The Visually Stunning Three-Day Chisapani Nagarkot Trek in Nepal
I couldn’t have painted a better picture in my imagination if I had tried. The magic of mountains in Nepal is so irresistible that during a three-day Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, I couldn’t take my eyes away from the breathtaking scenery.
I didn’t have time for a long hike to Everest Base Camp or other long, adventurous trips. Instead, I chose a smaller path that was by no means simple yet satisfying.
The Nagarkot hike I took was perfect for what I had been seeking when looking for one of the best treks in Nepal. It’s also an excellent option for tourists who desire hiking places in Kathmandu but still want to explore the wilderness and escape the hustle and bustle of the chaotic city.
Let’s uncover one of the best short treks I’ve enjoyed completing during my travel experiences. It was an adventure that allowed me to see the best of Nepal, meet the beautiful locals, endure the pain of a hike, and feel the satisfaction of completing a fantastic adventure.
This is my incredible journey of the visually stunning Chisapani Nagarkot Trek in Nepal, and who knows, perhaps it’ll inspire me to endure a similar hike.
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A Chisapani Sunrise is a highlight of The Visually Stunning Chisapani Nagarkot Trek.
Nepal Adventures – The Visually Stunning Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a popular short trek in Nepal that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into rural Nepalese life. This trek typically starts with a short drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. From there, trekkers ascend through the Shivapuri National Park, walking through dense forests home to various flora and fauna.
A Trekking Experience with the Nepal Hiking Team
The Chisapani trek was by no means a sponsored trip; I booked my short trek in Nepal through Tour Radar, which worked closely with one of the best hiking teams in the country, The Nepal Hiking Team.
Their reputation within Nepal is very positive, with fantastic reviews. They do treks of all kinds, including the longer hikes to the Everest Base Camp and Nepal short treks such as the three-day Chisapani to Nagarkot trek.
The experience with the Nepal Hiking Team was professional from start to finish; they took care of my oversized luggage while I was away and dropped it off at my next hotel before I even arrived back.
The Tour guide did a phenomenal job throughout the tour; it’s those conversations we shared during the trek that I will always remember fondly. Of course, there is the Porter—what a warrior! He carried all that extra luggage so I could enjoy my experience even further. The work ethic of all Porters in Nepal is genuinely inspiring.
All smiles on the Nepal trekking tour with a fantastic, helpful guide.
The Fitness levels required for the Chisapani Nagarkot Hike.
You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic for the three-day hike, but essential fitness is necessary to get through the journey.
I mean that essential fitness is your ability to hike for around eight hours in a single day, for over two days, with the third and final day requiring around a four-hour hike.
During the hike, you will encounter many uphill encounters that will feel heavy on your thighs as you ascend the mountains, particularly on the first day and sporadically over the next two days.
Another important note is the Kathmandu altitude. If you’re not used to it like me, it can leave you short of breath and hard to breathe, but slow and steady breathing will get you through without problems.
Preparation for the 3-day hike
It’s essential to minimise your backpack during the Chisapani Nagarkot trek, whether carrying it or the Porter is taking care of the pack.
You can generally wear the same clothes for the three days. However, a change of clothing is recommended, especially during your one night in Nagarkot, where luxury awaits you.
Other than that, make sure you wear long clothes, good hiking shoes, apply sunscreen, drink water, bring a camera, wear a beanie if hiking during the cold season and personal belongings, including your passport, that you will need for the trip.
For further information, you can always ask your tour provider pre-trip for what to pack for the hike, and they’ll help you with a quick reply.
Get prepared for the hike because the goats are waiting for you.
Day 1 – Kathmandu to Chisapani
An early morning wake-up was required at the Hotel Horizon in Kathmandu City. It was not too early, but I needed to check out of the room, eat a fulfilling breakfast, and get ready for pick up at 8 am.
I met the boss of the Nepal Hiking Team at the hotel’s entrance on the streets of Thamel. He had the guide and the Porter for the hike by his side, and we were driven to the tour’s starting point to begin the Chiapani Nagarkot trekking.
It Begins in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
There is a Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entrance fee of 1000 Nepalese rupees. However, park fees were already included in the tour price, and the guide took care of documents at the booth. All I needed to do was hand over my passport to the authorities.
From the outset, the Shivapuri trekking route started with an ascent up the mountains; it taught me a lesson of not going too hard too early and walking steadily. With the altitude, I found I was complex at breathing only a few minutes in and needed to slow my steps down a little. The breathing troubles wouldn’t last as I became accustomed to the conditions.
Entering the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
As we embarked on our journey, we traversed through the picturesque National Park, with its sprawling farms and lush greenery. The early stages of the trek were dotted with farm animals, particularly goats, who grazed leisurely in the sun-kissed pastures.
As we walked on, we stumbled upon an old, rustic tea house that had seen better days. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and we eagerly sat down to savour our first meal of the day—the hearty Nepalese delicacy, Dal Bhat. Our stomachs filled, and our spirits buoyed, we continued on our trek.
