We leave from the temple's south gate and drop down stone steps through the village, past the last houses and onto a path between terraces. In October and November the rice is gold and being harvested; from December to February the fields switch to mustard and wheat, and the views north stay clear longer into the day. The path is a mix of stone steps, farm track and short paved stretches, with no hard climbs on the way down.
After about 45 minutes the trail reaches the Manohara river, crossed on a road bridge, and then rises gently through brick kilns and small farms toward Bhaktapur. The total distance is about 6 km and the walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours with photo stops; the height drop from Changunarayan at 1,541 m to the river is roughly 200 m, then a short climb into Bhaktapur at about 1,400 m. Sturdy shoes are enough; trekking poles help on the steps if your knees complain.
You enter Bhaktapur on its northern edge and walk on to Taumadhi or Durbar Square, where foreign visitors pay the Bhaktapur heritage fee of about NPR 1,800 and SAARC nationals about NPR 500; check current status before you travel. Our driver meets you in Bhaktapur, so there is no need to return uphill. In the monsoon, from June to September, the field paths turn slippery and leeches appear, and we usually suggest driving instead.
Good for
- Couples
- Families
- Photographers
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How long is the walk from Changunarayan to Bhaktapur?
It is about 6 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours downhill with photo stops, or 2 to 2.5 hours in the uphill direction. The route crosses fields and the Manohara river on mostly easy paths and farm tracks. Our driver collects you in Bhaktapur so you do not need to walk back.
Can children and seniors do the Changunarayan to Bhaktapur walk?
Most children over about six and active seniors manage it comfortably, because the route is largely downhill and has no exposed sections. The stone steps below the village are the steepest part. Our guides walk at your pace, and the car can meet you at the river road if anyone wants to stop halfway.
Do I need a guide to walk from Changunarayan to Bhaktapur?
The path is not technically difficult, but several farm tracks branch off and there are no signposts, so first-time visitors often lose time. A guide also explains the villages and fields along the way and arranges the pick-up in Bhaktapur. Independent walkers should download an offline map before starting.
