Nagarkot and Chisapani Ridge Hike
- 3 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide a three-day ridge walk through Shivapuri National Park, connecting forested trails from Sundarijal to Chisapani and Nagarkot.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our three-day hiking route circuits the northern and eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, taking us from the cascading waters of Sundarijal up onto the forested ridges of Shivapuri National Park. We designed this itinerary for travelers who want to experience the middle hills of Nepal without committing to a high-altitude expedition. The walking path takes us past stone steps, rural farm terraces, and quiet settlements inhabited by mixed ethnic communities.
We maintain a moderate pace as we climb to the ridge settlements of Chisapani at 2,150 m and Nagarkot at 2,175 m. These high points offer wide vistas of the central Himalayan chain, including peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. Days involve four to six hours of walking on mixed surfaces, ranging from earthen forest tracks to stone-paved village paths.
We handle all local logistics, including private transport from Kathmandu, national park entry fees, and teahouse bookings. Our team provides an experienced English-speaking guide and porters to support your trek from start to finish, concluding with a descent to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changunarayan.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Shivapuri National Park
We walk beneath dense pine and oak canopies within the protected watershed of Shivapuri National Park.
Nagarkot Sunrise
We catch early morning light illuminating the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges from the ridge of Nagarkot at 2,175 m.
Himalayan Vistas
Our route provides clear weather views toward major peaks including Dorje Lakpa and Langtang Lirung.
Heritage Ending
We explore the ancient shrines and stone carvings at the Changunarayan Temple complex on our final day.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani
Meals: B
Day 1
Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani
Meals: B
We meet at your hotel in Kathmandu in the morning and drive north by private vehicle to the trailhead at Sundarijal. Our walk begins beside the Bagmati River, climbing past stone steps and water pipes into the forested slopes of Shivapuri National Park.
We ascend steadily through dense woodland, emerging onto open ridge paths that lead us toward the settlement of Chisapani at 2,150 m. The day covers 10 km over approximately five hours of hiking, ending at our guesthouse for the night.
Day 2
Trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast at our guesthouse, we leave Chisapani and follow the trail as it descends through rural fields and climbs back up through terraced hillsides and small hamlets.
We walk for roughly six hours over 15 km, passing through quiet rural landscapes before reaching the hill station of Nagarkot at 2,175 m. We settle into our hotel for evening mountain views.
Day 3
Trek to Changunarayan and drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 3
Trek to Changunarayan and drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B
We start our final walking day after breakfast, descending gradually from Nagarkot through local farmland, dirt tracks, and traditional villages toward the valley floor.
After completing the 8 km walk in about four hours, we reach Changunarayan to tour the historic temple grounds. Our private vehicle meets us here for the one-hour drive back to Kathmandu.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Private ground transportation as per itinerary
- Teahouse and hotel accommodation on twin-share basis
- All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- English-speaking trekking guide and porter support
- Shivapuri National Park entry fees and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Personal travel insurance covering emergency evacuation
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our highest overnight elevation on this route is 2,175 m at Nagarkot, meaning acute mountain sickness is generally not a risk. However, we still maintain a steady, measured pace to ensure everyone walks comfortably.
Fitness expectations
We recommend a basic level of cardiovascular fitness for this trek. Days involve four to six hours of walking with rolling ascents and descents on uneven stone steps and dirt trails.
Accommodation & meals
We arrange twin-share rooms in local guesthouses along the ridge and a three-star category hotel in Nagarkot. Full-board meals consisting of standard local and continental dishes are provided during the trek.
Best time to trek
We operate this hike throughout the autumn and spring seasons when skies are generally clear and stable. Winter months also offer sharp mountain visibility, though morning and evening temperatures drop significantly.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support for stone steps.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Protection against unexpected mountain rain.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Useful for chilly mornings and evenings at Chisapani.
Small daypack (25-30L)Essential
Camping
For carrying water, layers, and personal items during the day.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To carry at least 1 litre of drinking water.
HeadlampEssential
Safety
For navigating around guesthouses during early starts.
Trekking poles
Safety
Helpful for stability on uneven descents.
Passport and permitsEssential
Documents
Required for national park checkpoints.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the protected forest area from Sundarijal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Nagarkot Chisapani hike?
We rate this trek as easy. It involves daily walks of 4 to 6 hours on well-defined trails with modest elevation gains up to 2,175 m.
What kind of accommodation is available?
We stay in local guesthouses along the trail, such as the Himalayan Vista Guesthouse in Chisapani, and a standard hotel in Nagarkot.
Do I need permits for this trek?
Yes, we arrange the required Shivapuri National Park entry permit and local area fees as part of our package.
Can I see Mount Everest from Nagarkot?
On very clear mornings, distant views of Everest can occasionally be spotted from high points along the ridge, alongside closer peaks like Langtang Lirung.
What is the maximum altitude reached?
Our highest point is Nagarkot at an elevation of 2,175 m.
Are porter services included?
Yes, we provide porter support to carry your main luggage so you only need to walk with a light daypack.
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 3 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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