
moderate
3 days (approx. 12–15 hours walking total)
Light to moderate fitness; comfortable hiking 4–6 hours on uneven trails each day.
A compact escape from Kathmandu, the 3-day Chisapani–Nagarkot trek folds mountain panoramas, Sherpa and Tamang village life, and a sunrise over the Langtang and Jugal ranges into easy days on the trail. Perfect for travelers short on time who still want true Himalayan exposure.
You leave Kathmandu before the city has fully shaken off its diesel haze, a slow ribbon of road threading east toward Sundarijal. The river there is louder than the town—clear water tumbling under concrete bridges and daring you to slow down. From the trailhead you step into the cooler hush of Shivapuri National Park: rhododendron trunks mottled with moss, the sound of distant waterfalls, and a trail that climbs in a steady, human rhythm toward Chisapani.

The trails are rocky and steep in sections—wear well-broken-in hiking boots to avoid blisters and ankle twists.
Tea houses and small shops accept cash only; bring Nepali rupees for snacks, tips, and incidentals.
Morning clears are most reliable for mountain panoramas—plan summit-side viewpoints for pre-dawn or sunrise hours.
Altitude is modest but real—drink often, eat regularly, and keep a steady hiking rhythm to conserve energy.
The ridge routes between the valley and Nagarkot have long linked Kathmandu’s trade and pilgrimage circuits; villages along the way preserve Tamang and Sherpa cultural practices.
Shivapuri National Park protects watershed forests that supply Kathmandu; stay on trails, avoid single-use plastics, and support local tea houses to keep tourism sustainable.
Support and grip on rocky, sometimes slippery trail sections.
Temperatures swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons; insulation and a waterproof layer are essential.
Carry water, snacks, camera, and a light jacket during daily hikes.
Useful for early starts and evening movements around tea houses.