Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Overview

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is a short and beautiful journey nearby the capital city Kathmandu. It is an ideal short trekking program for those who want a quick escape into nature without traveling far. Also, for the people with enthusiasm to trek but short of time and fitness for long and adventurous trekking. Within a short period of time, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek takes you through peaceful villages, and lush forests at the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. The hike offers stunning views of the Himalayas without any strenuous walk. Therefore, it is perfect for those with limited time or for beginners who want to experience trekking in Nepal. At the same time, this short and easy trek is budget-friendly as well, though it is also available in luxury options.

The highest point of Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is the famous picnic spot Nagarkot which is well-known for its sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan range, including peaks like Mount Everest and Langtang. That is why Nagarkot is a popular outing destination near Kathmandu for both domestic and international tourists. The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is easy to moderate and suitable for all ages, making it one of the best short treks around Kathmandu.

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek itinerary is generally about 3 to 5 days varying on the requirement of the trekkers. The trek begins with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, which is also a popular outing destination just an hour away from Kathmandu. From Sundarijal, the trekking begins with a hike through Shivapuri National Park. The trail passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, with occasional streams along the way. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Chisapani (2,135 meters), a small village offering panoramic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. This is the first overnight stop of the trekking.

On the second day, the trek continues with a 6–7-hour hike to Nagarkot (2,175 meters), a popular hill station known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. The trail goes through forests, terraced farmlands, and small villages where you can experience local life. As you approach Nagarkot, the path gradually ascends, rewarding you with stunning mountain scenery. After reaching Nagarkot, you’ll spend the night in a hotel or lodge of your preference and spend some quality time with a campfire, music, and chilled beer. As the sunrise view from Nagarkot is something we should not miss, get ready to catch the sunrise the next morning.

Early in the morning, we will wake up to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. This is a mesmerizing moment to watch the sunrise with views of peaks like Mount Everest, Langtang, and Dorje Lakpa. After having our breakfast, we will trek downhill for about 3-4 hours to Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most ancient temples in Nepal. After exploring this holy and spiritual site with divine architecture, we will drive to Bhaktapur, the oldest city in Nepal. At Bhaktapur, we can explore the historic city’s temples and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square area before returning to Kathmandu.

The Chisapani Nagarkot trek passes through Shivapuri National Park, so we will need the Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit for trekking to Chisapani and Nagarkot. This permit helps preserve the national park’s rich biodiversity, which includes animals like leopards, deer, and various species of birds. However, unlike other treks in Nepal, there is no need for a TIMS card or additional trekking permits since the trek is relatively low altitude and close to Kathmandu. Similarly, since Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur are UNESCO World Heritage sites, tourists will require an entry permit to explore the area.

The best seasons for the Chisapani Nagarkot trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These times offer clear skies and pleasant weather for trekking. The spring months offer a mild and favorable temperature and the days are warm, ranging from 10°C to 20°C at lower altitudes with blooming flowers and greenery along the trail. Whereas, the autumn months have the clearest skies and sceneries after the monsoon rains that offer amazing views of the mountains. The daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 18°C, while mornings and evenings can be cooler during the Autumn.

However, since the trail is not arduous and it is a short and easy trek, the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek can be organized anytime around the year. Nevertheless, the monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are less ideal due to rain and colder conditions although trekking is still possible. Contact Nepal Mountain Guide for further details and planning the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek.

Itinerary