Chisapani to Nagarkot: 3-Day Trek from Kathmandu with Himalayan Sunrise Views
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (approx. 72 hours total; 10–12 hrs of trekking)
Fitness Level
Good base fitness with capability for sustained uphill and downhill hiking; hikers should be comfortable walking 4–7 hours in a day.
Overview
A short, three-day circuit from Kathmandu through Shivapuri National Park to Nagarkot and Changu Narayan, this trek pairs sunrise Himalayan panoramas with village trails and terraced fields. It’s a moderate, well-supported route ideal for travelers who want big mountain views on a compact itinerary.
Chisapani to Nagarkot: 3-Day Trek from Kathmandu with Himalayan Sunrise Views
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You step out of a hotel shuttle into cool, thin air and watch Kathmandu shrink behind a wall of pine and oak. The road to Sundarijal is less than an hour, but it feels like a seam between two worlds: city noise dissolves into the rattle of water pipes and the measured chatter of porters and guides. The trail climbs beside a large supply pipe, then squeezes into Shivapuri National Park, where the forest leans close and the path narrows to a rhythm of stone steps and breath.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for sunrise
Walk up to Nagarkot before dawn to catch the sun painting the Himalaya — clear mornings give the best views.
Bring layers and a rain shell
Temperatures swing between valley warmth and ridge chill; sudden rain is common outside winter so a lightweight, breathable shell is essential.
Wear grippy, broken-in boots
Trails include uneven stone steps and muddy stretches — ankle support and tread make long descents easier on knees.
Hydrate and pace for altitude
Elevation tops out near 2,175 m; drink often, walk at a steady pace, and rest if you feel lightheaded.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rhesus macaques and gray langurs
- Himalayan pheasant species such as the Danphe (national bird)
History
Changu Narayan temple near the trek's end dates back to the 4th century CE and is one of Nepal's oldest Hindu shrines, reflecting the valley's long cultural continuity.
Conservation
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park protects local watershed and forest; stick to marked trails, pack out trash, and support local guides to help preserve fragile slopes.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides ankle support and traction on wet stone steps and uneven trails.
Light rain jacket
Protects against monsoon showers and damp forest conditions.
summer specific
Daypack with water reservoir
Carries water, snacks, camera, and layers for long day hikes between villages.
Headlamp
Useful for pre-dawn starts to reach Nagarkot for sunrise and for early departures.