Nagarkot: The Serene Himalayan Getaway

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeफेरि भेटौं
  [Phiri bhetau]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noहोइन
  [Hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [Maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [Tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [Ramro cha. Tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapainle angreji bolnuhuncha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिएन
  [Malai samjhiena]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kripya menu hernu chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदिन
  [Ma masu khandina]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kripya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!मदद गर्नुहोस्!
  [Madad garnuhos!]
• Go away!दूर हाजिर गर!
  [Dur hajir gar!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Prahari lai bolaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Doctor lai bolaunuhos!]
• I'm lostम खोइएको छु
  [Ma khoieko chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [Ma birami chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [Ma kharid garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम फेरि हेर्दैछु
  [Ma pheri herdai chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [Yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [Yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य हाल्न सक्छिन्?
  [Ke tapain mulya halna sakchin?]

• What time is it?कति बजे भएको छ?
  [Kati baje bhaeko cha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भएको छ
  [Ek baje bhaeko cha]
• Half past (10)(१०) को अर्धा गएको छ
  [(10) ko ardha gayeko cha]
• Morningबिहान
  [Bihaan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [Diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [Saanjh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [Hijo]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [Bholi]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दुई
  [Dui]
• 3तीन
  [Tin]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छ
  [Chha]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ छ?
  [...Kaha cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [Thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्छिनुहुन्छ (नक्सामा)?
  [Ke tapain malai dekhaun sakchinhuncah (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहाँ जान्छ?
  [Arko (bas) kaha janch?]
• A ticket (to ....)तस्वीर (....) लागि
  [Tasvir (...) lagi]

Nagarkot, perched at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level, has long been a strategic vantage point. Historically, it served as a fort to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Its name, 'Nagarkot', is derived from 'Nagar' meaning city and 'Kot' meaning fort. The ancient fortifications once established by the Malla rulers of Bhaktapur provided a lookout over the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas, ensuring the safety and security of the region.

During the medieval period, Nagarkot became an integral part of the Malla kingdom. The Malla rulers, known for their architectural prowess, established several temples and palaces in the region. Though much of the medieval architecture has been lost to time, the influence of the Malla dynasty remains palpable in the cultural fabric of Nagarkot. The strategic importance of the area continued to grow as it became a retreat for the Malla kings, who sought solace and strategic advantage from its heights.

In the late 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, recognized the strategic importance of Nagarkot. During his campaign to unify Nepal, he used the region as a military outpost. The Shah dynasty maintained the fortifications and utilized Nagarkot to oversee the Kathmandu Valley. This period marked Nagarkot’s transition from a strategic fort to a serene retreat, blending its military history with the natural beauty that began attracting visitors.

Nagarkot is not just a site of historical importance but also a place of cultural and religious reverence. The region hosts numerous temples and shrines that date back centuries. One of the most notable is the Mahadev Pokhari Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from far and wide. The annual festivals and rituals performed here encapsulate the rich cultural heritage of the region, making Nagarkot a vibrant tapestry of Nepalese traditions.

In the 20th century, Nagarkot’s appeal transformed from a strategic outpost to a tourist haven. Its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days, drew both domestic and international tourists. The development of infrastructure, including roads and hotels, began in earnest in the 1970s, turning Nagarkot into a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Today, it is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, trekking routes, and as a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Kathmandu.

Nagarkot is located approximately 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. The most convenient way to reach Nagarkot is by road. You can hire a private taxi from Kathmandu, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, there are public buses and microbuses that run from Kathmandu's Ratna Park Bus Station to Bhaktapur, and from Bhaktapur, you can catch another bus or hire a taxi to Nagarkot. For a more scenic and adventurous route, you can also opt for a guided hike from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot, which takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Nagarkot is a small hill station, and most of its attractions are accessible by foot. For longer distances within the town or to nearby villages, local taxis and jeeps are available. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the area at your own pace. Public buses are infrequent but can be used to travel to and from nearby towns like Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Nagarkot, but their reliability can vary. It is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur before traveling to Nagarkot.

Nagarkot is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Nagarkot, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. Nagarkot has a few medical clinics and pharmacies for minor health issues, but for more serious medical attention, you may need to travel to Kathmandu. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (a slight bow with your palms together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nagarkot like a local, consider staying in a homestay where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Visit the Nagarkot View Tower for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially during sunrise and sunset. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to hike the various trails around Nagarkot, which offer breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty up close.