Chisapani, Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hiking is a refreshing short trek covering most of the scenic hills of Kathmandu valley rim. A perfect way to enjoy fresh cool mountain air in the harmony with the massive Himalayan series of snow-capped peaks.
Most suitable and perfect for all types of travelers and age groups, from a family with kids to school/college students. Including corporate executives, as this walk will be the best introduction to experience the country’s landscapes and local cultures. This wonderful hike will be good exercise for people before joining major trekking expeditions.
Not too far from Kathmandu city and the valley rim, where a hike leads to high ridges, covered in lovely woods. Walking into a tranquil forest of tall rhododendron, pine, firs, and magnolia tree lines, through lovely farm villages.
During the hike of three days, facing constant views of Himalayan snow peaks from Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal. The view stretches as far as the Everest range on the far eastern horizon, walking from Chisapani, Nagarkot to Dhulikhel town.
This wonderful hike begins with a short drive reaching the small town of Sundarijal, situated on the eastern valley rim. The climb leads to the beautiful waterways of Sundarijal, enjoy the lovely waterfalls, and clear calm streams. The walk continues uphill to smaller farm villages inhabited by the Tamang hill tribes to enter the dense forest, reaching Chisapani. Chisapani is a great spot for excellent views of stunning sunsets and sunrise over a chain of Himalayan peaks.
The adventure follows the high ridgeline amidst lovely woods to high scenic hills at Nagarkot. A famous hill station and a town for spectacular sunrise and a panorama of Himalayan peaks. Nagarkot is a popular weekend escape for Kathmandu city folks for a few days to be in the cool fresh air. Enjoy the marvelous scenery of rolling hills with snow-clad peaks in the comfort of a nice lodge/resort.
From Nagarkot, the walk leads up and downhill encountering many lively traditional farm villages, ending the hike at Dhulikhel.
Dhulikhel of more than 500 year’s old town, and the main inhabitants are the famous Newar people. The main tribes of Kathmandu valley, an exciting town adorned with nice pleasant streets lined with shops and stores.
Dhulikhel is a famous viewpoint for sunrise and Himalayan panorama after Chisapani and Nagarkot. At Dhulikhel, our wonderful scenic hiking concludes by taking a drive back to Kathmandu with a short visit to Namobuddha.
One of the holy Buddhist sites for all Buddhism followers and devotees, a beautiful site with magnificent monasteries and monuments.
Trip Summary:
Mode of Hike: Best available lodge / guest house on hikes.
Hiking Grade: Moderate with Ups & Downhill.
Hiking Region: Around the northern hills of Kathmandu valley.
Start and End of hike: Sundarijal to Dhulikhel Town with drives both ways.
Highest elevation: At Chisapani 2,200 m and Nagarkot 2,175 m high.
Trek duration: 03 Nights and 04 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Total Trip: 06 Nights and 07 Days, from arrival to departures.
Best Seasons:
The best season for this short hiking of three days is on spring time from March to May. Including autumn/fall begins from September to November, interested people can visit all year round, except for the summer/monsoon time of mid-June to August.
Springtime is bright and beautiful, most days are clear with sunny days, can be cloudy afternoons. Bringing cold chill in the late afternoon, and night till morning this is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom.
The next best season is autumn/fall, where days are clear with sunny days for views and walks. But shorter days due to limited sunlight hours, cold morning and night times. Winter from December to February is also best for this short few days hiking, with clear late sunshine hours. But cold mornings, late afternoons, and night times. But enjoyable for pleasant walks with clear views of beautiful scenery of snow clad peaks.
Culture & Religion:
The higher hills of Kathmandu valley, mostly populated by the Tamang people, the indigenous tribes of Central Himalayas. As well of the Kathmandu valley rim hills. The Taming’s interwoven with the teaching of Buddhism, follows an impressive heritage and culture. Most houses are adorned with prayer flags, and prayer monuments. At Dhulikhel town inhabitants are Newari people, the main tribes of Kathmandu Valley, follows both Hindu and Buddhism religions.
Where every town and villages are festooned with shrines and temples with Buddhist Chaitiya or Stupa’s. The houses are carved with intricate designs on doors and windows with pagoda roof tops.
