# Chisapani Nagarkot Trek > 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. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 4 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Hiking - **Max altitude:** 2,215 m / 7,267 ft (Chisapani) - **Best season:** Year-round; best Oct–Apr - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges in Chisapani and Nagarkot - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the hike - **Price:** from US$320 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/chisapani-nagarkot-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=chisapani-nagarkot-trek ## Overview **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. ### Chisapani Nagarkot trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration4 days including arrival (3 days of hiking); 3-day version possibleMaximum altitudeChisapani, 2,215 mGradeEasyStart and finishSundarijal to Bhaktapur, both near KathmanduPermitShivapuri Nagarjun National Park feeBest timeOctober–April; possible all yearCostFrom US$320 per person### Why do the Chisapani Nagarkot hike? - **Shortest real trek** from Kathmandu, with no flights. - **Nagarkot sunrise** over the Himalaya. - **Shivapuri forest**, birds and monkeys. - **Tamang and Brahmin villages** on the valley rim. - **Changunarayan and Bhaktapur**, two UNESCO World Heritage monuments. ### How difficult is it? 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. ### Combine with a longer trip 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**. ## Highlights - The best short trek near Kathmandu, no flights needed - Nagarkot sunrise over the Himalaya, from Langtang to Everest - Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park forest - Changunarayan temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Easy walking suitable for families and beginners ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Sundarijal, hike to Chisapani (2,215 m) Short drive to Sundarijal and climb through Shivapuri National Park past the reservoir to Chisapani for sunset views. _Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 2,215 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 3: Hike to Nagarkot (2,175 m) Sunrise from Chisapani, then walk through villages and forest via Jhule and Kattike to Nagarkot for sunset. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 18 km_ ### Day 4: Nagarkot sunrise, hike to Changunarayan and drive via Bhaktapur to Kathmandu Watch sunrise over the Himalaya, hike down to Changunarayan temple, then visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square before returning to Kathmandu or the airport. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Distance: 10 km_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Lodge in Chisapani and hotel in Nagarkot - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the hike - Private transport to Sundarijal and from Changunarayan via Bhaktapur - Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee - Entry fees to Changunarayan and Bhaktapur - Licensed, English-speaking guide and porter - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Extra nights in Kathmandu - Travel insurance - Drinks and personal expenses - Tips for guide and porter ## Useful information ### Fitness You should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours on hilly paths. No trekking experience is needed. ### Weather 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. ### Permit The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee is included. ### Luggage Leave your main luggage at your Kathmandu hotel and carry only what you need for three days. ## Packing list - Comfortable walking shoes or light boots - Warm fleece and jacket for sunrise - Rain jacket - Daypack - Water bottle - Sun hat and sunscreen - Head torch ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Chisapani Nagarkot trek? **3–4 days**, with 2–3 days of walking. ### How difficult is the Chisapani Nagarkot trek? **Easy**. The maximum altitude is 2,215 m and days are 4–6 hours. ### How much does the Chisapani Nagarkot trek cost? From **US$320 per person**, including transport, guide, porter, lodges and meals. ### Can I see Everest from Nagarkot? On very clear mornings, Everest is visible as a small peak on the eastern horizon. ### What is the best time for the trek? **October–April** for clear skies; it is possible all year. ### Do I need a permit? Only the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park fee, included. ### Is it suitable for families? Yes, it is one of the best family hikes near Kathmandu. ### Where does the trek start? At **Sundarijal**, about 30 minutes from Kathmandu. ### Can I do it in two days? Yes, as Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot with a drive back, though the 3-day version is more relaxed. ### What mountains can I see? Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal and, on clear days, Everest. ### Is Nagarkot worth visiting? Yes, for one of the finest sunrise views near Kathmandu. ### Is it the best short trek near Kathmandu? It is one of the most popular, needing no flights or long drives.