3 Days Chisapani Trek

Chisapani Nagarkot trekratingbased on 2 reviews
  • Duration3 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 2175 meters/ 7136 feet
  • Starts Sundarijal
  • Ends Changunarayan Temple
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$265
2 - 6 paxUS$225
7 - 10 paxUS$195
3 Days Chisapani Trek Highlights
  • Exploring Shivapuri National Park. 
  • Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnecting with nature. 
  • Exploring the culture, lifestyle, greenery, farming, and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changunarayan Temple. 
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views. 
  • Picturesque Himalayan surroundings. 

 

Short Chisapani Hike Overview

The 3-Day Chisapani Trek is the most demanding, short, and adventurous trek among the various trekking routes in Nepal. This is one of the most beautiful and classic treks, which begins with a 1-hour drive east from the Kathmandu Valley, called Sundarijal, and ends at Changu Narayan. The trek is the best option for those who have limited time and budget, are beginners, but still prefer to experience the adventure of Nepal and its unspoiled beauty. It is the perfect way to explore blended cultural and natural attractions. The dense jungle walk, terraces, farming, local lifestyle, world heritage sites, and massive Himalayan chain surrounding the trek are the trek's main features. The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is equally popular with internal and external tourists.

Chisapani, along with Nagarkot, is the finest viewpoint for sunrise, sunset, and close-up views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Everest Himalaya Range. Nagarkot is situated 32 km east of the Kathmandu Valley and 2175 m above sea level. While situated on a strategic hill, Nagarkot was an ancient Kathmandu Valley fort built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat for the Royal family before becoming popular as an international hill station. In addition, Nagarkot Hill is popular for day trips. Moreover, our final destination, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changunarayan, adds extra value to the trek. Changu Narayan is known as the second-biggest Hindu god, after Bishnu. The most interesting wood carving, metal carving, and stone carving temples are made in the pagoda style.

Likewise, you may also consider our more adventurous trekking routes like Khopra Danda Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and many more.

Difficulty Of Chisapani Hill View Trek

The Chisapani Hill View Trek is considered moderately easy, making it an ideal choice for beginners, families, and those looking for a short trekking experience close to Kathmandu. While you will experience a mix of uphill and downhill, the overall trek is quite manageable with the altitude only reaching just above 2,000 meters. Additionally, the paths are well-defined and relatively easy to navigate, though some sections may involve steep ascents. 

During the initial section of the journey from Sundarijal, you will climb a series of stone steps and gradually, the journey gets more refreshing as you are surrounded with lush greenary. As you approach Chisapani, the gradual climb offers stunning views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Altogether, the trek is quite manageable even for beginners and family.

Best Time For Chisapani Nature Walk

For optimal trekking conditions, the best time for the Chisapani Nature Walk is during the peak seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During Spring, you will have an opportunity to witness and walk through the colorful blooms of rhododendrons with comfortable temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. As for Autumn, your journey may coincide with the celebrations of Dashain and Tihar, adding a cultural touch to the trek. Furthermore, Autumn brings comfortable temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C with crisp air and the clearest visibility of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. 

Now, you can embark on this journey during the off-season as well: Winter (December to February) and Monsoon (June to August). In Winter, you will face the cold temperature but it won't be as harsh as in the higher altitude level. However, Monsoon states a completely different story as the heavy downpour not only results in muddy and slippery trails, but you will also be exposed to the potential risk of landslides.

Chisapani Trek Permits

For the Chisapani Countryside Exploration, you will only require a single permit as the trek falls within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. You will need the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit, which costs NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 8) per person. You can get this permit at the park entrance in Sundarijal or Budhanilkantha. 

How can I book the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

To book your trek with us, you have to send a 10% deposit of the total cost. Please also forward a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and full flight details if and when available. For your convenience, you may forward the deposit online through our website. It is completely safe, and as soon as you make it, you will get an automatic receipt in your inbox. The rest of the payment can be paid upon arrival.

Contact our staff now and we can organize your trek to the Chisapani Nagarkot in no time.

Useful Information

Tips For A Successful Chisapani Hike

  • Appreciate and respect the local culture and customs.
  • Drink a minimum of three liters of water per day.
  • Even when not mandated, there are
  • always benefits to using the invaluable services of a guide on a trek.
  • Respect wild animals and save nature.

Transportation To The Chisapani Hill View Trek

The Chisapani hike begins with a short journey from Kathmandu to Sundarijal, the starting point of the trek. Sundarijal is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center and is well-connected by road. If you are trekking on a budget, you can catch a local bus or a micro van from Kathmandu's Ratna Park bus station to Sundarijal. It will only cost you around NPR 50-70 (USD 0.5-1) and take around 1 to 2 hours to reach there depending on the traffic. However, note that the local ride can be overcrowded, congested, and untidy. 

Alternatively, private taxis or rideshare services offer a more convenient and comfortable means of transportation to Sundarijal. The cost for a taxi ranges from NPR 1,000 to 1,500 (USD 8-12). Moving on to the end of the trek, you will reach to Changunarayan and you can again catch a local ride to Kathmandu or even get a private taxi. 

Meals During Sundarijal to Chisapani Trek

Unlike other treks in Nepal, the trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani is still connected with the urban areas and hence, you will get a variety of options for your menu items ranging from a traditional dish to even Western cuisine. You can enjoy the meals in the comfort of the hotels or lodges that you are staying in. Typical meals include Nepali dal bhat (rice with lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), noodle soups, fried rice, and momos (dumplings). Breakfast options usually consist of items like pancakes, porridge, boiled eggs, and bread with jam or butter. Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, or hot lemon are widely available. You will also get snacks such as biscuits, chocolates, and fruits. Moving on, western items like sandwiches, burgers, pizza, spaghetti, and so on are also readily available. 

Accommodation During Sundarijal to Chisapani Trek

During this journey, you will get an opportunity to experience both traditional and modern facilities. Well, you can enjoy luxury accommodation by staying in high-end resorts or hotels around the trails or even experience the traditional life by staying in tea houses. All in all, the choice is yours! You will get a private room with all the facilities you need and hence, the trek will be quite comfortable overall. Most of the places will offer you attached bathrooms and even hot showers. 

Telephone Service, Battery Charging, And Internet During The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Telephone Service

In Chisapani, the availability of mobile networks such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) can be inconsistent but are readily available. While there are spots with strong signals, especially near villages or high points, you might experience limited or no connectivity in dense forests or lower-altitude stretches of the trail. All throughout the journey, the connection is present hence, you can communicate and use the service when needed. To ensure better connectivity during the trek, it's recommended to carry a SIM card from Nepal Telecom, as it tends to have broader coverage in remote areas.

Battery Charging 

During this trek, you will have plenty of opportunities to charge your devices, in fact, every tea house and hotel you stay in will offer this facility. However, in Chisapani, you may be charged a small fee for this service. Apart from that, battery charging is not a real problem. Yet, having said that, it is advisable that you carry a power bank, chargers, and adapters of your own.

Internet

Internet access is available at various points along the trails, but its reliability and speed can vary significantly depending on your location. The connection speed can be slow, especially during peak trekking seasons when many people are trying to use the same network. If you want internet service even during the trails, then, NTE recommends you buy data from a Nepal Telecom card for better coverage and plan. 

Porter

The short Chiapani hike does not require you to hire a porter as the duration and altitude are manageable. While porters can help relieve your load, however, you will not be carrying much items for this journey overall. Instead, NTE recommends you hire a guide to help you navigate the routes or get in-depth insights of the cultural aspect of the journey. 

Pacing List For The Chisapani Countryside Exploration

Though the Chisapani Hike is relatively short and moderate, packing wisely ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:

Clothing:

  • Quick-drying t-shirts (1-2) and lightweight thermal tops
  • Lightweight jacket or fleece
  • Comfortable trekking pants (1-2 pairs) and a pair of lightweight shorts
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Moisture-wicking undergarments
  • Sun hat
  • Beanie

Footwear:

  • Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
  • Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
  • 2-3 pairs of trekking socks

Gear And Personal Items

  • Daypack (20-30 liters)
  • Trekking poles 
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Water purification tablet or filter
  • Rain cover
  • Snacks (chocolate bars, dried fruits, and nuts)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and lip balm
  • Basic toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and a quick-dry towel)
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Adapters, power bank, and chargers

Travel Insurance

While this trek is relatively short and less strenuous compared to higher-altitude treks in Nepal, having travel insurance is still highly recommended. Trekking even in such locations might come with unforeseen circumstances such as minor accidents, illness, or loss of personal items. Hence, travel insurance can offer peace of mind by providing financial coverage for emergencies, medical treatment, and possible evacuation. So, when you purchase a plan, make sure that its policy covers any medical emergency, evacuation plan, loss of items, or trip cancellation.  

Nepalese Currency and Payment:

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10,000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35,000. A charge of USD 5 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:2500m/8202 feet, Top of Shivapuri Hill
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we drive an hour towards Sundarijal, from where we embark on a real hike. 30 minutes hiking from Sundarijal, we encounter Shivapuri National Park, where we buy a National Park entrance permit, then continue ahead. As we climb gradually, we arrive at the name of a village called Mulkharka, where we might have a lunch break or some snacks. Then the trail leads through stone-paved stairs and an amazing jungle hike to Chisapani, which is known as a stunning viewpoint of the sunrise with striking views of Gaurisankar, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and many more.

  • Max. Altitude:2175m/7136ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3 Stars Hotel

As you know, Chisapani is known for its spectacular viewpoint, so we recommend waking up early in the morning to explore the sunrise with panoramic Himalayan vistas, then enjoying your breakfast with beautiful nature. Making our way through refreshing rhododendron forests inside Shivapuri National Park, we might have a quick stop at Jule and relax for a while. Then we slowly head further, passing some local villages and rice field terraces, and arrive at a scenic hilltop, Nagarkot.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

After exploring the sunrise with the undisturbed Himalayan range, we trek for 4 hours towards Changunarayan Temple. The exciting hike starts gradually downhill through the ridge and offers beautiful views of local villages, the lifestyle of people, temples, Bhaktapur, Sankhu, and the Kathmandu valley too. The trail ends with a walk through a pine and rhododendron forest and some lovely picnic spots, which may be your last chance to capture panoramic Himalayan views. Ultimately, we reach Changu Narayan, which is known as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a major shrine to the Hindu god Vishnu. After collecting unforgettable experiences, we drive back to Kathmandu.

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Note

The above itinerary is just a guideline. If you are not satisfied, please feel free to customize your own.

What's Included
Cost Includes
  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off if needed.
  • All necessary trekking permits
  • All accommodations during the trek
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • A cup of tea or coffee with the meal
  • If and when available, fresh fruit should be eaten every day.
  • Complimentary duffel bag, trekking map agency t-shirt
  • Professional English-speaking, government-registered, and first-aid-trained local guide
  • First-aid kit
  • Return road transport to and from Changu Narayan
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
  • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
  • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT
Cost Excludes
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Accommodation, lunch, and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
  • Sightseeing costs in the city. (temples, monasteries, etc.)
  • All beverages like cola, beer, mineral water, snacks, etc.
  • Tips for staff
Dates & Availability
Start:SaturdayJan 11, 2025
End:MondayJan 13, 2025
PriceUS$295
StatusAvailable
Start:SaturdayJan 18, 2025
End:MondayJan 20, 2025
PriceUS$295
StatusAvailable
Start:SaturdayJan 25, 2025
End:MondayJan 27, 2025
PriceUS$295
StatusAvailable

Note

Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

FAQs for 3 Days Chisapani Trek
  • Chisapani Trek Lies in Kathmandu, Sindhupalchok, and Bhaktapur district. It is part of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.

  • You can trek solo in the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, but Nepal Trekking Experts recommend you go with a guide for your safety and local information.

  • The Chisapani Nagarkot is the shortest trek from Kathmandu.

  • Chisapani Nagarkot trek takes 3 days, 35 Km/ 22 miles.

  • The Chisapani Trek costs 100 - 300 USD per person. It depends on the number of days, group size, and the service you want to include in the package.

  • The Chisapani Trek is short and easy in Nepal.

  • Chisapani is 2215 meters/ 7267 feet.

  • Nagarkot is 2175 meters/ 7136 feet.

2Travelers' Reviews
  • TripAdvisor
    rating star

    Beautiful Nepal

    Had a fantastic time in Nepal with the help of Nepal Trekking Experts. We didn't have a lot of time, so we only did a short trek, but nothing was too hard to organise, and the correspondence was great. I would definitely recommend Rajesh and his company. Our guide, Lok, was really experienced and knowledgeable about the area and was such a kind person. An awesome week in Nepal!

    S
    shelly1234Feb 04, 2024Thailand
  • TripAdvisor
    rating star

    Fantastic 3 day trek! Highly recommend, very professional and organised company

    My boyfriend and I recently completed a 3 day trek with Nepal Trekking expert to Chisapani and Nagarkot. Rajesh was super helpful in helping to organise and book this trip for us as well as really professional. The night before the trek we were invited to his office to have a briefing on the trek, what to expect and what to bring and to meet our lovely guide Dinesh. We really appreciated this, and having spoke to other people not every company does this! We had such a great time on the trek, everything was well explained and organised. Dinesh was a fantastic guide, not only was he really knowledgable on the area and the mountains, answering all our questions, he also made us feel really comfortable and we had fun at the same time! I wouldn’t hesitate to book again with Nepal Trekking experts and especially with Dinesh as our guide and I will recommend to others too!

    W
    Wanderer694146Oct 23, 2022United Kingdom
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