Trekking · Kathmandu
Nala to Nagarkot Trek
A quiet half to full-day climb from the old Newar town of Nala up to the Nagarkot ridge, east of Kathmandu.
The Nala to Nagarkot trek is one of the quieter, more local approaches to the valley rim — a half to full-day climb from the small, beautifully preserved Newar town of Nala, just beyond Banepa, up forest and farm paths to the celebrated ridge of Nagarkot. It pairs a living temple town with a high mountain viewpoint, and is among the less-walked routes in our Kathmandu Valley rim treks collection. It links neatly into the high Nagarkot to Dhulikhel trek for a longer trip.
The short answer
Climb steadily from Nala up to the Nagarkot ridge — about 8 to 12 kilometres over three to five hours — through farmland and forest, finishing at Nagarkot in time for sunset and a dawn Himalayan panorama. It is moderate, mainly because of the sustained uphill, with no altitude difficulty and no permit needed.
Starting in Nala
Nala is a small Newar town in Kavrepalanchok, often overlooked by visitors heading straight to Nagarkot or Bhaktapur. Its centre holds the four-tiered Bhagwati temple on a stepped square, and on the edge of town stands the Lokeshwar Karunamaya temple, a revered Buddhist shrine set around a pond. The old streets, brick houses and quiet courtyards make a fine, authentic start before the climb begins.
The climb to the ridge
From Nala the trail rises through terraced fields and oak and pine forest onto the eastern rim of the valley. The gradient is steady rather than steep, with views opening back over the Banepa valley as you gain height. Near the top the path joins the Nagarkot ridge trails, where the Himalaya appear to the north on clear days — Langtang, Ganesh Himal and the eastern ranges above the foothills. From the ridge you can continue on to the village-rich Chisapani to Nagarkot cultural trek in reverse, or onward to Sankhu and Boudha.
Difficulty, season and finish
The walk is moderate thanks to the climb, with no altitude concern. Autumn and winter bring the clearest ridge views; spring adds rhododendron and birdsong in the forest. Most walkers stay overnight at Nagarkot for the famous sunrise rather than descending the same day. For shorter options in these hills, see the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Good to know
- Start early; the uphill is more pleasant before midday heat and haze.
- Carry water and snacks; the upper sections are quiet with few shops.
- Book a Nagarkot stay ahead on peak autumn weekends.
- Nala is reached via Banepa by bus or taxi; see getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Nala to Nagarkot trek?+
It is a half to full-day walk of roughly 8 to 12 kilometres, taking about three to five hours of steady climbing from Nala up to the Nagarkot ridge. Most walkers do it one way and stay overnight at Nagarkot to catch the sunrise.
Where is Nala?+
Nala is a small, well-preserved Newar town in Kavrepalanchok district, just beyond Banepa and the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about an hour and a half from the city. It is known for its Bhagwati temple and the nearby Lokeshwar Karunamaya temple.
Is the trek hard?+
It is moderate, mainly because of the sustained uphill from Nala to the ridge. There is no altitude difficulty, but it is a steady climb on forest and farm paths, so reasonable fitness and an early start help, especially in warmer months.
Do you need a permit?+
No trekking permit is required for the Nala to Nagarkot route, as it stays outside national parks. Carry cash for meals, the small temple fees at Nala and your overnight stay at Nagarkot.
