection which is a great combination of natural beauty and ancient culture and tradition. The Sanku is a famous Newari town and also one of the municipalities of Kathmandu valley, which is also known as Sankarapur Municipality. The term “ Sankhu” or “Sankhar” means “Conch shell”, which was named since the town looks like a Conch in shape. Even today, in Sankhu many cultural and traditional rituals are celebrated openly and one gets to witness famous Jatra of Newari’s. This town is the home to the famous Bajrayogini Temple and the Swasthani Temple and has five entrances to it. 

Nagarkot is a famous hilltop located at the eastern part of Kathmandu. It is believed that during clear weather, 8 himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 are visible from Nagarkot, naming the Annapurna Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Manaslu Range, Langtang Range,  Jugal Range, the Rolwaling Range, the Numur Range and the Mahalangur Range (Everst). Nagarkot was once a fort protecting the valley against the outsiders. A day hike to this place will not only help to refresh your mind and body  but also will give you a chance to witness the long-established custom of the locals. 

Routes of Sankhu to Nagarkot:

Today, you will have a long yet the most amazing day. You will begin your day at 7 am where you will be picked from your hotel and will drive straight to Sankhu. There you can have your breakfast or you can have it in your hotel before pickup. After that you will start your hike to Nagarkot.You will pass through Newari settlements where the houses are designed with wooden windows and the walls are clay coated. The initial climb will take you to terraced farmlands where depending on the season you’ll get to see paddies, wheat, and corn fields. The trail is moderately steep with a well defined stone paved path and while walking there you will see many small shrines and chaityas where locals perform morning offering and prayers.

Following hours of walk, you will enter into dense rhododendron and pine forest, where the trails become much more relaxing. You will hear birds chirping along with the rattle and lisp of insects. There you will witness the prayer flags fluttering at intervals, adding color to the green landscape. Once you get to Nagarkot, you will get your first glimpse of himalayan range, there you will have your lunch. After lunch you will slowly walk toward the Nagarkot viewpoint, enjoying the view of the mountain massif and the calm environment. From the viewpoint, you will be surprised with the spectacular mountain vistas in all directions along with the thick pine forest below it.