Nagarkot is one of the most popular short-break destinations from Kathmandu, because when the weather is fine there are fantastic views of the Himalaya from here. By staying at the Nagarkot Community Homestay you can experience the authentic side of the town, away from the touristy hotels. You’ll be staying with a local family, who will show you authentic rural life near Kathmandu, but also a world away.

The Nagarkot Community Homestay Network includes 13 homestays, all run by members of the extended Bastola family. The homestay accommodation provides a homely and authentic alternative to the modern hotels of Nagarkot, and you’ll enjoy a much more personal experience. 

As at all accommodation that’s part of the Community Homestay network, you’ll get a private bedroom but will be close to the family. This allows you to enjoy a great mix of private and communal time. You can relax and refresh in comfort, and also get to know your hosts better. You’ll also have a private bathroom with Western-style toilets, hot water, and clean towels.

A major highlight of Nagarkot is the view of the mountains, and you can enjoy these directly from your homestay. Some accommodations have views from the room, whereas at others you can go up to the rooftop terrace or balconies to admire the views.

ABOUT NAGARKOT

Nagarkot is just 26 kilometres east of central Kathmandu, which takes about an hour to drive. As such, it’s a popular destination for a quick getaway from Kathmandu. Many travelers come on a day trip, but by spending a night or two you can better appreciate the natural beauty of the area, and enjoy Himalayan views in a variety of different lights. Sunrise and sunset each offer something different, and you can go to the Nagarkot view tower for some of the best views. 

Most travelers go to Nagarkot for the views and see little beyond the central town and view tower area. But, by staying at the Nagarkot Community Homestay you can experience village life beyond the touristy center. You can hike in the hilly area, through forests and farmland, or even go on a longer hike all the way to Namo Buddha or Changu Narayan. You can also visit the nearby waterfalls, as well as a couple of interesting and attractive temples, Jalpadevi Temple and Maha Manjushree Temple.

As well as these excursions, you can learn more about rural life in Nepal. Most people in the area are farmers, and you can help with daily activities like milking the cow, collecting firewood, and cutting grass to feed to the animals. There are many rural pleasures to be found here.

Some of the major Attractions in Nagarkot:

• Nagarkot View Tower
• Jalpadevi Temple
• Waterfall
• Maha Manjhushree Temple

Climate and Weather

Nagarkot is higher than Kathmandu, at 2175 metres compared to Kathmandu’s 1400 metres. That means it’s quite a bit cooler, year-round. Expect cold but generally clear winters (December-February), warm but humid springs (March-May), a wet and warm monsoon (June-September), and a warm and relatively clear autumn (October-November).

Best time to Visit Nagarkot

For clear views of the Himalaya, we recommend visiting between September and November or March and May. Still, the rest of the year is a good time to visit as well as there are a lot of festivals taking place in Nagarkot year round and the climate is mild.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON NAGARKOT

• Nagarkot Community Homestay: When ‘Excuse me’ means more than just getting out of the way! by Marianne Heredge
• Enjoy living like locals in Nagarkot
• Chasing Waterfalls in Nagarkot