Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a three-day ridge walk around the north-east rim of the Kathmandu Valley, with two nights in lodges and a start and finish by road. A short drive from Kathmandu reaches Sundarijal, the walk climbs through Mulkharka and forest to Chisapani at about 2,170 m, a long second day follows the ridge to Nagarkot, and the third morning walks down to the temple town of Changu Narayan before a drive back. On our map the three days cover about 42 km, with 1,540 m of climbing, and most of the way follows a marked trail. The walk enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park at Sundarijal, so the park fee of NPR 1,000 applies. October to November and March to April have the clearest views. No flight is needed, and the walk can be cut short by taxi at any road crossing.

The plan follows three operator itineraries that agree on five to six hours to Chisapani and seven to eight hours to Nagarkot, with a lunch stop at Chauki Bhanjyang. The first day is the steeper one; the second day is long but mostly level, and the ridge track shares some stretches with a forest road. It suits first-time trekkers, families with older children and anyone who wants a short walk with Himalayan views.

What the trek is like

The trail leaves the Sundarijal water works, climbs beside waterfalls and through Mulkharka village and then through oak and rhododendron forest to Chisapani, a ridge settlement of lodges. From there the way follows the ridge through forest and fields, passes Jhule and Chauki Bhanjyang, and climbs to Nagarkot, which lies at about 2,175 m by operators and 2,195 m by Wikipedia.

Permits and rules

The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee for foreigners is NPR 1,000 per person per entry, and NPR 600 for SAARC nationals, according to the Nepal Tourism Board; children under 10 are free. No restricted-area permit is needed.

Best season

October to November has the clearest skies, and March to April is warm with flowers in the forest. The monsoon brings cloud and leeches.

Getting there and away

Sundarijal is about 15 km from Kathmandu, 30 to 60 minutes by taxi, and the return from Changu Narayan is about an hour by road.

Difficulty and fitness

The trek is easy to moderate. The first day climbs about 780 m in 8 km, the second is long at about 22 km but mostly level, and the third is a descent. Anyone who walks regularly can do it. Children over about eight years old manage it if they like walking, and the road beside the ridge allows a shorter day.

Budget notes

The costs section uses Nepal-wide lodge and meal ranges for low-altitude nights, the park fee of NPR 1,000 and taxi fares for the transfers, shown as lines to check. A guide is optional; a porter is rarely needed for a light pack.

What to pack

A light rain jacket, a warm layer for the ridge nights, water for at least a litre and a half, snacks, sun protection, a head torch for the sunrise and boots with a good grip for the stone steps.

Guide rule

Buy the park entry ticket at the gate; no guide check is reported on this route (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region.