Overview
A brief Himalayan getaway near Kathmandu.
The Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek is undoubtedly the quietest and the most beautiful among the short treks in Nepal. The trek, which lasts only a couple of hours from Kathmandu, takes us to the green hills of the Shivapuri National Park, through forests, tiny settlements, and open viewpoints where we can see the beautiful Himalayan range. The tour is very suitable for nature lovers, fresh air lovers, and mountain view admirers who want all this without going through long or difficult trekking days.
This trek is perfect for beginners, families, single travelers, wellness retreats, and anyone who wants to mix a gentle adventure with relaxation.
Main Highlights of Trekking
- Close to Kathmandu, the trek is easy and tranquil
- Trekking through Shivapuri National Park
- Rich greenery, refreshing waterfalls, and pure mountain air
- Up to the hilt and extensive Himalayan views covering Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa
- From Chisapani and Nagarkot witnessing sunrise and sunset
- Old villages and farming practices on terraces
- Great for the beginners, families, students, and wellness travelers
- Great for yoga, meditation, and slow travel
Best Time to Trek
The Chisapani–Nagarkot Trek can be done year-round, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring (March–May)
- Blooming rhododendrons
- Clear skies and fresh greenery
- Pleasant temperatures
Autumn (September–November)
- Best mountain visibility
- Stable weather
- Ideal trekking conditions
Winter (December–February)
- Cold mornings and nights
- Very clear skies
- Fewer crowds
Monsoon (June–August)
- Lush green landscapes
- Occasional rain
- Quiet trails
Altitude Information
The Chisapani–Nagarkot Trek stays at a safe and comfortable altitude, making it suitable for almost everyone.
- Kathmandu: 1,400 meters
- Sundarijal (Trek Start): ~1,460 meters
- Chisapani: 2,215 meters
- Nagarkot: 2,175 meters
Maximum altitude: 2,215 meters (Chisapani)
There is no risk of altitude sickness, and no acclimatization days are required. The altitude gain is gradual and gentle.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisapani
Day 2: Chisapani – Nagarkot – Return to Kathmandu
Difficulty Level & Fitness
The Chisapani–Nagarkot Trek is graded easy to moderate.
- Walking hours: 4–6 hours per day
- Trails: Well-defined forest paths, stone steps, and village trails
- Some uphill sections, especially on the first day, but manageable at a relaxed pace.
Suitable for:
- Beginners with basic fitness
- Students and first-time trekkers
- Families and older travelers
- Wellness and meditation groups
No previous trekking experience is required.
Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek – 2 Days Itinerary
Kathmandu – Sundarijal – Chisapani (2,215 m (7,267 ft)
Chisapani – Nagarkot – Return to Kathmandu
Inclusions
What's included
- Private transport for pick-up and drop-off from your location.
- English-speaking guide with a government license.
- Accommodation in tourist-standard lodges or guesthouses in Chisapani and Nagarkot.
- Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners in the mountains.
- Lodges/guesthouses selected for the best scenic views in Chisapani and Nagarkot.
- All necessary permits for Shivapuri National Park and local government fees included.
What's not included
- Tips for the guide and driver are expected (not included).
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages are not included.
- Optional Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Site tour available.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the trek is in local teahouses and lodges.
- Simple, clean, and comfortable rooms
- Twin-sharing beds with blankets
- Warm dining areas
- Hot showers available in most places (sometimes for extra cost)
Staying in local lodges allows trekkers to experience genuine Nepali hospitality and village life.
Food & Drinking Water
Meals are freshly prepared and simple.
Common food options include:
- Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables)
- Noodles, fried rice, pasta
- Soups and momos
- Tea, coffee, and hot lemon
Food is nourishing and suitable for trekking. Drinking water can be purchased along the route or treated with purification tablets.
Permits Required
Only one permit is required for this trek:
Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit
- Mandatory for all trekkers
- Easily obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance
- Passport required
- No TIMS card needed
- Simple and hassle-free process
This makes the trek easy to organize, even on short notice.
Guide & Safety
A guide is not mandatory, but highly recommended for:
- Cultural understanding
- Safety and navigation
- Smooth lodge arrangements
- Sharing local stories and knowledge
The trail is safe, well-marked, and close to settlements, making it one of the safest treks in Nepal.
Who Is This Trek For?
This trek is perfect for:
- Travelers with limited time
- First-time trekkers in Nepal
- Wellness and yoga retreats
- Students and study groups
- Families and older travelers
- Anyone seeking peace, nature, and soft adventure
The Narration: Chisapani to Nagarkot
We start our journey from Kathmandu in the early hours when the city is still in slumber. The road comes to an end at Sundarijal, and the forest begins. The trail is accompanied by water flow, and the stone steps rise softly into the greenery. Noise from the city gets fainter, and it becomes easier to breathe with every step.
The forest is enveloped in the slow passage of time. Trees are in close proximity, sunlight is filtered gently, and birds are above us but cannot be seen. We are walking without any rush, at times chatting, sometimes silent. Both seem to be very normal.
By the afternoon hour, we reach Chisapani, that is lying peacefully on the ridge. The land opens wide and the far-off Himalayas appear to be quiet, stable and unchanged. At the time of sunset, a momentary illumination would be received by the mountains and they would then be shrouded in darkness. The village has calmed down. Tea is soothing. Night is slowly coming.
The very next day, the path goes through villages and up the hills. Life here is slow. Fields, decayed houses, grinning faces. The walking is so easy, it is almost like a meditation.
At Nagarkot, before the sunrise, we are in the stillness. A glimmer of light appears on the horizon, and the mountains become visible in the form of soft golden and peaceful. No need for speaking.
When the journey comes to an end, we take something with us. Not the distance or the altitude, but the serene that lingers long after the trail has ended.
Final Feel
Chisapani–Nagarkot Trek is not a challenge of surpassing heights or pushing the limits. It means to decelerate, inhale deeply, and reconnect with nature, with purity and ourselves.
With in few days, it caters to forests, villages, views of the Himalayas, silence, and space. It proves that you need not travel long distances or ascend high to have meaningful moments.
This trek is soft, candid and very much human just like the mountains that silently observe us as we move.
