Chisapani Nagarkot 3 Days Trek is the most popular short trek near Kathmandu valley. Moreover, the trip offers stunning views of the Himalayas, charming villages, and a taste of Nepalese culture. Furthermore, the trip is also available all year long.
Additionally, the trip is also best suited for people with a short window of break and having a keen desire to go for a budgeted hiking & trekking experience in Nepal. Moreover, the trek is also feasible for people of all age groups and fitness levels. It can therefore be a great outing for a single, couple or group family vacation. Also being an entry level trek, there is no prior hiking experience required at all.
The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek begins with a short (90 minutes) drive to Sundarijal from your hotel in Kathmandu on Day 1. Sundarijal itself is a beautiful village located about 15 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. It is a popular destination for stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas. The visible mountain range here includes Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal & Gaurishankar Himal. The village is also home to a number of temples and shrines, including the Sundarimai Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sundari.
The hike then soon begins after a check-in into the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. For those unaware, Shivapuri-Nagarjun is also the youngest national park of Nepal. It therefore allows its visitors a chance to sight many wild animals including leopards, deers and pheasants.
After a 5-6 hour hike through dense forest inside Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, we will finally arrive at Chisapani. Moreover, Chisapani village is a charming hamlet nestled within the Shivapuri National Park itself. Situated northeast of Kathmandu at 2200 m, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and even majestic peaks like Gaurishankar and sometimes even Mt. Everest.
After an overnight halt at Chisapani village, the trip then hikes towards Nagarkot the next day. Nagarkot, perched atop a ridge at 2175 meters above sea level, is a scenic hill station offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. It’s a gem near Kathmandu, famed for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the snow-capped peaks.
Moreover, Nagarkot is renowned for its unparalleled Himalayan vistas, particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset. The travelers therefore stay here for their night halt on Day 2 for a spectacular view of sunset and sunrise. The sun’s golden rays the next morning here shall illuminate the surrounding peaks, creating a spellbinding spectacle for travelers.
The three day trip finally ends with a short hike from Nagarkot to Changunarayan Temple after your morning breakfast on Day 3. For those unaware, Changunarayan Temple is one of the seven World Heritage Sites inside Kathmandu valley. Additionally, it is also considered as one of the oldest temples in Nepal, and a testament to the country’s rich heritage. Dating back to the Licchavi period (around 464 AD), the temple’s intricate stone carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions are captivating windows into Nepal’s past.
Besides being dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple also holds immense religious significance for Hindus. Witnessing the daily rituals and observing the devoutness of pilgrims is a humbling experience. Furthermore, the unique pagoda-style architecture, with its tiered roofs and graceful wooden carvings, is a captivating example of Nepali craftsmanship.
1. 3 Days Short-Trek from Kathmandu
2. Suitable for travelers with limited budget
3. Suitable for people of all age groups
4. Panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range
5. A hike inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
6. Sunrise and Sunset experience from Nagarkot
7. A visit to historical and religious Changunarayan Temple