Escape the city bustle and step into the serene wilderness of Shivapuri National Park. This 3-day adventure is perfect for those seeking the most rewarding short treks in Nepal without the commitment of high-altitude climbing.
Experience the Magic of the Himalayas
The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a signature journey for “First Camp Trek” travelers. As one of the premier short treks in Nepal, it offers a perfect blend of lush nature, authentic Tamang culture, and the iconic golden sunrise over the Everest and Langtang ranges. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned traveler with limited time, this route provides a deep Himalayan experience just an hour from Kathmandu.
Trip Facts
Trip Code
Chisapani Hike 1
Duration
3 Days
Max. Altitude:
2175 m
Group size
Minimum 2
Best Time for Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Activity
Hiking
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Moderate
LOCATION
Chisapani - Nagarkot
Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Highlights
- The Chisapani Experience: Hike through the dense forests of Shivapuri National Park, home to rare birds and cascading waterfalls.
- The Nagarkot Panorama: Witness a legendary 360-degree sunrise from 2,175m, capturing views from the Annapurnas to Mt. Everest.
- Cultural Immersion: Walk through traditional Tamang and Newar settlements, experiencing local hospitality in hand-picked teahouses.
- Ancient History: Conclude your Chisapani Nagarkot hiking adventure at the 4th-century Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overview
What is the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?
The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a premier 3-day hiking circuit that loops through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is widely recognized as one of the best short treks in Nepal, offering a high-reward experience for beginners by combining lush forest trails with iconic sunrise views of the Langtang and Everest ranges.
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Why Choose This Hike in 2026?
As travel trends shift toward Slow Travel and “Micro-Adventures,” Chisapani Nagarkot hiking has become the top choice for those wanting to escape the city without long-distance travel.
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Low Altitude, High Reward: Reaching a maximum of 2,175m, it is the safest option for those concerned about altitude sickness.
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Cultural Immersion: Unlike high-altitude treks, this route takes you through authentic Tamang and Newar villages.
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Expertly Guided: At First Camp Trek, our guides bring over a decade of local expertise to every climb.
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Daily Itinerary & Highlights
| Day | Route | Highlights |
| 1 | Sundarijal to Chisapani | Waterfall views & Shivapuri forest |
| 2 | Chisapani to Nagarkot | Ridge walks & sunset over 8 Himalayan ranges |
| 3 | Nagarkot to Changunarayan | Sunrise view & UNESCO World Heritage site visit |
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Sustainable Trekking in Shivapuri National Park
As a responsible operator, we practice “Leave No Trace” principles. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a vital watershed for Kathmandu. During your Chisapani Nagarkot hiking trip, we encourage:
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Plastic-Free Travel: Use the filtered water stations in teahouses instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
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Wildlife Respect: This park is home to leopards and over 300 bird species. Keep noise levels low to increase your chances of a rare sighting!
- Cultural Heritage: Always walk clockwise around Mani walls, Chortens, and Stupas. During your Chisapani Nagarkot trek journey, you will encounter ancient Buddhist shrines and prayer walls. As a sign of respect to local spiritual traditions, ensure you always keep these structures to your right.
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Plan Your Adventure
Before you set off, we recommend checking the official Nepal Tourism Board guidelines for current trekking permits. To ensure you are fully prepared, read our [Ultimate Nepal Trekking Packing Checklist] to see exactly what gear you need for short-duration hikes.
Want to know more about 1 day Hikes near Kathmandu? View our [Nagarkot Changunarayan Day Hike] here.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family-friendly introduction to the Himalayas, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek delivers an unmatched experience. [Inquire about our 2026 Group Rates here.]
Chisapani Nagarkot Itinerary
Altitude Gain
2115m
Accommodation
Lodge at Chisapani
Meal
Lunch and Dinner
Our journey begins with a short drive to Sundarijal. From here, Chisapani Nagarkot hiking officially starts as we enter the National Park. We’ll climb stone stairs through oak and rhododendron forests, reaching the cool, misty village of Chisapani by late afternoon.
Hike: 4–5 hours
Altitude Gain
2175m
Accommodation
Hotel in Nagarkot
Meal
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Today is arguably the most scenic day of any of the short treks in Nepal. We follow a relatively flat ridge trail, passing through terraced farmlands and quiet hamlets. As we arrive in Nagarkot, the sunset creates a dramatic silhouette of the Himalayan giants.
Hike: 7-8 Hours
Altitude Gain
2175m
Meal
Breakfast
After a life-changing sunrise view, we descend through pine groves and potters’ villages to the historic Changunarayan Temple. Our private vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
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Hike: 3–4 hours
Fixed Departure Chisapani Trek
| Start | Finish | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 12/02/2026 | Saturday 14/02/2026 | Trip Status guaranteed | Starting from $280 $266 | Book Now |
Chisapani Nagarkot Hike Includes:
- Expert Guidance: Professional, government-licensed English-speaking guide (mandatory for 2026 safety regulations).
- Private Transfers: Comfortable private vehicle from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and back from Changunarayan or Nagarkot.
- All Permits: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permits and all local government taxes.
- Accommodation: 2 nights of comfortable stay (1 night in a mountain teahouse in Chisapani and 1 night in a standard/3-star hotel in Nagarkot).
- Full Board Meals: Freshly prepared Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the entire Chisapani Nagarkot hiking trip.
- All Government Taxes
Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Hike Excludes:
- Drinks: Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages.
- Gear: Personal trekking equipment (though we can help you rent these in Kathmandu).
- Insurance: International travel and rescue insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal Tips: Tips for your guide and driver (a standard way to show gratitude in Nepal).
- Extras: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging fees at teahouses (usually 200–500 NPR).
Chisapani Nagarkot FAQ
The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a popular 3-day loop trail near Kathmandu that traverses Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is widely considered one of the best short treks in Nepal for beginners, offering a mix of dense rhododendron forests, authentic Tamang culture, and panoramic Himalayan views from the Nagarkot hill station.
Chisapani Nagarkot hiking is graded as Easy to Moderate, making it highly suitable for first-time trekkers and families. While the first day involves a 2-hour steady climb on stone stairs from Sundarijal, the remainder of the trail consists of gentle ridge walks at low altitudes (below 2,200m), requiring no technical gear or previous experience.
Yes, you can see Mt. Everest from the Nagarkot View Tower during the Chisapani Nagarkot trek, provided the weather is clear. While Everest appears as a small distant peak, the trail offers much closer, breathtaking views of the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa.
The best time for the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is during the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) seasons. These months provide the highest visibility for mountain views and pleasant hiking temperatures. However, because of its low altitude, this is one of the few short treks in Nepal that can be enjoyed year-round, including winter.
A licensed guide is mandatory for Chisapani Nagarkot hiking in 2026. Following Nepal's safety regulations for National Parks, all foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a certified professional. This ensures hiker safety, supports the local economy, and helps navigate the forested trails of Shivapuri.
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