Chisapani Nagarkot Trek from Kathmandu

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is a 2 to 3 day guided trek from Kathmandu through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. On Day 1, you drive to Sundarijal and trek through dense rhododendron and oak forest to Chisapani ridge (2,215m), where you spend the night in a local guesthouse. On Day 2, you continue along the ridge trail to Nagarkot (2,175m) — arriving in time for sunset and the next morning's Himalayan sunrise over Everest and Langtang. A third day is optional: add the Changu Narayan descent hike back to Kathmandu through Nepal's oldest UNESCO Heritage temple.

The full Chisapani to Nagarkot route is approximately 35km total: about 18km on Day 1 (Sundarijal to Chisapani, 5–6 hours of walking) and 17km on Day 2 (Chisapani to Nagarkot, 6–7 hours). Adding the optional Day 3 Changu Narayan descent adds another 10–12km. It is a 2-day trek minimum, 3 days if you include the Changu Narayan finale.

We pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu at 7:30 AM and drive to Sundarijal (17km northeast of Thamel, about 40 minutes). Sundarijal is the trailhead for the National Park and where the walking begins. You do not need to arrange transport, find a taxi, or navigate to a bus station. Return transport from Nagarkot (or Changu Narayan on Day 3) back to your hotel is also included.

The trek is rated moderate. Day 1 is the more demanding day — a steady 5–6 hour climb through forest with 1,000m of elevation gain from Sundarijal (1,350m) to Chisapani (2,215m). Day 2 is a gentler ridge walk with less net elevation change. No technical climbing, no ice, no altitude risk. A reasonable level of fitness and proper footwear are all you need. Your guide sets a sustainable pace and there are teahouses along the route for rest and refreshment.

Yes. The route passes through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which requires an entry permit. For foreign nationals the fee is NPR 1,000 (approximately $8 USD). We handle the permit logistics — you pay the fee at the park gate and our guide accompanies you through the process. Nepali citizens pay NPR 50. The permit is valid for the day of entry.

Night 1 is at a simple guesthouse or tea house in Chisapani village. Rooms are basic — twin beds, blankets, shared bathrooms with hot water (wood-fired or solar). Meals are served at the guesthouse: dinner and breakfast are included. Chisapani has several guesthouses; we arrange accommodation in advance so you don't arrive to find it full. On Night 2, you stay in Nagarkot, where there are more comfortable lodge options.

Dinner and breakfast at Chisapani guesthouse on Night 1 are included. Trail lunches at teahouses along the route are on your account (typically NPR 300–600 per meal — dal bhat, noodles, or fried rice). In Nagarkot on Night 2, dinner and breakfast are included if you book our full package with Nagarkot accommodation. The sunrise breakfast with mountain views in Nagarkot is included.

October and November are the best months — post-monsoon clarity means you can see Everest (8,849m), Lhotse, Makalu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and Gauri Shankar from the Chisapani ridge. March and April are equally good, with rhododendrons in bloom along the Shivapuri forest. Winter (December–February) is clear but cold — night temperatures drop to near zero at Chisapani; bring a warm sleeping bag liner. Monsoon (June–mid-September) is possible but trails are muddy and leeches are active.

Yes — a local guide from Nagarkot is included in all our packages. Independent trekking in Shivapuri National Park is possible but not recommended: the trail network is complex and forks frequently, trail markers are inconsistent, and there are no emergency services in the park. Our guides grew up in the area, know every shortcut and teahouse, and can identify the Himalayan peaks by name. No separate guide cost applies — it is included in the package price.

No minimum and no maximum. We run the trek for solo trekkers, couples, families, and larger groups. For groups over 8 people we arrange additional guides and vehicles. Solo trekkers are welcome — the price is slightly higher per person but you get a completely private guided experience. Larger groups get better per-person rates.

Daypack (20–25L) with 2 litres of water. Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots — no sandals. Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket) for Chisapani nights (can drop to 5–8°C even in October). Rain cover or light waterproof jacket. Head torch or small flashlight for the guesthouse. Sunscreen and sunglasses. Basic personal medications. You do not need to carry camping gear — guesthouses provide bedding. Trekking poles are optional but helpful for the Day 1 ascent.

Yes — and this is the natural way to end the trek. You arrive in Nagarkot on Day 2 afternoon and wake early (5:30–5:45 AM) to walk to the sunrise viewpoint. On a clear morning you see the full Himalayan panorama from Everest to Dhaulagiri. Breakfast with the mountain view is included. This is the most common way our trekking guests experience Nagarkot: on their own feet, over two days, ending at the sunrise rather than driving up for it. The Day 3 option then adds the Changu Narayan descent back toward Kathmandu.