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The Sundarijal–Chisapani–Nagarkot hike is a popular short trek near Kathmandu, offering stunning landscapes, rural charm, and breathtaking mountain views. Typically completed in 2-3 days, the hike starts at Sundarijal, about 15 km from Kathmandu. The first day’s trek ascends steeply through the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park, rich in biodiversity, and passes through the traditional Tamang village of Mulkharka. The day ends in Chisapani, a quiet village known for its cool climate and spectacular views of the Langtang range, with distant glimpses of the Everest and Annapurna ranges on clear days.
On the second day, the trail continues through forests and terraced farmlands, offering panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. The trek to Nagarkot is relatively gentle, and upon reaching this hill station, hikers are rewarded with magnificent views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even the Everest range. Nagarkot is famous for its sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, making it a popular retreat for both locals and tourists.
The final day of the trek involves either a descent to the historic city of Bhaktapur, known for its rich cultural heritage and medieval architecture, or continuing on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changunarayan before returning to Kathmandu. This hike is best undertaken in autumn or spring when the skies are clear, and the weather is ideal. The Sundarijal–Chisapani–Nagarkot hike is perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers, offering a beautiful combination of nature, culture, and mountain scenery.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu (1,400 meters/4,593 feet) to Sundarijal (1,350 meters/4,429 feet). It takes around 1 hour by private vehicle or local transport. Sundarijal is a small village on the outskirts of the Shivapuri National Park, known for its waterfalls and greenery.
The trek starts with a steep uphill climb through a forested area. You will pass small streams and waterfalls, and the trail offers some great opportunities for photography. After about 1.5 hours of walking, you’ll reach Mulkharka, a Tamang village offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. You can take a break here to explore the local culture and lifestyle.After Mulkharka, the trail continues uphill and levels out as you enter Shivapuri National Park, a protected area rich in wildlife like deer, monkeys, and many bird species. The trail is peaceful, shaded by dense oak and rhododendron forests. As you hike further, the air becomes cooler, and the natural surroundings more serene.After approximately 4–6 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Chisapani (2,165 meters/7,100 feet). Chisapani is a small village offering stunning views of the Langtang Range, including Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. On clear days, even Mount Everest can be seen in the distance. The sunset and sunrise from Chisapani are especially beautiful, with hues of orange and pink illuminating the sky.
After a peaceful night in Chisapani, the second day’s trek takes you through scenic landscapes of terraced farmlands and forests. The trail is moderate, with gentle ups and downs, providing continuous views of the Himalayan ranges, including distant peaks of Langtang and Ganesh Himal. After trekking for about 6-7 hours, you arrive in Nagarkot, a popular hill station located at 2,175 meters. Nagarkot is renowned for its incredible sunset views over the Himalayas, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the evening, with majestic peaks lighting up in the golden hour.
Start the day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, a highlight of Nagarkot. After enjoying the view, the trek continues downhill to Changunarayan, a 3-4 hour hike through peaceful villages and countryside. Changunarayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of the oldest temples in Nepal, rich in history and Newari architecture. From here, you can either drive back to Kathmandu or visit Bhaktapur, an ancient city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage, before concluding your hike.
