Trekking · Kathmandu
Mulkharka to Chisapani Hike
A ridge crossing from Mulkharka over Shivapuri to Chisapani, start of the Chisapani–Nagarkot circuit.
The Mulkharka to Chisapani hike crosses the Shivapuri ridge from above Sundarijal to the ridge-top village of Chisapani at around 2,165 m, just beyond the eastern boundary of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is the classic first day of the popular Chisapani–Nagarkot trek and one of the best short multi-day routes from the city.
The route
The trail begins above Mulkharka, the Tamang village reached on the Sundarijal to Mulkharka hike. From there it climbs through Shivapuri forest to a high pass on the ridge — the highest point of the day at over 2,400 m — then descends through woodland and farmland to Chisapani. Allow 3 to 4 hours from Mulkharka, or roughly 5 to 7 hours from the Sundarijal trailhead for the full day. Simple teahouses at Chisapani make it a natural overnight stop.
Why hike it
Chisapani is famous for its Himalaya panorama: on a clear day the ridge looks out over the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal and Dorje Lakpa, with sunrise and sunset the standout moments. The crossing also takes you through the quiet upper forest of the park, with birdlife and, occasionally, the tracks of larger wildlife. As the opening leg of the Chisapani–Nagarkot circuit, it is a fine introduction to teahouse trekking — see our best short treks in Nepal guide.
Logistics and permits
Reach the Sundarijal trailhead by taxi or local transport from Kathmandu in about an hour. You pay the national park entry fee at the Sundarijal gate, so carry cash in Nepali rupees, with separate rates for foreigners, SAARC nationals and Nepalis. If you continue toward Nagarkot, plan two to three days and book nothing in advance — the simple teahouses along the ridge take walk-ins, and carrying only a light pack keeps the long days comfortable.
When to go and what to bring
The best season is October to April for clear ridge views and dry trails; the monsoon brings mud, leeches and cloud. Carry water, snacks, a warm layer for the high ridge and a headtorch. For more options from the city, see trekking from Kathmandu, the best day hikes near Kathmandu, or build the bigger picture from the Kathmandu hub.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chisapani?+
Chisapani is a small ridge-top village on the north-eastern edge of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, just beyond the park boundary. It sits at about 2,165 m and is famous as a Himalaya viewpoint and the first overnight stop on the Chisapani–Nagarkot trek.
How long is the Mulkharka to Chisapani hike?+
From Mulkharka it is about 3 to 4 hours, crossing the Shivapuri ridge at a high pass and descending to Chisapani. From the Sundarijal trailhead the full walk to Chisapani is roughly 5 to 7 hours, a long but rewarding day.
Can you see the Himalayas from Chisapani?+
Yes. On a clear day Chisapani offers a wide panorama including the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and, in very clear conditions, distant Everest-region peaks. Sunrise and sunset from the ridge are the highlights.
Is this part of a longer trek?+
Yes. Mulkharka to Chisapani is the classic first leg of the Chisapani–Nagarkot circuit, a popular two- to three-day teahouse trek through the valley's northern and eastern rim, ending at the viewpoint village of Nagarkot.