On reaching departure air terminal on landing at Kathmandu / international airport. Our staff and guide receives you for short transfer to respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city. After checking into your rooms, getting refreshed join with other members for group briefing. Provided by our guide or staff the briefing includes all important subjects related to hiking, includes information of Kathmandu and hotels. Evening a group welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurants, an introduction to Nepali meals and cultures.
A short morning drive to the east Kathmandu city and valley rim, reaching a small town at Sundarijal. From here a short climb to a beautiful cool forest reaching the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. Located amidst waterfronts of clean fresh running streams and waterfalls, the walk leads up to a nice farm village.
Having short rest, walk continues into a dense forest and then climb to the high ridge of Chisapani. A small settlement within a beautiful scenic surroundings of rolling hills, lovely forest with views of Himalayan peaks. Overnight in a nice mountain lodge, with time to enjoy stunning sunset’s views over an array of snow peaks.
A long day walk of about six hours to Nagarkot hill town, early morning catch the striking sunrise that reflects on chain of white Himalayan peaks. Walk follows on the ridges covered in dense woods of tall rhododendron, pines and firs.
On leaving the forest reaching an open farm land of Chowki Bhanjyang, the route leads to Jarsing Pawa village. As walk continues having lunch break then short climb to Nagarkot Hill, and transfer to a nice lodge or resorts.
Enjoy the sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks with time to browse around the hill town of Nagarkot. As well enjoying the sunset’s views, and have a pleasant evening in the comfort of a nice lodge balcony.
Waking early for the glorious sunrise views with range of Himalayan peaks from Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang Himal. Includes grand look of Mt. Gaurishankar and Melung Tse peaks, as far towards Mt. Everest in the Far East direction.
Enjoying marvelous morning scenery, having breakfast with backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Last day hiking as well the longest hour’s walks, leaving Nagarkot as the views of snow-peaks follows throughout the hike.
Heading further east with slow steep climb and descending from one lovely village to another farm areas. Walk continues through cool shade of forest and terraced farm fields and ending the hike reaching Dhulikhel for overnight stop.
Enjoy the lovely comfort of a nice hotels, with time to browse the 500 years old Newari town enriched with beautiful arts and crafts. Once can observe on the old house doors and windows, as well around the town squares. Dhulikhel is famous for panoramic views of Himalayan chain of peaks, facing Langtang and Jugal Himal range.
Morning another opportunity for views of sunrise over series of snow-capped peaks, having breakfast a short drive to holy Namobuddha. A beautiful tranquil environment, the sacred spot where Gautama Buddha renamed this village which is henceforth the name Namo Buddha. Which means Homage to Buddha.
The legendary story, is in early days when Matriya Buddha (Future Buddha) once came across a hungry feeble tigress with young cubs, the tigress was weak to hunt and feed her young ones. Where Buddha offered his own flesh to feed the frail tigress and her cubs. After an exciting tour of the monasteries and shrines of great religious and cultural interest. The drive leads to nice old farm town of Panauti, and then back to Kathmandu. After a wonderful mesmerizing moments on Chisapani, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel Hiking.
After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing adventure in Nepal and around the valley rim Hills. Hiking Chisapani, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.
My Chisapani–Nagarkot–Dhulikhel hiking trip with Treklanders Adventures was one of the most refreshing and scenic experiences I’ve ever had in Nepal. From the very beginning, the team took care of everything with great professionalism and warmth. The hike offered the perfect balance of nature, culture, and breathtaking mountain views. The trail to Chisapani was peaceful, passing through dense forests, charming villages, and cool streams. Reaching Chisapani at sunset was unforgettable—the views of the Himalayas glowing in golden light were simply magical. The next day’s hike to Nagarkot was even more rewarding, with panoramic ridge-line trails and quiet forests. Watching the sunrise in Nagarkot, with the sky slowly lighting up the snow-capped peaks, was an experience I’ll never forget. The final stretch to Dhulikhel was relaxing and culturally rich, taking us through traditional villages and terraced fields. Every stop felt meaningful, and our guide shared wonderful insights about the local lifestyle, mountains, and history. Treklanders arranged everything perfectly—comfortable accommodation, timely meals, and a well-planned itinerary that never felt rushed. Their friendly guide made the journey even more enjoyable and safe. I highly recommend this hike with Treklanders Adventures to anyone looking for a nearby escape full of nature, culture, and stunning Himalayan views. It’s a beautiful adventure that I would absolutely do again!