The landscape was a sight to behold, with the sun peeking through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the mountains. Nepal’s natural beauty was on full display, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to escape the city and immerse ourselves in its splendour. As we looked ahead to the Chisapani Trek, we couldn’t help but feel excited about the stunning vistas that awaited us.
Hiking to Chisapani in Nepal.
Greeted with snow through the Chisapani hike
I never expected to see snow; the snow has never really been a part of my life living in Western Australia. Therefore, I was grateful that the trekking area to Chisapani had heavy snowfall the previous night. It meant the trail was covered in snow and would not soon disappear.
I was like a little kid experiencing something new; I had previously seen snow twice in my life, once as a kid and the second time in Muju-Gun, South Korea. The further I walked through the forest, the more the snow became to avoid. I didn’t want to prevent it from being truthful, and with a gleaming smile, I kept moving forward, embracing the new personal experience.
It also made the scenery appear even more beautiful; I have always thought the outdoors looked better with snow, and it was hard to persuade myself otherwise with what I saw. Of course, I was lucky to have snowfall during my hike. It may not be the same for other travellers participating in the trek, but they are the breaks in life.
The snow-covered ground on the way to Chisapani.
The incredible Himalayan Mountain views begin to appear
A glorious day in the Nepalese wilderness and heavy snowfall, what more could seem to make this day even more special?
The Himalayan Mountains, of course.
How breathtaking and overpowering were the mountains at first sight. Never in my life had I seen anything more mesmerising as my eyes became captivated by the mountain ranges, which became endless.
The mountains of Nepal would follow me for the trip and hardly leave my sight. It follows you through the majority of the Chisapani Nagarkot trek. I often fall on my backside through the tricky terrain, distracted by such beauty.
I did not harm. I got up and dusted it off. The mountains had been in my sight for only three days, and I didn’t want to waste this precious moment.
The Himalayan Mountains begin to appear on the trek.
Staying the Night in a Chisapani Lodge
An Earthquake affected the area during the devastations in 2015; the Chispani town is torn apart with half-demolished buildings yet to be bulldozed, and it looks like a few of those buildings are about to tumble over.
That’s the devastating side of things done within Chisapani.
Chispani is the base of the first night of the tour and home to the million-dollar views with the Langtang Himalayan Ranges in full sight. The Dorje Lapka Hotel we stayed at certainly wasn’t luxurious; the rooms were cold and had no heating, but there was a warm shower, a fulfilling meal for dinner, and extra thick blankets for additional warmth.
However, from your hotel window, you could see the never-ending mountain ranges of the Himalayas. What else mattered when travelling through Nepal alone but having a bed and the mountains in view?
Day one was complete, and what a positive experience it had been as I eagerly awaited day two of the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek.
Don’t you have time for a three-day hike? Enjoy a day hike in Nagarkot with Klook!
An overview of the Chisapani Hotel and the surrounding earthquake-affected buildings.
Day 2 – Hiking from Chisapani to Nagarkot
The third day of our Nepal tour proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of the trip. We set out from the picturesque village of Chisapani, determined to cover the most significant distance we had attempted in a single day of trekking.
The journey took us through an enchanting forest, where we were immersed in the rustling sounds of the leaves and birds chirping. As we walked past farms and quaint villages, we were met with warm smiles and greetings from the friendly locals. The scenic beauty of Nepal continued to unfold before our eyes, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement. Finally, we arrived at our destination, Nagarkot, where we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
An Amazing Sunrise in Chisapani
They always say the Nagarkot sunrise is the best view during the trek. If that is the case, I was looking forward to the following morning because the Chispani version didn’t let me down.
I set the alarm for 6 am on a cold morning in Nepal; I wouldn’t miss this sunrise in Chisapani for anything. With the day somewhat clear upon waking up, I was greeted by the best sunrise I had ever seen, continually watching the morning sun make its way over the Himalayan Mountains.
I watched the magic over the horizon for half an hour, from near darkness to the first morning light when the sun lifted over the mountains in the distance. The dawn experience was incredible as I stood in one spot and witnessed the landscape change.
With so much going wrong, seeing the planet at its very best in an unfamiliar part of the world was mesmerising.
The sunrise in Chisapani.
The 20-kilometre Nagarkot Trek
After delicious apple pancakes for breakfast with coffee, the next leg of the Chispani Nagarkot Trek started early with a long day of hiking ahead.
In the early parts, the terrain was more comfortable to handle. We took the risk-free track through the forest for the first couple of hours, and no actual events occurred as we marched onwards and checked out the surroundings occasionally.
A few hours into the hike, we stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant that appeared in the middle of nowhere. The hidden restaurant had impressive facilities, with a glamorous dining area and guest rooms below. I fell in love with Nepalese food during this trip, so I had the Dal Bhat once more, which, as always, was an impressive dish.
The beautiful scenery and an even better lunch.
