Trekking · Kathmandu
Nagarkot to Chisapani Hike
A 2-3 day ridge trek from Nagarkot to Chisapani through Shivapuri forest, with sunrise mountain views.
The Nagarkot to Chisapani hike is the eastern rim's one true short trek — a 2 to 3 day ridge walk that links the sunrise viewpoint of Nagarkot with the ridge village of Chisapani through the forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, finishing with a descent to Sundarijal on the city's edge. It is the longest and most ambitious route in our eastern valley rim hikes collection, yet it needs no high-altitude acclimatisation.
The short answer
Walk the ridge from Nagarkot through Shivapuri forest to Chisapani, then down to Sundarijal — about 2 to 3 days of easy-to-moderate trekking. It stays below roughly 2,300 m, so there is no altitude risk, and it offers a sweeping Himalayan panorama on clear mornings before dropping back to the road for an easy return to Kathmandu.
Itinerary
A typical two-day plan from Kathmandu:
| Day | Stage | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunrise at Nagarkot, trek the ridge to Chisapani | 2,165 m |
| 2 | Chisapani to Sundarijal, drive to Kathmandu | 1,460 m |
Adding a third day lets you start gently from Sundarijal and reverse the route. For a fuller breakdown, see the dedicated national guide to the Nagarkot to Chisapani trek.
The route
From Nagarkot the trail follows the forested ridge northwest into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, through oak and rhododendron woodland and quiet Tamang and Brahmin villages. The highlights are the sunrise panorama, the birdlife of the park and the unhurried teahouse stops along the way. The final day descends from Chisapani to Sundarijal, on the northern edge of the valley, where transport runs back into the city.
Permits and good to know
- The route crosses Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park; pay the entry fee at the gate near Sundarijal or Chisapani.
- No TIMS card is needed; a guide is optional but adds context.
- Autumn and winter give the clearest mountain views; avoid the monsoon.
- Teahouse lodging and meals on the ridge are simple and inexpensive.
Combine it
This trek begins where the day walks end — you can approach the ridge first on the Tinchuli to Nagarkot hike or the steeper Telkot to Nagarkot hike. For a gentler, single-day pilgrimage alternative on the Kavre side, compare the Dhulikhel to Namobuddha hike. It also sits among the country's gentlest multi-day routes in the best short treks in Nepal. Plan a city base from the Kathmandu travel hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Nagarkot to Chisapani hike?+
It is usually walked over 2 to 3 days. A common plan is a sunrise at Nagarkot, a full day along the ridge into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani, and a final descent to Sundarijal, where you drive back to Kathmandu.
Do you need a permit for the Nagarkot to Chisapani hike?+
Yes, the route passes through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which charges an entry fee payable at the gate near Sundarijal or Chisapani. No TIMS card is required for this short, low-altitude route, and a guide is optional.
Is the Nagarkot to Chisapani hike difficult?+
It is easy to moderate. The route stays below about 2,300 metres, so altitude is not a factor, but the forested ridge rolls up and down. It suits fit beginners and families and is one of the most accessible short treks near Kathmandu.
What mountains can you see on this trek?+
On a clear day the ridge gives a long Himalayan panorama, from the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges in the west across Langtang and Ganesh Himal to the Everest massif in the east, with peaks like Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shankar in view.
