Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Embark on the Chisapani Nagarkot Expedition, a delightful 3- day tea house trek encircling Kathmandu that can seamlessly extend to Dhuklikhel and Namo Buddha for an additional 1-2 days.

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Good To Know

  • Duration 3 days
  • Activity Trekking
  • Difficulty Type Easy
  • Best Season Spring and autumn
  • Max. Altitude 2300 m
  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels & Tea Houses
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu

Embark on the Chisapani Nagarkot Expedition, a delightful 3-day tea house trek encircling Kathmandu that can seamlessly extend to Dhuklikhel and Namo Buddha for an additional 1-2 days. This meticulously crafted itinerary caters to time-sensitive travelers in Nepal, providing a condensed yet immersive taste of the country’s essence.

Commencing from Sundarijal, a 45-minute drive from Kathmandu, the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek commences its journey. The trail initially traverses the expanse of Shivapuri National Park, navigating through a substantial watershed contributing around 40 % of Kathmandu Valley’s drinking water. Revel in the splendors of nature, village strolls, and a breathtaking Himalayan panorama encompassing Manashlu, Ganesh Hima, Langtang Himal, and Gaurishankar Himal, with a glimpse of the distant Mount Everest.

Chisapani, reached after a 5-6 hours trek from Sundarijal, embraces a perpetual coldness, living up to its Nepali name, which translates to “Cold water.” It provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, allowing a profound connection with nature and enriching interactions with the locals. The journey from Chisapani to Lapsi Phedi, amid lush jungles and echoing bird melodies, is a gratifying escapade.

Approximately 3 to 4 hours from Chisapani, a well-deserved lunch break awaits you, the hike proceeds to Nagarkot, an enchanting village adorned with standard hotels, lodges, and resorts. Witness the enchanting sunrise from Nagarkot, a spectacle casting golden hues upon the snow-clad mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2195 meters, Nagarkot offers panoramic views of both the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley.

The expedition includes a visit to Changunarayan Temple, one of Nepal’s oldest Hindu temples, providing a unique insight into the religious practices of the local populace. Concluding the adventure is a captivating tour of the medieval ancient town of Bhaktapur, ensuring an indelible and beautiful lifetime experience.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Highlights 

1. Jungle journey from Sundarijal to Chisapani: Explore local villages, and enjoy views of Himalayan peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and more.

2. Trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani: Pass charming villages, and marvel at Himalayan giants – Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and others.

3. Jungle walk to Nagarkot: Delightful trek through forests and hills, offering mesmerizing views.

4. Nagarkot jungle walk: Experience forest trails, hilltop views, a stunning sunrise, and panoramic vistas.

5. Explore villages en route to Nagarkot: Feel the warmth of locals, witness diverse cultures, and create lasting memories.

Best time for Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The best time to trek the Chisapani Nagar is during the spring and autumn seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and optimal temperatures for trekking.

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is one of the most popular times to trek near Kathmandu, including the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek. During this season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: The skies are often clear, providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh IV, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Mount Everest.
  • Flora: Spring is the peak blooming season. The park is renowned for its diverse flora, orchids, and numerous wildflowers. The trails are adorned with vibrant colors, making the hike visually appealing.
  • Crowds: Spring is a popular hiking season in Chisapni Nagarkot due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Therefore, expect moderate to heavy foot traffic on popular trails.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn offers a rewarding hiking experience in Chisapani Nagarkot Hike. During the season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is quite pleasant and comfortable to hike, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: Autumn is known for its crisp air, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes and distant Himalayan peaks.
  • Flora: Autumn offers vibrant flora. The forests are lush and green, you can observe a variety of plant species, including oaks, rhododendrons, and ferns.
  • Crowds: Autumn is a popular time for hiking in Nepal, as a result,  Chisapani Nagarkot trails remain more crowded compared to other trekking trails near Kathmandu.

Off-Season Considerations

While spring and autumn are the best time for the Chisapani Nagarkot  Trek, some trekkers prefer off-season trekking for a unique experience. However, these periods come with challenges:

  • Winter Season (December to February): Trekking in the winter season offers clear skies, excellent visibility, and fewer crowds than autumn and spring seasons. However, the cold can be challenging, and the flora is less vibrant.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): The monsoon brings heavy rain, making the trail slippery and increasing the risk of landslides and leeches. The clouds and rain can also obstruct mountain views.

Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather, views, and cultural experiences, making them the ideal times to trek the Chisapani Nagarkot. If you’re planning a trip during the off-season, be prepared for additional challenges and always check weather forecasts and trail conditions in advance.

Itinerary

  • Accommodation
  • Max Altitude
  • Meal

Embark on a captivating journey 20 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Witness the enchanting waterfall, a lifeline for Kathmandu Valley. Explore Tamang Village and trek through Mulkharka’s deep forests, offering panoramic views. Reach Chisapani, meaning “Cold water,” after a 5-6 hour hike, for a cozy overnight stay amidst mountains. Experience the crisp mountain air, cultural richness, and serene solitude, creating an unforgettable connection to nature. As night falls in Chisopani, the stars cast a celestial glow over the memorable journey.

  • Accommodation
  • Max Altitude
  • Meal

Embark on a picturesque journey as you begin the day with a delightful breakfast, paving the way for a scenic hike to Nagarkot. Veering off onto an unexplored path through the enchanting forest, the 2-3 hour trek is accompanied by the melodic chirping of birds, creating a symphony that harmonizes with the tranquility of nature. Descending to Jhule and Chauki Bhanjyang, a pause for lunch allows for rejuvenation before continuing the trek through villages and terraced fields, offering a glimpse into authentic village life. The trail ascends from Kattike Bhanjyang to Nagarkot, spanning 18 kilometers, and as twilight sets in, find repose in a cozy lodge, relishing the memories of a day immersed in the beauty of the surroundings.

  • Accommodation
  • Max Altitude
  • Meal

After a mesmerizing sunrise, relish breakfast before driving to Bhaktapur. Explore the medieval charm of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Head back to Kathmandu, reflecting on the cultural gems discovered. Farewell, friend-our unique journey concludes!

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Accommodation: Accommodation in standard hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
  • Transportation: All essential transportation during the trek, including pick-up and drop-off from your Kathmandu hotel to the trek’s starting point, as well as return transfer to Kathmandu.
  • Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced Guide: An experienced trekking guide with a good knowledge of the Chisapani Nagarkot route.
  • Trekking Permits: All necessary trekking permits.
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.

What’s Excluded

  • International Flights: The cost of international flights to and from Nepal is not included in the package.
  • Nepal Visa: The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport is not included.
  • Personal Expenses: Additional snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and tips for guides and porters are not included.
  • Additional Activities: Any optional activities or extra sightseeing in Kathmandu are not included.
  • Trekking Gear: You may need to rent or purchase trekking gear if you do not have your own.
  • Extra Nights: Any additional nights of accommodation in Kathmandu outside the trek itinerary are not included.
  • Extra Costs Due to Delays: Costs incurred due to flight delays, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances are not covered.
  • Personal Medications: Any personal medications or medical expenses are not included.

FAQs

The best time to embark on the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and the views of the Himalayas are spectacular.

The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is considered moderate because the trail does not involve some steep ascents and is manageable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek does not require any special permits except the Shivapuri National Park entrance fee.

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers. The track has moderate difficulty, with mild ascents and descents.

There are few ATMs available along the trekking path, so it's advisable to carry enough Nepali rupees in cash to cover all expenses during the journey.