Kakani and Nagarkot Rim Ridge Trek
- 8 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- January to May & September to December
We traverse the forested ridges and vantage points of the Kathmandu Valley rim, spanning Kakani, Shivapuri, and Nagarkot over eight days.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eight-day Kakani and Nagarkot hiking journey explores the green hills and watershed protected areas that encircle the Kathmandu Valley. Designed for walkers who want a continuous trek without extreme high altitude, this route links several prominent viewpoints, rural settlements, and forested trails.
We begin by driving northwest from Kathmandu to Kakani, setting off along ridges with open vistas of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna ranges. Our path continues through the protected woodlands of Shivapuri National Park, reaching our highest elevation at Shivapuri Hill at 2729 m. From here, we descend and traverse eastward toward Chisapani and Nagarkot, before dropping down to the Newari towns of Dhulikhel and Panauti.
While the terrain does not cross technical alpine passes, daily walking durations of four to six hours require consistent cardiovascular fitness and sturdy footwear. We spend our nights in a mix of local guesthouses, a tented camp on Shivapuri, and standard hotels, allowing us to experience both rustic trail hospitality and valley-rim comfort.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Nagarkot Sunrise
We watch the morning light break across the snowcapped peaks of the central Himalaya from our vantage point in Nagarkot.
Shivapuri National Park
Our team walks through dense oak and rhododendron forests that protect the primary watershed for the Kathmandu Valley.
Ridge Panorama
We catch clear lines of sight to Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganesh Himal from the high points of Kakani and Shivapuri.
Newari Heritage
We explore traditional brick-paved streets, multi-tiered temples, and ancient shrines in Dhulikhel and Panauti.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets our group at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel in Kathmandu. We spend the afternoon settling in and reviewing our trekking route details.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Kakani (2066 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Kakani (2066 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Following breakfast in the city, we take a private vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to Kakani. We set off on foot along the forested ridge, taking in our first views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Jugal Himal.
Day 3
Kakani to Shivapuri (2729 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kakani to Shivapuri (2729 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Kakani after breakfast and climb steadily toward Shivapuri, the highest elevation of our journey at 2729 m. The summit area offers expansive views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and Shishapangma.
Day 4
Shivapuri to Chisapani (2194 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Shivapuri to Chisapani (2194 m)
Meals: B / L / D
An early start allows us to watch the sunrise over the snowcapped peaks from our camp. After breakfast, we walk for about four hours through woodland trails to reach Chisapani.
Day 5
Chisapani to Nagarkot (2195 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chisapani to Nagarkot (2195 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today we maintain a steady pace as we hike toward Nagarkot, a prominent ridge settlement located just east of the capital. The evening atmosphere provides a quiet place to rest before dawn views.
Day 6
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
After catching the sunrise from Nagarkot, we have breakfast and drive down through the valley before continuing on foot. Arriving in Dhulikhel, we observe traditional Newari architecture and local daily life against a mountain backdrop.
Day 7
Dhulikhel to Panauti (1400 m) and Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Dhulikhel to Panauti (1400 m) and Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We descend from Dhulikhel to the historic Newari village of Panauti, situated between the Punyamata and Roshi streams. After exploring the fourteenth-century wooden struts and the Indreshwor Mahadev temple complex, we board our private transport for the drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled international departure.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Two nights 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All ground transportation by private vehicle
- Experienced trekking guide and porters (2 trekkers to 1 porter)
- Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- All necessary permits and Shivapuri National Park entry fees
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
- Tips for guides, porters, and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our maximum altitude on this trek is 2729 m at Shivapuri. While this elevation rarely triggers severe altitude sickness, our lead guide monitors everyone's pace and hydration closely.
Fitness requirements
Expect four to six hours of walking per day over dirt tracks, stone steps, and forest paths. Consistent cardiovascular preparation in the months prior to departure will ensure you enjoy the daily ascents.
Accommodation on the route
We stay in a mix of 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, and Nagarkot, local guesthouses in Kakani and Chisapani, and a tented camp on Shivapuri. Facilities are simple and comfortable.
Drinking water
Bottled water is available at most stops, but we recommend carrying a reusable bottle and purification tablets or a filter to reduce plastic waste along the trail.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with ankle support for uneven stone steps and dirt trails.
Merino wool socksEssential
Clothing
Four pairs to keep feet dry and prevent blisters.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable rain layer.
Fleece jacketEssential
Clothing
For cooler mornings and evenings on the ridges.
Daypack (30-40L)Essential
Camping
For carrying your water, layers, and rain gear during daily hikes.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
At least 1-litre capacity paired with purification tablets.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Useful for early morning starts to catch sunrises.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover high-altitude trekking up to 3000m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering and trekking through the protected Shivapuri watershed area.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest point on the Kakani Nagarkot trek?
Our highest point is Shivapuri Hill at 2729 m.
How long do we walk each day?
Daily walking times range between four and six hours, depending on the section and terrain.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness for multi-day hiking is necessary.
What kind of accommodation is provided on the trail?
We use local guesthouses, standard hotels in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, and a tented camp for our night on Shivapuri.
Are permits included in the package?
Yes, all required national park entry fees and local permits are included.
How many clients does each guide handle?
Our groups are supported by experienced lead guides and porters at a ratio of two trekkers to one porter.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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