Clothing:- Trekking shirts & pants, Warm fleece & down jacket, Thermal layers, Rain/wind jacket, Hat, gloves, buff, Trekking boots & camp shoes, Trekking socks.
Gear:- Backpack & rain cover, Sleeping bag, Trekking poles, Sunglasses, Water bottle or hydration bladder, Headlamp.
Age is no bar for this short moderate trek for a week duration, family with young kids and elderly people can join. But all needs to be physically fit and in sound health to cope with ups and downhill walks. Rest of the walks is normal spending overnights in a nice lodge with comprehensive food menu to enjoy.
For young infants, can hire extra porter to carry the kids if required, especially on ups and downhill.
Nearly all villages and lodges have electricity from Hydro or Solar power, where one can charge their electronic items. As for internet and cell phone communications, every lodges have the Wi-Fi and internet services, but can be quite disturbing sometimes due to weather and location wise.
From Chisapani onwards to Dhulikhel, enjoy the comfort of nice lodges and guest house. As well with warm traditional hospitality in every overnight stops, people can choose from budget, standard to luxury lodges.
The foods are well served in a large cozy dining hall, can choose various items of foods from the menu with wide range of meals and snacks to choose from. Serves Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and Nepali foods, as well Mexican, Italian, Korean or Japanese in some lodge restaurants. Includes fresh bakery products also.
On the average is 5-6 hours covering 10 to 12 km, but from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is about 16 k.m. / 10 miles. But the walk is enjoyable with much to see as the snow mountain range follows throughout the hikes.
Dhulikhel and Nagarkot are the major tourist spots of Nepal, located eastern rim of Kathmandu valley. Famous and popular destinations for domestic as well for foreign visitors. One of scenic and picturesque hill station, provides all types of modern facilities to enjoy along with grand vista of Himalayan peaks.
Nagarkot and Dhulikhel is an excellent introduction to experience local cultures with spectacular Himalayan backdrops. It is worth visiting either Nagarkot or Dhulikhel as well both exciting places to enjoy few days vacations.
The best seasons for the Chisapani–Nagarkot–Dhulikhel trek are definitely spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The weather during these months is very stable, with temperatures that are quite comfortable and excellent visibility. It is during these seasons that the sunrises and sunsets in Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel are most spectacular, allowing one to see the whole Himalayan range from Langtang to Everest lit up brightly.
Absolutely, winter is a good time to go for a hike, and a lot of visitors like the fresh air and the incredible, long-distance views of the mountains. It can get very cold at night and in the mornings, especially in places like Chisapani and Nagarkot. If you dress properly with multiple layers, the trek is still safe and very satisfying.
Monsoon (June–August) is the season of frequent rains, muddy paths, and obstructed views of the Himalayas. That is why it is strongly discouraged. Nevertheless, those who love green nature and less crowded trails can still attempt to finish the trail during the monsoon. They must, however, always be in good condition and wear waterproof clothes for protection.
Usually, the clearest skies and the most spectacular sunrise views of the Himalayan range happen in October and November.
Yes, the trek is doable throughout the year, but the weather greatly changes from one season to another.
The spring season, with its cozy and lovely temperatures and forests full of colorful flowers, would be perfect for those who are going to take their first step on the hiking trail.
This trek normally falls into the easy to moderate category of difficulty, and hence it is safe for the majority of people with standard fitness. The way is through wooded areas, ridges, villages, and some going up will be met, especially while heading to Chisapani and Nagarkot.
Not even once do you need to have a trekking experience. This trek is only for those who are new to the trek world, only family members, and those transport take multi-day walks around Kathmandu but not the high altitudes.
One should be prepared to walk 4–6 hours daily, depending on the route. The 3rd day (Sundarijal to Chisapani) and the 4th day (Chisapani to Nagarkot) are very long days, but at a steady pace, they can be done.
For example, the ascent through the Shivapuri National Park is moderately steep. Less than half of the route is built on a ridge with steep rises and falls, but at the same time, it offers the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas.
If you can walk for several hours a day, then you already have enough fitness. People who usually walk or are physically active tourists will find this path is not hard.
Absolutely, children and seniors can do it too if the right pacing and resting are observed. The hike is a very popular valley-rim route for all age groups, and thus it is a great option for children, the elderly, and beginners in trekking.
