Things to do · Nuwakot
The Best Things to Do in Nuwakot
The seven-storey Durbar, Bhairabi and Malika temples, the Devighat ghat and Trishuli rafting — Nuwakot's best.
Nuwakot rewards visitors with a founding chapter of Nepali history set on a commanding ridge above the Trishuli River. Quieter than Bhaktapur or Gorkha, the town's sights cluster around its historic palace, with a sacred river confluence and famous whitewater a short drive below. Here is where to focus your time.
The short answer
Climb to the seven-storey Nuwakot Durbar, the fort-palace where Prithvi Narayan Shah directed the unification of Nepal, for the town's headline history and views. Pair it with the fierce Bhairabi Temple beside the palace and the hilltop Malika Temple for a short, scenic climb. Then drop to the valley for the Devighat confluence and, if you have time, a Trishuli rafting trip.
Tap any spot below for what to expect and how to get there. While you plan, it is easy to combine Nuwakot with the unification trail at Gorkha or a longer loop through the best places to visit in Nepal.
What not to miss
- Nuwakot Durbar — the seven-storey Saat Tale Durbar, the heart of any visit.
- Bhairabi Temple — the fierce mother-goddess shrine tied to the Shah court.
- Malika Temple — a short hilltop climb to wide ridge and Himalayan views.
- Devighat confluence — the sacred meeting of the Trishuli and Tadi rivers.
- Battar and Bidur bazaar — the riverside market towns at the foot of the hill.
Good to know
- Getting around: The Durbar and temples are within walking distance on the ridge; Devighat and the rafting put-ins are down in the valley, so arrange transport for the day.
- Timing: Start the Durbar visit early for the clearest mountain views and cooler air. See our guide to the best time to visit Nuwakot.
- Respect: The temples are active places of worship — dress modestly and follow any signs about footwear and photography.
- How long: Allow a full day for the ridge sights, or an overnight to fold in Devighat and a Trishuli rafting trip without rushing the long drive.
How to plan your time
If you have one day, focus on the historic ridge — the seven-storey Durbar, the Bhairabi Temple and a short climb to the Malika hilltop for the views. With two days or an overnight, add the riverside Devighat confluence and a half-day of Trishuli rafting, and leave time to wander the Battar and Bidur bazaar at the foot of the hill. Sort the practicalities with our guides to where to stay and how to get to Nuwakot.
For the full overview and where to sleep, see the Nuwakot travel guide and our roundup of rafting in Nepal.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main thing to see in Nuwakot?+
The seven-storey Nuwakot Durbar, the Saat Tale Durbar. This tall brick-and-timber fort-palace on the ridge above the town is one of Nepal's most important historic buildings — the base from which Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the country. Most visitors make it the centre of their trip.
Can you raft the Trishuli from Nuwakot?+
Yes. The Trishuli River below Nuwakot is one of Nepal's most accessible whitewater runs, with sections of fun, splashy rapids suited to beginners and families. Day trips and overnight raft camps are easily arranged from Kathmandu or Pokhara, often combined with a Nuwakot stop.
How long do you need in Nuwakot?+
One full day covers the Durbar, the Bhairabi and Malika temples and the views at an unhurried pace. Add a second day, or an overnight, if you want to include the Devighat confluence and a Trishuli rafting trip on the way in or out.
Is Nuwakot a good day trip from Kathmandu?+
Yes, though the drive of three to four hours each way makes for a long day. Many travellers prefer to stay overnight, or to fold Nuwakot into the journey towards Langtang or a Trishuli rafting trip, which spreads the driving and lets you enjoy the hilltop in the cooler morning light.
