Trekking · Kathmandu
Sankhu to Nagarkot Hike
A forested climb from the Newar town of Sankhu, past Vajrayogini, up to the Nagarkot ridge.
The Sankhu to Nagarkot hike is the northern way up to the famous sunrise ridge — a steady forest climb that starts in the medieval Newar town of Sankhu, passes the ancient Vajrayogini shrine and gains the Nagarkot ridge through quiet woodland. It links heritage and high ground in one walk and is among the most rewarding ascending routes in our eastern valley rim hikes collection.
The short answer
Climb from Sankhu, past Vajrayogini, up to the Nagarkot ridge — about 9 to 12 kilometres over four to five hours. It is moderate and almost entirely uphill, gaining several hundred metres to reach Nagarkot at around 2,175 m, with the Himalayan panorama and sunrise viewpoints at the top.
The route
Sankhu lies at the northeastern corner of the valley, an hour from the city. The trail leaves the old town and climbs past the forested hill of Vajrayogini before continuing up through pine and rhododendron forest and scattered farms. It is a steady ascent rather than a sharp one, with the green valley dropping away behind you. The path joins the ridge near the Nagarkot viewpoints, ideal for an afternoon arrival and a sunrise the next morning.
Sankhu and Vajrayogini
Before the climb, it is worth lingering in Sankhu, one of the best-preserved traditional Newar towns in the valley, with brick houses, carved windows and old water spouts. Above it, the gilded pagoda of Vajrayogini honours a tantric goddess sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists — see the guide to Sankhu and the Vajrayogini temple for the full story. The shrine makes a fitting start to a walk that ends on the mountain ridge.
Good to know
- This is an uphill route; carry water and start with energy to spare.
- Stay overnight on the ridge to catch the Nagarkot sunrise.
- Dress modestly at the active Vajrayogini shrine.
- Wear good shoes; the forest path can be slippery after rain.
Combine it
Sankhu links naturally to the temple-to-temple Changunarayan to Sankhu hike, so you can arrive on foot and climb out the next day. For another way up to the ridge, compare the Telkot to Nagarkot hike. For the wider picture, browse the national guide to the best day hikes near Kathmandu, and plan from the Kathmandu travel hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sankhu to Nagarkot hike?+
It is roughly 9 to 12 kilometres and takes about four to five hours, as it climbs steadily from Sankhu up to the Nagarkot ridge. The uphill nature makes it feel longer than the distance suggests, so an early start and a steady pace help.
Is the Sankhu to Nagarkot hike hard?+
It is moderate. The route is almost entirely uphill on forest paths and quiet lanes, gaining several hundred metres to the ridge. A basic level of fitness is enough, but it is more demanding than the downhill walks off Nagarkot.
Do you pass the Vajrayogini temple?+
Yes. The trail leaves Sankhu past the forested hill of the Vajrayogini temple, a tantric shrine sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, before climbing on through the woods toward the Nagarkot ridge. It is worth pausing at the temple early in the walk.
How do you start the Sankhu to Nagarkot hike?+
Sankhu sits at the northeastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, about an hour from the city by local bus or taxi. Start from the old town, climb past Vajrayogini, and follow the forest trail up to Nagarkot, where you can stay overnight for the sunrise.