The first day is your arrival in Kathmandu. Post the airport pickup, you are taken to your hotel, where you get a trip briefing that covers the hiking details, safety, and preparation. The day ends with a welcome dinner that gives you a first-hand experience of the Nepali cuisine and culture.
On the second day, there's a half-day Kathmandu city tour of the major cultural and heritage sites. Once the hotel is reached, the remaining part of the day is used to get ready for the Chisapani–Nagarkot–Dhulikhel hike.
The trek actually starts with a drive to Sundarijal. It is followed by a beautiful forest walk along a trail that goes by a stream and an entrance to Shivapuri National Park. The way is uphill through villages and thick forest, and at last, you arrive at Chisapani, where you can have a view of the Himalayas and the sunset.
You trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot, a 6-hour ridge walk that offers you a view of the forest, traditional villages, and the mountains from a distance. Nagarkot is popular for its sunrises and sunsets.
The first and foremost is the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit, as the very first day of the trek goes through Sundarijal and the forest area of the park, which is the most protected part of the National Park.
The Sundarijal–Chisapani trail is located within a conservation zone that is aimed at protecting forests, wildlife, water sources, and ecosystems. The permit covers the costs of trail maintenance, conservation, and the management of the park.
No, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is not necessary for a short, low-altitude Kathmandu Valley hike like this. Most of the time, TIMS is required for long mountaineering routes in areas such as Everest, Annapurna, or Langtang.
The Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit is obtainable right at the Sundarijal entrance gate, or a trekking agency can do it in advance for you for your convenience.
Yes, foreign visitors of any age need to have valid entry permits. Some local fees may offer reduced or discounted rates for children.
Where you are will determine the type of accommodation. The rooms you'll get in a mountain lodge in Chisapani will be simple but still comfortable. The lodging in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel is in luxury hotels or resorts providing more comfort, private bathrooms, and scenic mountain views.
The lodges in Chisapani provide comfortable twin-sharing rooms, warm blankets, and a friendly teahouse environment. The facilities are basic, but the place provides one of the best sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas, thereby making the stay unforgettable.
Definitely. Nagarkot, being a popular hill station, hotels here are expected to have private rooms, attached bathrooms, balconies, and warm dining areas. Many rooms are located in such a way that they provide a direct view of the Himalayas, thereby you will get to enjoy the sunrise and sunset even more.
In Dhulikhel, the accommodations usually provide a room with the option of privacy, good quality bedding, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and terraces for the guests to take in the panoramic view. The town is famous for its serene environment and traditional Newari-style buildings.
Hot showers are mostly available in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel hotels. However, in Chisapani, hot water may be limited, or if it is provided, it will be with an extra charge depending on the lodge.
Certainly. There will be no problem with electricity in any of the accommodations. If a little money is to be charged in a lodge of Chisapani, the hotels of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel will give you the facility of charging your devices in the room for free.
The food that is available along the way is not only straightforward but also fresh and made in the locals' kitchens. At Chisapani, teahouses offer Nepali dal bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, eggs, and simple Western dishes. At Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, hotel restaurants serve a more extensive menu, which includes Nepali, Continental, and Asian dishes.
Indeed, the walking days include breakfast. Lunch is generally a local teahouse or a village restaurant meal that you take on the way. Dinner is the meal that you have at your lodge or hotel in Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel. The selection gets better as you travel to the more developed hill towns.
Certainly, this route includes teahouses and hotels that keep up good hygienic standards, and the meals are always freshly cooked. If you want to avoid stomach problems, then you should always eat freshly prepared foods and never consume raw, unpeeled food.
Bottled water can be purchased along the trip route, and you may also refill your water bottle with water that has been boiled or filtered at lodges for a small fee. The use of water purification tablets or filters should be the choice if one wants to be eco-friendly.
Certainly, at the same time, when basic meals are served at Chisapani, and diverse menus are provided at Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, it makes it possible to have nutritious options throughout the journey.
Water from the tap is not safe to drink. Do not forget to always use bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Purification tablets or a personal filter can give you more safety and at the same time lessen the amount of plastic waste.
Even though this is a well-known route that many people have already done, it is still better if you have a guide with you. Besides giving you directions in the woods, villages, and on ridges, a guide will also help you understand the culture and give you valuable local information.
The guide looks after the pace of the walk, meal planning, and your accommodation. If there is any danger on the road, the guide will be there to help you out, and in case of a language problem with the locals, they will communicate with them on your behalf. If the guide changes your plan, it is done to improve the trip. Moreover, guides have great knowledge of the best places for views, weather, and trail conditions.
