Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking
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Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu / Tea House during Trek
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Duration 03
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Trip Difficulty Easy
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Activities Trekking / Hiking
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Best Time Spring and Autumn
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Max. Elevation Nagarkot (2,175 m / 7,136 ft)
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Group Size Min-02 pax
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Transportation Private Car / Tourist Vehicle
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Meals B L D During Trek
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Start/End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Overview
Escape Kathmandu for five days of easy hiking through Shivapuri National Park, peaceful forests, traditional Tamang villages, and some of Nepal’s best Himalayan viewpoints. The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is one of the country’s most popular short treks, perfect for travelers who want mountain scenery and local culture without committing to a long, high-altitude expedition.
The trail begins with a drive to Sundarijal before climbing through Shivapuri National Park to Chisapani. From there, you’ll walk along quiet ridgelines and rural villages before reaching Nagarkot, one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise viewpoints. On clear days, the panorama stretches from Langtang and Ganesh Himal to Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and even Mount Everest in the distance.
Unlike Nepal’s longer Himalayan treks, this route stays below 2,300 meters, making it suitable for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a comfortable introduction to trekking in Nepal.
Why Choose This Trek?
Perfect for beginners
No previous trekking experience is required. The trail is well-established, the altitude is low, and the daily walking hours are manageable.
Close to Kathmandu
Instead of spending days travelling into remote mountain regions, you’ll be on the trail within an hour of leaving Kathmandu.
Incredible Himalayan views
Enjoy sunrise and sunset views over Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and Mount Everest on exceptionally clear days.
Walk through Shivapuri National Park
Hike through protected forests filled with rhododendron, pine, oak, waterfalls, birds, butterflies, and occasional wildlife such as deer and monkeys.
Experience local village life
Pass through Tamang and Newar settlements where farming, traditional houses, and local hospitality remain an important part of everyday life.
Trip Highlights
- Easy trek suitable for beginners and families
- Walk through Shivapuri National Park
- Sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot
- Chisapani mountain viewpoint
- Traditional Tamang and Newar villages
- Dense forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine
- Views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and Everest on clear days
- Just a short drive from Kathmandu
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and prepare for the trek.
Day 3: Drive to Sundarijal, Trek to Chisapani (2,165 m) – 4–5 hrs
Drive to Sundarijal before beginning the trek through Shivapuri National Park to Chisapani.
Day 4: Trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175 m) – 6–7 hrs
Walk through forests, villages, and scenic ridges before reaching Nagarkot for sunset Himalayan views.
Day 5: Sunrise at Nagarkot, Drive to Kathmandu
Watch sunrise over the Himalayas before returning to Kathmandu by road.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide for a trip briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Spend the day discovering Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. These iconic landmarks provide a wonderful introduction to Nepal's history, culture, and Buddhist traditions before your trek begins.
Overnight: Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive about an hour to Sundarijal, the gateway to Shivapuri National Park. Enter the park and follow well-maintained trails through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron while passing waterfalls and small Tamang settlements. As you climb higher, the scenery opens to reveal your first Himalayan views before reaching Chisapani, a peaceful hilltop village famous for its sunrise and mountain panoramas.
Walking: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Chisapani
Today's walk follows scenic ridgelines, forests, and traditional villages, offering beautiful views of terraced farmland and the distant Himalayas. The trail passes through small settlements where you'll experience everyday rural life before reaching Nagarkot, Nepal's most popular hill station. In the evening, enjoy spectacular sunset views over the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and, on exceptionally clear days, Mount Everest.
Walking: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Nagarkot
Wake up early to witness the famous sunrise over the Himalayan range as golden light gradually illuminates the snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, enjoy some free time before driving back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing before your international departure or onward journey.
Drive: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Airport transportation
- Farewell dinner
- Kathmandu sightseeing by private vehicle
- Professional government registered tourist guide
- Accommodation 3 nights in Kathmandu with Bed and breakfast
- Transportation from the starting and ending point of trekking by private vehicle
- Three meals and tea, coffee during the trek
- Safe drinking water( treated with chlorine and iodine)
- Permit of the trek(TIMS, Conservation, and National park fee)
- All types of necessary government paperwork and government taxes
- Guide and porter(meals, wages, Insurance & transpiration )
- An English speaking government registered guide and porter
- Trekking equipment like a raincoat, sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking pole
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Personal & medical insurance
- Rescue evacuation by Helicopter in Emergency case
- Beverage and Bar bills( soft drinks, hard drinks, and mineral water)
- Boiled water
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner
- Electronic devise recharge
- Wi-fi during the trek
- Tips for Guide and Porter
TripAdvisor Reviews
FAQs
No. This is considered an easy trek with moderate daily walking. It's suitable for beginners, families, and anyone with average fitness.
Nagarkot is the highest point at approximately 2,175 m (7,136 ft).
Absolutely. This trek is often recommended as a first Himalayan trekking experience because it stays at a relatively low altitude and follows well-maintained trails.
Not usually. Since the trek remains below 2,300 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is extremely low.
Spring (March-May) offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn (September-November) provides the clearest mountain views and stable weather.
You'll stay in comfortable local tea houses or lodges with basic private or twin-sharing rooms. Meals are freshly prepared at the lodges.