After an impressive lunch, the second half of the walk continued. The forest path deserted us; we walked through villages, farms, and mini-townships this time. It was fascinating to understand how the Nepalese lived away from the city.
For an extended period, uphill climbs were rare until we reached the final leg into Nagarkot township. It was the hardest uphill climb of the whole Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, with the thighs starting to feel heavy. We continued upwards for what seemed like hours, but it lasted around 45-60 minutes.
Into Nagarkot, you can tell you have found another beautiful part of the country as you wander through a quiet township with many hotels lined together, most looking rather impressive and with Himalayan Views.
Our hotel seemed to be the last one in Nagarkot, continuing the delay to end the big day’s hike. However, the wait was worth it as we checked into the Hotel Himalayan Villa.
You don’t have time for a three-day hike? Enjoy a day hike in Nagarkot with Klook!
A small village on the way to Nagarkot from Chisapani.
The incredible Hotel Himalayan Villa
I loved this hotel, and you can read the full feature article about the Hotel Himalayan Villa with this link.
The Hotel Himalayan is only around 60-90 minutes from Kathmandu, so you could easily spend a night or two in Nagarkot, staying at this excellent Villa or any other Nagarkot accommodation in the township.
The Hotel Himalayan Villa is a modern hotel with beautiful facilities. Its biggest drawcard is the Open Terrace, which faces the Langtang Himalayan Mountains. This is the ideal spot to purchase an alcoholic beverage from the bar and enjoy your drink outside on the terrace with incredible views in the distance.
The luxury and spacious rooms are impressive, too. My hotel room had a king-size bed, cable television, air conditioning/heating, a fully equipped bathroom, and a private balcony to appreciate the mountains further.
The hotel’s restaurant serves a buffet with a great selection of casseroles, pasta, carvery, vegetables, and desserts for dinner. Along with the guide, who joins me for dinner, we tuck into a few plates of the buffet food before going in our direction and resting up before the final hike in the morning.
The Hotel Himalaya Villa in Nagarkot.
Day 3 – The Conclusion to the Chispani to Nagarkot Trek
The three-day hike was an arduous but exhilarating journey culminating in a breathtaking yet non-existent sunrise. The hikers trekked through challenging terrains, passed by stunning landscapes, and braved the elements to reach the summit. After a long and tiresome climb, they were disappointed to find that the sunrise they had been eagerly anticipating was obscured by thick clouds.
Nevertheless, they persevered and continued their journey towards the Changunarayan Temple, a magnificent temple steeped in history and mythology. The morning hike was a challenging three-hour trek, but the group was rewarded with stunning views of the valley below and the majestic Himalayas in the distance.
Finally, as they descended from the temple, they were met with the chaotic scenes of Kathmandu City, a stark contrast to the serene and peaceful surroundings they had left behind.
It wasn’t all perfect.
I wish I had beautiful pictures to show you of a Nagarkot Sunrise. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world, and the perfect photo couldn’t happen.
I hoped for a mesmerising sunrise on the final morning of the Chisapani Nagarkot trek. However, it wasn’t to happen, with the surrounding area interrupted by thick cloud coverage blocking sunlight. Such is life.
On a clear day, I do not doubt that the morning views from the Nagarkot Hotel would be as incredible as they were the afternoon before. I had been so lucky through this tour already. I wasn’t about to complain about the minor details that didn’t go as planned.
It’s not the perfect sunrise, and it’s not too bad of a view anyway.
The Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike
On a foggy day and still, helicopters were crazy enough to fly in the skies with reduced visibility. Even to the guide, it was madness because Nepal has had its fair share of tragedy over the years.
With the noise in the skies, we continued on foot on the ground, wandering through more villages and farms towards our final destination in Changunarayan.
It was not a long hike this morning, and it was much appreciated. While the Chisapni Nagarkot trek is short compared to other walks in Nepal, it was unusual for me to be regularly on my feet for three days, and my body felt a few aches and pains during the final leg.
A friendly goat makes an appearance.
The hike finished in a small town called Changu, a boutique village with market stalls, coffee shops, restaurants, and museums. The magnificent Changu Narayan Temple is said to be the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley.
It was the ideal conclusion to the hike, which gave plenty for the duration of the tour. Standing inside an ancient temple, surrounded by the Changu village and the Champak Tree Forest, perfectly concludes the story of the three-day hike near Kathmandu.
The Temple concludes the three-day hike.
The End of an Exciting Adventure
The experience of the Chisapani Nagarkot trek was surreal. At the same time, you had to grind it during the day through stretches of the hike, mainly uphill; there were indeed no boring bits associated with the journey.
How could there be a Nepalese culture and landscapes to keep you occupied, with the Himalayan Mountains, stupas, temples, villages and farms to gaze at while roaming the country by day?
It’s the ideal hike for those who don’t want to be on their feet for too long but still witness the best of Nepal. If you are touring the Kathmandu Valley area and wondering what to do, consider the Nagarkot to Chisapani trek. You won’t regret it.
Changu Village
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