Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a village and Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3,504 and had 655 houses in it. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya including Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Nagarkot is an international tourist destination with spectacular views of the whole Langtang range, sunrise on the mountains and sunset views.

Located approx. 7000 ft (2000 m) above Sea level and 28 km from Kathmandu international airport, Nagarkot is a world famous hills station commanding breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, rolling hills, deep valleys, lush pine forests in a quaint rural atmosphere.
Considered as the best viewpoint spot to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset with spectacular Himalayan vistas, Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the snow capped Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley ( 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 from here). The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range( Everest range) and Numbur range with splendid views of the Kathmandu valley and shivapuri national park.
Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley to monitor external activities of another kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat places for the royals before becoming popular as an international hill station.

So near yet so far from heat, dust, smoke and city's hustle-bustle, Nagarkot is a small village where tourists love to come here for acclimatization before heading to trekking or for a good rest after trekking. Locals love to come here to enjoy the beauty of nature with fresh mountain air and to rejuvenate their body, mind and spirit in a tranquil atmosphere.The hike to sankhu works best as a way of returning to kathmandu.Sankhu is an ancient Newari town located at the fringe of Kathmandu valley, 20 km northeast of Ratnapark. In the ancient times, this town was a trade route to Tibet from Kathmandu. The town is ideal for studying the traditional architecture and culture of Newari community. Sankhu is also home to the temples of Bajrayogini and Shalinadi. Every year, the fair of Shalinadi takes place in this town when thousands of devotees from different parts of the country come to celebrate. From Sankhu, one could also embark on a short trek to Nagarkot and Melamchi.
In Sankhu, you can visit to the Vajra Jogini Temple. The small and pleasant town of sankhu is a major pilgrimage site with the temple of vajrajogini. This legendary village is worth a visit because of its old houses, woodcarven windows and stone water taps.Public buses are the main form of transportation and are incredibly cheap, incredibly uncomfortable and tediously slow. The buses to Nagarkot leave in every hour and is always packed. Buses ply almost every hour for Rs. 40 (NC). These are only the buses where you can stay at roof of the bus and enjoy a fresh air and there is no traffic as well. Or you can simply take a taxi from Kathmandu.