Definitely. Professional hiking companions are familiar with the route of Sundarijal-Chisapani-Nagarkot-Dhilikhel-Namobuddha. They know the terrain, the duration of the walks, the best places for rest, and the perfect spots for sunrise and mountain views.
Indeed. They are skilled in first aid basics and can deal with situations like exhaustion, lack of water, and minor injuries. Besides, if help is needed in getting a vehicle for the person who has to go back early, they will arrange that.
Nearly all authorized guides have good English and are able to give you explanations about cultural heritage, monasteries, and local traditions. Depending on their capabilities, some guides can speak different languages.
Sure thing! Your guide is the one who takes care of the room booking, meal ordering, and coordination with teahouses and hotels, which means that you can have a trouble-free and relaxing trek.
Local network services like NTC and Ncell are available across most parts of the hiking trail. Though signal strength remains good in Sundarijal, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel, it drops in forested areas between Chisapani and Jarasing Pawa.
Some lodges may have Wi-Fi, but it is often slow and may need a small extra charge. The internet service in Chisapani is not very reliable because it is a remote area.
Yes. Wi-Fi is provided free or for a fee in hotels in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, with more reliable connections. These towns are popular viewpoints and have better communication infrastructures.
Definitely. Ncell or NTC SIM card purchases in Kathmandu will let you keep in touch throughout the trip. Data packages are low-priced and very useful for navigation, chatting, or weather checking.
Yes. Electricity is available at all the accommodations along the route. A few Chisapani lodges might request charging fees, but Nagarkot and Dhulikhel hotels provide charging for free charging.
Yes. There might be poor signals in some forest areas, but the local phones that guides carry are always reachable, and most villages and lodges have access to communication networks, so you can definitely make emergency calls when necessary.
Wear light, breathable layers during the day and warmer layers in the morning and evening. A mix of short-sleeve shirts, a fleece jacket, a thin down jacket, and hiking pants will be good. Layering is a must because the weather can change rapidly along the ridgeline trails.
Good quality hiking shoes or light trekking boots with good grip will be enough. The trail consists of forest paths, stone steps, and different terrain, so the correct footwear is necessary for stability.
Absolutely. Even if it is outside the monsoon season, there can be short showers. A light rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry when walking through the forest or when the weather changes unexpectedly.
Carrying a small daypack of 20-30 litres with water, food, camera, sunscreen, hat, and extra clothing is perfect during the daily walks.
Good sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, trekking poles, gloves (if it is cold), and a reusable water bottle are all nice-to-have items. Trekking poles will help you a lot while going down.
No. This is a low-altitude, easy-to-moderate hike. Just the usual trekking necessities-comfortable walking clothes, a warm jacket, good shoes, and some basic personal items-will be enough for the whole trip.
Absolutely. In fact, this path is among the safest and most easily accessible treks of several days in the Kathmandu vicinity. Not only are the trails clear and the altitude relatively low, but one can also come across villages very frequently. Hence, it is a route that first-timers as well as families can safely endeavor.
Definitely not. The topmost point does not exceed 2200 meters, which is far below the threshold for altitude sickness. Most acclimatize without any problem since the ascent is gradual from Sundarijal to Chisapani.
The trail is classified as easy to moderate level of difficulty. There are portions of the forest, mostly on the first day, where you have to go uphill and exert yourself, but the overall speed is such that you can easily take a rest at any time. Proper footwear and hydration go a long way to keeping one comfortable.
Be sure to walk carefully on damp or uneven ground, particularly when the area is freshly rained upon. Do not separate yourself from your guide. Always have a flashlight with you when going to the lodge at night, and keep your valuables safe when in a common area.
Health care of a basic nature can be found in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. For minor problems such as tiredness, muscle pain, and dehydration, the guide accompanying you can administer first aid and, if necessary, facilitate getting further help.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,550 |
| 2 - 3 | $1,315 |
| 4 - 8 | $1,200 |
| 9 - 30 | $1,100 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,475 |
| 2 - 3 | $1,050 |
| 4 - 8 | $955 |
| 9 - 30 | $845 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,485 |
| 2 - 3 | $1,105 |
| 4 - 8 | $965 |
| 9 - 30 | $855 |
