After an early morning breakfast in Kathmandu we head east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, full of Newari art and cultural heritage. There are many temples and palace squares here for you to explore. From here we head northeast to Nagarkot on an excellent and quiet tarmac road. We gradually climb 20km uphill to Nagarkot, on the valley rim, passing steeply terraced farmland and houses that seem to be clinging to the hillside. When we reach the summit we will be rewarded with the panoramic views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas including a distant pyramid of Mount Everest. (depending on weather condition). We stay in a beautiful guesthouse on the ridge.
The day starts with an exciting descent on single track. We pass through many rustic villages, with the mountain views following us! We reach the ancient Hindu temple complex of Changu Narayan where beautiful stone carvings dating from the 6th and 7th centuries, made by the Newari artisans of that time, can be found. From here we continue downhill to Bhaktapur where we stop for a lunch. We then return to Kathmandu via the old road stopping at the mediaval town of Thimi, famous for its traditional masks and pottery.
