Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

Difficulty

The Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hike difficulty is easy, and there is easy access to the capital city. In fact, it is a perfect starting journey for beginner hikers who want to lay a foundation for their trekking journey.

For anyone worrying about the trail condition, you can relax as the track is simple, with no extreme steepness or downhill. From start to finish, you will walk on winding roads, occasional uphills, and through the farmlands and forests. On the same note, the maximum altitude is only 2,175 meters at Nagarkot so, you will have no altitude problem as well.

Lastly, if you do have a knee problem, you should bring quality trekking poles to help you walk. Make sure the pole is adjustable and shock-absorbent.

Best Seasons for Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

While the Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking is accessible all year round, Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and mid-November) are the best seasons for the journey. This is simply because these seasons have clear blue skies, moderate temperatures, and a joyful climate.

Furthermore, if you are hiking during these seasons, you will get to experience a mild temperature close to 20°C. Likewise, you will also have a chilly and relaxing morning and evening every day. However, the best part of the season is you will get to enjoy the clear blue sky, blooming flowers, and mountain views without any obstruction.

Additionally, most of the major festivals and celebrations of Nepal fall during these seasons. On the other hand, both Summer/Monsoon (June, July, and August) and Winter (December, January, and February) have their own perks, but the weather is often unfavorable. While the Monsoon season provides breathtaking views and fresh surroundings, you may encounter heavy rainfall without notice.

Not to mention, it also calls for leeches, cloudy skies, and slippery roads. Moving on to the Winter season, the days are pretty cold, and often, the skies are hidden with fog and clouds, obstructing the views afar. Having said that, each of these seasons is a journey of its own kind. When you travel during Spring or Winter, you are bound to be blown away by rich cultural experiences and a relaxing natural environment.

Can beginners join this hike?

The greatest beauty of the Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking is that it can be joined and accomplished by beginner travelers, too. This hike lasts only two days and has no extreme physical fitness requirements, so it is an ideal starting point for other longer journeys.

The track is simple with no steepness, the hike does not have an altitude over 2,175 meters, and the walking hours do not go to extreme lengths. So, even if you are a beginner, plan your trip and go for it.

Altitude Sickness

Generally, travelers start facing the symptoms of altitude sickness after crossing an elevation of 3,000 meters. However, this hike only reaches up to 2,175 meters, which should keep you fine all the way.

Having said that, it does not guarantee that you will be fine throughout the journey, as you may face some minor problems. Any clumsiness might give you a scratch or a swell. Likewise, the sun might make you dehydrated; hence, you should be able to tell your guide about the problems you face during the journey.

Do not worry; we also carry first aid kits with all the emergency medicines that may be needed during the trip. Also, note that you should bring any medications that you take or that your doctor has prescribed to you.

Accommodation, Food, and Drink

This two-day short hike has multiple options of tea houses, lodges, and even luxury hotels all along the trail. For this journey, we will book a one-night stay at Nagarkot View Hotel so that you will not have any trouble during the stay, and we work to provide the best of the facilities. Apart from that, you can also go around to explore some of the tea houses for beverages at your own expense.

Moving on, you will be provided with two lunches, a breakfast, and a dinner during the trip. Usually, the food items include the classic Daal, Bhaat, and ra Tarkari (Rice, Lentils, and Curry), with vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates available. Likewise, there are many other food options. However, this food option does not include beverages, so you should buy drinks on your own.

Transportation

During this journey, we will manage and provide any required transportation facilities. You will get a private vehicle that will take you from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel and back from Changunarayan to Kathmandu.

This package will cover the transportation expenses during the journey. However, the transportation expenses before and after the trip ends will not be covered, nor will the international fare be.

Permit

As a matter of fact, you do not require any trekking permit for this journey. However, you will have to pay the entrance fee to visit Nagarkot, Changunarayan, and Bhaktapur.

Well, you will need to pay Nrs 390 for the Nagarkot entry permit. Similarly, you will also need to pay USD 18 per person to enter Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Apart from these, you will need to pay USD 30 for the Nepal entry visa fee for 15 days on arrival.

All these permit fees, except for the Nagarkot entry permit, should be paid personally.

Trip Preparation and Fitness

The Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking only lasts for two days and is beginner-friendly. However, it does not give you the reason to take it lightly as you may come down with unforeseen circumstances.

Like any other treks and hikes, we also suggest you prepare yourself well as you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours on the very first day. And, of course, it does get tiring. It is recommended that you give yourself some time to stretch yourself before starting your journey. Also, be truthful to your body and the amount of walk you can accomplish. If you feel heavy, just ask your guide and team members for a break.

Alternative Routes

Apart from this traditional hike route, you can also extend the trek or opt for a completely new landmark. You can extend or shorten the trip at any time during the trek. Some of the famous locations you can add up on this journey are Chisopani in Sundarijal and Namobuddha.

Cost & Budget

While this hiking package only costs you USD 250 per person, it is always better to carry extra cash while traveling.

Apart from the package cost, you will need to pay for the entry permits, international fare, and more. While most places during the trial have ATM services and card facilities, it is always best to carry cash. Not to mention, you will need to handle all your personal expenses during the hike.

Gadgets, Charging, and Internet

The Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking takes you across the foothills of the city of Bhaktapur.

Lying only a few hours’ drive from the capital city, this place has all the facilities needed. The hotel you will be staying at will provide Wi-Fi and electricity. However, you will need to carry your own adapters, chargers, or any electronic devices you may need.

Your Extra Expenses

All your personal expenses, such as food or drinks outside of the said items on the package, flight tickets, entry permits, travel insurance, or personal medicine, will not be covered during the trek. Although this Dhulikhel Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking package covers your transportation and guide amount for the journey, your tip is not included in the price.

Therefore, you should tip your guide and driver with your personal money.

What to expect

These two days of hiking tracks take you past several terraced farmlands and lush green forests of oak, juniper, magnolias, rhododendron, pine, and firs. In the meantime, you will get an in-depth experience of the traditional Nepalese fine arts and manuscripts.

Additionally, you will stumble across multiple religious sites, such as Buddha Peace Park, Changunarayan Temple, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This hike is indeed a unique blend of natural and cultural sightseeing.