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 Season:

The best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December) for clear mountain views and pleasant weather.

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.

Essential Information

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

Rated Easy — ideal for beginners, families, and first-time trekkers in Nepal. Daily walking averages 4–6 hours on well-marked, clearly defined trails. The trail features moderate ups and downs with no technical climbing or high-altitude challenges. Maximum altitude of 2,300m at Chisapani — well below the altitude sickness threshold.

Fitness Requirements

No prior trekking experience required — suitable for all ages, including children and seniors. Basic walking fitness is sufficient; ability to walk 4–6 hours per day on uneven forest trails. No special physical training needed; casual walkers and beginners are fully comfortable on this route. Families traveling with young children can comfortably complete this trek.

Preparation Tips

Start daily 30–45-minute walks at least 2 weeks before departure to build trail stamina. Pack and break in your trekking shoes before the trek to prevent blisters on forest trails. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay well hydrated throughout — especially in Shivapuri National Park. Arrive in Kathmandu a day early to acclimatize and prepare before the trek begins.

Equipment List

Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes or trail runners with ankle support Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or light down jacket, windproof outer layer Rain Gear: Lightweight rain jacket or compact poncho Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), UV-protection sunglasses, wide-brim hat Daypack: 20–25 litre backpack for daily essentials Accessories: Trekking poles (optional), headlamp, reusable water bottle or hydration bladder Personal Items: Toiletries, hand sanitizer, basic first-aid kit, personal medications Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance documents, passport photos

Health Considerations

Altitude sickness is not a concern on this trek — maximum elevation is 2,300m, well below the risk threshold of 3,000m. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is mandatory (explicitly stated in the Exclusions section). Bottled water, boiled water, and beverages are not included — carry your own or purchase on trail to avoid dehydration. Basic first aid is manageable on-trail; no advanced medical preparation required for healthy individuals.

Safety Measures

All treks are led by experienced, licensed local guides provided by Global Nepal Treks (stated in overview). Porter support is available — Global Nepal Treks provides porters so trekkers carry minimal weight. The trail passes through Shivapuri National Park — a well-monitored, clearly marked, and safe trekking zone. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is mandatory (stated in Exclusions)

Permits Required

Shivapuri National Park permit is required to enter the national park from Sundarijal. TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) required for all trekkers in Nepal ✅ Both permits are arranged by Global Nepal Treks — included in the package price. No additional restricted area permits required (trek stays within the national park boundary).

Cultural Etiquette

Remove footwear before entering Changunarayan Temple (the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal) and all religious shrines. Dress respectfully — cover shoulders and knees when visiting Changunarayan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Circumambulate clockwise around all temples, stupas, and prayer wheels encountered on the route. Ask permission before photographing local people, monks, or worshippers at sacred sites.

Local Customs

Changunarayan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — treat it with the highest reverence. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a living medieval city — locals actively worship here daily; observe quietly and respectfully. Chisapani village offers authentic Nepali hilltop rural life — greet locals with "Namaste" and respect their privacy. The trail passes through the Tamang and Newar communities — their Buddhist and Hindu traditions coexist; be open and respectful of both (inferred from regional geography).

Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking