The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is the best short trek near Kathmandu: an easy 3–4 day hike along the Kathmandu Valley rim. Walk from Sundarijal through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the hilltop village of Chisapani (2,215 m), follow ridges and Tamang villages to Nagarkot for a famous Himalayan sunrise from Langtang to Everest, then descend to the UNESCO temple of Changunarayan and medieval Bhaktapur.
It needs no flights or permits beyond the park fee, suits beginners, families and anyone with a few spare days, and is possible year-round, with the clearest views from October to April. Transport, park fee, guide, porter, lodges and meals are included.
Quick answer: the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a 3–4 day easy hike starting 30 minutes from Kathmandu, with a maximum altitude of 2,215 m, costing from US$320 per person. On clear days you can see from Langtang to Everest, and it works well as a first trek or when you only have a few days in Nepal.
Chisapani means "cold water" in Nepali and sits on a ridge just outside Shivapuri National Park, with views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and Jugal Himal. Nagarkot, on the eastern rim of the valley at about 2,175 m, is known for its sunrise panorama, which on the clearest mornings includes Everest far to the east.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days including arrival (3 days of hiking); 3-day version possible |
| Maximum altitude | Chisapani, 2,215 m |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start and finish | Sundarijal to Bhaktapur, both near Kathmandu |
| Permit | Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee |
| Best time | October–April; possible all year |
| Cost | From US$320 per person |
The trek is easy: 4–6 hours a day on country trails and village paths, with some climbs. Altitude is not a concern. It suits most travellers, including children and older walkers.
The hike is a perfect warm-up before a higher trek or a relaxing end to a Nepal tour. It can be extended to Dhulikhel and Namobuddha for a longer valley-rim hike, or linked to the Helambu trek.
You should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours on hilly paths. No trekking experience is needed.
Mild most of the year; mornings at Chisapani and Nagarkot are cold in winter. Views are clearest from October to April; the monsoon brings cloud and rain.
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee is included.
Leave your main luggage at your Kathmandu hotel and carry only what you need for three days.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
3–4 days, with 2–3 days of walking.
Easy. The maximum altitude is 2,215 m and days are 4–6 hours.
From US$320 per person, including transport, guide, porter, lodges and meals.
On very clear mornings, Everest is visible as a small peak on the eastern horizon.
October–April for clear skies; it is possible all year.
Only the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee, included.
Yes, it is one of the best family hikes near Kathmandu.
At Sundarijal, about 30 minutes from Kathmandu.
Yes, as Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot with a drive back, though the 3-day version is more relaxed.
Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal and, on clear days, Everest.
Yes, for one of the finest sunrise views near Kathmandu.
It is one of the most popular, needing no flights or long drives.
