The Chisapani is a 2-day trip in Kathmandu → Sundarijal (vehicle) → Chisapani → Nagarkot → Kathmandu (vehicle), rated easy - maximum 640 m ascent in a single section; no technical terrain difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Nagarkot, 2,175 m. The best time to do this trip is October - May.
| Country | Kathmandu → Sundarijal (vehicle) → Chisapani → Nagarkot → Kathmandu (vehicle) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy - maximum 640 m ascent in a single section; no technical terrain |
| Max Elevation | Nagarkot, 2,175 m |
| Duration | 2 |
| Best Time | October - May |
How long is the Chisapani-Nagarkot trek?
The Chisapani - Nagarkot Trek is the most satisfying 2-day introductory trek from Kathmandu - a ridge walk along the northeast rim of the Kathmandu Valley from Sundarijal (1,460 m) to Chisapani (2,100 m) and on to Nagarkot (2,175 m), passing through the protected forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on Day 1 and the open farmland and tea-house ridges of the Kathmandu Valley rim on Day 2. The route forms the first section of the classic Helambu Circuit and can be combined with the Helambu or Gosaikunda treks for longer itineraries.
The combination of Chisapani and Nagarkot in two days delivers two distinct experiences: the Chisapani viewpoint (2,100 m) faces north and northeast, with panoramic views of the Langtang range (Langtang Lirung 7,227 m, Dorje Lakpa 6,966 m) and the Jugal Himal extending east; while Nagarkot (2,175 m) is Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoint, with a 200 km panorama from Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) in the far west to Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in the east that explicitly includes the Everest massif (though Everest itself appears as a relatively modest peak from this distance). Spending a night at Chisapani and arriving at Nagarkot for the dawn means you catch both viewpoints at their finest.
The trek is entirely within or adjacent to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on Day 1, making it one of the few Kathmandu-vicinity walks that passes through genuine protected forest habitat. The forest section between Sundarijal and Chisapani holds good populations of Himalayan wildlife including Grey Langur monkeys, barking deer, wild pigs, and an excellent range of forest birds including Nepal's endemic Spiny Babbler. The trail is well-maintained and clearly signed throughout; teahouse accommodation at Chisapani and Nagarkot means no camping is required.
| Group Size | Price per Person (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo trekker | USD 199 | Private guide; all accommodation, meals, and permits included |
| 2 - 4 people | USD 169 | All inclusive: guide, teahouse accommodation, all meals, national park entry, transfers |
| 5 - 10 people | USD 149 | All inclusive |
Includes Kathmandu - Sundarijal vehicle transfer, guide throughout, 1 night teahouse accommodation at Chisapani (twin sharing), all meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 2 breakfast, Shivapuri Nagarjun NP entry fee, and Nagarkot - Kathmandu vehicle transfer on Day 2. A 20% deposit confirms booking.
| Point | Altitude | Cumulative Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Sundarijal (start) | 1,460 m | 0 km |
| Borlang Bhanjyang (high point Day 1) | 2,438 m | 5 km |
| Chisapani (overnight) | 2,100 m | 8 km |
| Nagarkot (end) | 2,175 m | 22 km |
Crystal-clear views at both Chisapani and Nagarkot; the Langtang range is most vivid in October. The Nagarkot sunrise in November with fresh snow on the Everest horizon is spectacular.
Excellent viewing conditions in February and March before pre-monsoon haze reduces visibility. Rhododendron bloom on the Shivapuri trail in March - April adds colour to the forest section.
| Package | Duration | Max Altitude | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagarkot Sunrise Hike | 2 days | 2,175 m | Nagarkot-only version; shorter walk; suitable for any fitness |
| Helambu Trek | 10 days | 3,600 m | Continue from Nagarkot into the full Helambu circuit |
| Gosaikunda Trek | 10 days | 4,381 m | Combine Helambu with the sacred Gosaikunda lakes |
| Shivapuri Day Hike | 1 day | 2,732 m | Single-day version in the same national park; no overnight |
This short overnight trek suits travellers wanting a genuine but gentle ridge walk above the Kathmandu Valley, with no technical terrain and a maximum single-section ascent of just 640 metres. It is a good fit for those with two days available who want mountain views and village scenery without committing to a longer, higher trek.
| Trip | Duration | Max Altitude | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chisapani-Nagarkot | 2 days | 2,175m | Ridge trek, guesthouse |
| Dhulikhel Tour | 2 days | 1,750m | Cultural tour with short hikes |
Chisapani-Nagarkot is more trek-focused with continuous walking between stops, while the Dhulikhel Tour blends shorter hikes with more cultural sightseeing at Namobuddha and Panauti.
View Himalaya's Chisapani-Nagarkot package starts from USD 120 per person, including guide, guesthouse accommodation, and return transport to Kathmandu. Contact View Himalaya for group rates and current availability.
Chisapani-Nagarkot trek in one sentence: A 2-day ridge walk from Sundarijal via Chisapani to Nagarkot, ending at one of the most accessible Himalayan sunrise viewpoints near Kathmandu.
Chisapani-Nagarkot trek altitude: Nagarkot at 2,175 metres, the highest point of the route.
Chisapani-Nagarkot trek difficulty: Easy, with a maximum single-section ascent of 640 metres.
Chisapani-Nagarkot trek cost: View Himalaya packages start from USD 149 per person, including transport, accommodation, meals, and guide.
Best time for the Chisapani-Nagarkot trek: October to May for the clearest Nagarkot sunrise views.
Nagarkot sunrise view: On exceptionally clear days, the panorama extends from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east.
Truly one of the highlights of our travels in Asia. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was spiny Babbler sightings - Nepal's only endemic bird species is regularly seen on the Sundarijal-to-Chisapani trail; the guide knows the specific habitat patches where this elusive bird is most consistently found. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.
One of the best trips we've ever taken. The guide's local knowledge added so much depth to the trip. A particular highlight for us was chisapani viewpoint (2,100 m) - the open ridgeline at Chisapani faces the full Langtang range directly north; on clear October mornings the Langtang Lirung summit glows at sunrise; the small teahouses here are exactly what a Himalayan hillside teahouse should be: smoky, warm, and welcoming. Highly recommend View Himalaya to anyone considering this trip.
Everything about this trip was handled professionally. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was shivapuri Nagarjun National Park forest - the 6-hour walk from Sundarijal to Chisapani passes entirely through protected forest; the trail is shaded, bird-rich, and genuinely wild feeling despite beginning at the edge of the Kathmandu suburbs. We'd book with View Himalaya again without hesitation.
