CHANGU NARAYAN HIKING
Changu Narayan lies east of Bhaktapur in Nepal. It's a key spot for spiritual and history lovers. The site holds one of the nation's oldest Hindu temples. People think it dates back to the 4th century. The temple area features fine carvings, stone figures, and old writings. These show Nepal's ancient art and building styles. At the heart lies a fine statue of Lord Vishnu. Small shrines for other gods stand close by. Devotees visit often to pray. Festivals such as Chhath and Dashain pull in big crowds. The route to Changu Narayan goes beyond a simple walk. It weaves through the region's culture. You pass charming villages full of local traditions. The trail rates as medium hard. It fits experienced walkers and first-timers alike.
| Minimum travellers | 2 |
| Maximum travellers | 10 |
Itinerary
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1-Day Travel Itinerary for Changu Narayan Hiking
Morning 7:00 AM – Breakfast in Kathmandu Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café or your hotel. Try traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat or a simple omelet with toast and coffee. 8:00 AM – Depart for Bhaktapur Travel to Bhaktapur, which is about 12 kilometers from Kathmandu. You can take a taxi or a tourist bus, which typically takes around 30-45 minutes. 8:45 AM – Arrive at Bhaktapur Durbar Square Spend some time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Visit ancient temples, the 55-Window Palace, and enjoy the local architecture. Don't forget to try king curd (juju dhau) from a local vendor! 10:00 AM – Head to Changu Narayan Take a local bus or a taxi from Bhaktapur Durbar Square to Changu Narayan Temple, which is approximately 5 kilometers away. The drive will take around 20 minutes. Midday 10:30 AM – Start the Hike Begin your hike from Changu Narayan Temple. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hike generally takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. 12:00 PM – Arrive at Changu Narayan Temple Explore the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take in the beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and tranquil atmosphere. Afternoon 1:00 PM – Lunch Nearby Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temple. Try some traditional Nepali cuisine, such as thukpa (noodle soup) or momo (dumplings). 2:00 PM – Explore Surroundings After lunch, take some time to explore the area around Changu Narayan. You can walk around the village, visit nearby fields, or simply relax and take photographs of the scenic landscapes. Late Afternoon 3:30 PM – Return Hike Begin your hike back down to the base. Take your time and enjoy the views. If you’d like, you can explore some of the smaller trails along the way. 5:00 PM – Return to Bhaktapur Once back at the base, take a local taxi or bus back to Bhaktapur. 5:30 PM – Evening in Bhaktapur Spend your evening strolling through Bhaktapur’s vibrant streets. Visit any sights you may have missed earlier in the day, shop for handicrafts, or relax at a café. Evening 7:00 PM – Dinner in Bhaktapur Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Opt for a meal that includes a variety of traditional dishes, such as sel roti, paneer, or gundruk ko jhol. 8:30 PM – Return to Kathmandu Depart from Bhaktapur and head back to Kathmandu. You can take a taxi or a bus depending on your schedule. 9:15 PM – Arrive Back in Kathmandu End your day with some relaxation at your hotel or a stroll around Thamel to soak in the nightlife.
Services
Cost Includes
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- Private vehicle or public transport from Kathmandu to the starting point (usually Telkot or Sankhu) and back from Changu Narayan.
- English-speaking hiking guide (if part of a guided tour).
- Entrance ticket to Changu Narayan Temple (NPR 350 for foreigners).
- Local lunch or packed lunch during the hike (in some packages).
- 1-2 bottles of water (sometimes provided).
- Basic first-aid kit with the guide.
Cost Excludes
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- Extra drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.
- Tips for the guide or driver (optional but appreciated).
- Travel Insurance, you need to arrange this on your own if needed.
- Breakfast or dinner in Kathmandu (if it's a day hike).
- If you decide to return from a different location or extend your hike (e.g., Bhaktapur or Nagarkot), extra charges may apply.
- If you decide to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, there's a separate entrance fee (around NPR 1500 for foreigners).
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