Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking
Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking Overview
The Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking is a short and easy 3‑day trek designed for travelers who want to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and local culture in a limited time. Starting with a 45‑minute drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the trail enters Shivapuri National Park – the source of 40% of Kathmandu’s water supply. You will walk through lush forests of oak and rhododendron, cross a big watershed, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and even Mount Everest on clear days.
The first day ends at Chisapani (2,300m), a peaceful hilltop village surrounded by nature. The next day you trek to Nagarkot (2,200m), famous for its spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas. On the final day, you drive back to Kathmandu, visiting the ancient Changunarayan Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the medieval city of Bhaktapur.
This trek is ideal for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a quick Himalayan escape. Global Nepal Treks provides experienced guides, porters, comfortable lodge accommodation, and all necessary permits.
Things That You Need to Know
Duration & Difficulty:
This is a 3‑day easy trek, suitable for beginners and families. Daily walking averages 4‑6 hours on well‑marked trails with moderate ups and downs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring Trekking Conditions (March–May) — Blooming rhododendron forests, clear mountain visibility.
Autumn Trekking Conditions (October–December) — Crisp, crystal-clear Himalayan panoramas.
Winter Trekking for Solitude Seekers (January–February) — Cold but passable for trekkers who prefer fewer crowds.
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation in basic lodges/teahouses (twin sharing). Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included during the trek.
Permits Required:
You need a Shivapuri National Park Permit and a TIMS card. Global Nepal Treks arranges these for you.
What to See:
Panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Everest from Nagarkot; Changunarayan Temple (oldest Hindu temple in Nepal); and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Maximum Altitude — Below AMS Risk Threshold
Comparison to Higher Treks — At 2,300m max, this trek sits far below Everest Base Camp (5,364m) or Annapurna Circuit (5,416m), making it accessible to non-trekkers.
Nagarkot Sunrise Panorama
Best Sunrise Timing — Early morning viewing before breakfast, weather permitting.
Changunarayan Temple Visit
Temple Etiquette — Remove footwear before entry; circumambulate clockwise.
Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Drive to Sundarijal & Trek to Chisapani
Morning drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (45 min). Shivapuri National Park Watershed Crossing — Source of 40% of Kathmandu's water supply, walked through oak and rhododendron forest.
Trek to Nagarkot
Nagarkot Sunrise Panorama — Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Everest are visible on clear days. Changunarayan Temple Visit — Nepal's oldest Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Visit — a living medieval city where locals actively worship daily.
Sunrise at Nagarkot & Drive to Kathmandu
Early morning sunrise view over the Himalayas. After breakfast, drive to Changunarayan Temple (oldest Hindu temple), then to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Return to Kathmandu. End of trek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Airport transfers as per itinerary
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation (twin sharing) for 2 nights
- All necessary permits (Shivapuri National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Professional English‑speaking trekking guide
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) to carry luggage
- Sleeping bag (refundable after trek)
- First aid kit
- All government taxes
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except where noted)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, covering medical emergencies and evacuation)
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water
- Temple and monastery entry permit fees (Changunarayan, Bhaktapur)
- Personal gear and expenses (phone calls, laundry, Wi‑Fi, battery charging)
- Tips for guide, porters, and support staff
- Nepal Visa Fee Breakdown — $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days.
Essential Information
Trip Code
GNT-CNT
Trip Type
Families, beginners, and short-break Kathmandu visitors
Accommodation
Basic lodges/teahouses, twin-sharing
Meals
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Transportation
Car, Jeep
Best Time to Visit
Prime seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–December) for the clearest Himalayan views and most comfortable trekking weather. Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests; autumn offers crisp, crystal-clear mountain panoramas. Winter (January–February) is cold but possible for those who prefer solitude on the trail. Monsoon season (June–August) is generally not recommended due to heavy rain and reduced visibility (directly inferred from best-season guidance).
Difficulty Level
Why This Trek Suits Beginners — Well-marked trails, moderate ups and downs, no technical climbing. Maximum Altitude — Below AMS Risk Threshold — 2,300m at Chisapani, well under the 3,000m altitude sickness concern zone.
Fitness Requirements
Preparation Tips
Equipment List
Health Considerations
Safety Measures
Permits Required
Permit Cost: $29.99
Cultural Etiquette
Local Customs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy trek ideal for beginners, families, and anyone with moderate fitness. Daily walking is 4‑6 hours on well‑maintained trails.
What is the highest altitude?
The highest point is Chisapani at 2,300m and Nagarkot at 2,200m. Altitude sickness is not a concern.
What can I see from Nagarkot?
On a clear day, you can see a panoramic range including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and even Mount Everest in the distance.
What permits are required?
You need a Shivapuri National Park Permit and a TIMS card. Global Nepal Treks arranges all permits for you.
What is the best time for this trek?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–December) offer the clearest mountain views and pleasant weather.