Trekking · Kathmandu
Nagarkot to Sankhu to Boudha Trek
A downhill walk from Nagarkot ridge past Sankhu's Vajrayogini temple to the great Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu.
The Nagarkot to Sankhu to Boudha trek is the pilgrim finish of the valley rim — a largely downhill walk from the high viewpoint of Nagarkot, past the sacred hilltop temple of Vajrayogini above the old Newar town of Sankhu, and on toward the great Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath on the floor of the Kathmandu Valley. It descends from open mountain ridge to one of the holiest sites in the country, making a fitting end to a rim trip. It is the temple-and-stupa leg of our Kathmandu Valley rim treks collection.
The short answer
Walk downhill from the Nagarkot ridge to Sankhu and continue toward Boudhanath — about 18 to 22 kilometres over six to eight hours, or end at Sankhu and ride the rest. The route is easy to moderate, mostly descent, with no altitude difficulty and no permit needed.
From ridge to Sankhu
The walk begins on the Nagarkot ridge, ideally after a dawn Himalayan panorama, and drops west through terraced farmland and forest toward the valley's northeastern corner. The highlight along the way is the Sankhu Vajrayogini temple, a revered tantric shrine set in old forest above the town, reached by a long stone stairway and home to a much-venerated golden image. Below it lies Sankhu, one of the valley's quieter old Newar towns, with traditional brick houses, courtyards and a calm, lived-in feel.
On to Boudhanath
From Sankhu the route follows quiet roads and paths down toward the valley floor and the Boudha area, finishing at the Boudhanath stupa — one of the largest stupas in the world and the spiritual centre of Nepal's Tibetan Buddhist community. Walking from a mountain sunrise to the kora circuit of Boudha, with prayer wheels and monasteries all around, draws a neat thread between the valley's hills and its sacred heart. Many walkers shorten the final stretch by taking transport from Sankhu when the road begins.
Difficulty, season and logistics
The trek is easy to moderate, the main effort being the distance and a long knee-testing descent rather than any climb. Autumn and winter give the clearest sunrise from Nagarkot and the most comfortable walking; spring is warmer and hazier. No permit is required; only small temple fees apply. For shorter outings in these hills, see the best day hikes near Kathmandu, and to approach Nagarkot on foot first, the Nala to Nagarkot trek makes a fine opening stage.
Good to know
- Catch the Nagarkot sunrise before starting for the full effect.
- Carry cash for temple fees, meals and transport from Sankhu or Boudha.
- Use trekking poles for the long descent if your knees prefer.
- Both Sankhu and Boudha connect easily to the city; see getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Nagarkot to Sankhu to Boudha trek?+
It is usually a long day of about 18 to 22 kilometres, taking six to eight hours, though many walkers end at Sankhu and take transport on to Boudha. The route is largely downhill from the Nagarkot ridge, with farmland, forest and a final descent toward the valley floor.
What is Sankhu known for?+
Sankhu is an old Newar town on the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for the hilltop Vajrayogini temple, a revered tantric Buddhist and Hindu shrine set in forest above the town, reached by a long stone stairway. The old town below has traditional brick houses and courtyards.
Is the trek difficult?+
It is easy to moderate and mostly downhill from Nagarkot, so the main effort is the distance and a knee-testing descent rather than climbing. There is no altitude difficulty, and ending at Sankhu shortens it considerably if a full day feels long.
Do you need a permit?+
No trekking permit is required for this route, which stays outside national parks. You only pay small temple fees if you visit shrine interiors. Carry cash for these, for meals and for transport from Sankhu or Boudha back into the city.
