Nagarkot Hiking via Chisapani is a 3-day easy to moderate hike near Kathmandu, combining forest trails, rural villages, terraced farmland, Himalayan views, and cultural sites. The route begins at Sundarijal, passes through Mulkharka and Chisapani, and continues to Nagarkot, famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, before concluding at historic Changunarayan Temple.
The trail passes through Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, rhododendron and oak forests, and traditional Tamang villages, with clear-weather views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, and other Himalayan ranges.
With South Col Adventures, basic fitness, comfortable hiking shoes, suitable clothing, and an experienced local guide help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
📌 01. Booking & Confirmation
To confirm your Nagarkot Hiking via Chisapani, please provide:
- Completed booking details
- Valid passport copy
- Required travel information
- 10% non-refundable advance payment
Once the documents and payment are received, South Col Adventures will confirm your booking and arrange the required permits, accommodation, transportation, guide, meals, and other hiking logistics.
Early booking is recommended, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons.
❌ 02. Cancellation & Refund
The 10% booking deposit is non-refundable if the trip is cancelled within 30 days before departure.
If the required balance is not paid by the agreed deadline, South Col Adventures may consider the booking cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
For complete cancellation terms, please refer to our CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY.
💳 03. Payment Methods
South Col Adventures accepts:
- Bank Transfer
- Visa or MasterCard — 4% card processing fee applies
- Credit Card — please contact South Col Adventures for payment instructions
Bank charges, payment gateway fees, and currency conversion costs are payable by the Client.
🌤️ 04. Best Time for Nagarkot Hiking via Chisapani
The best seasons are:
Spring: March–May
Autumn: September–November
These months generally offer pleasant temperatures, clearer skies, comfortable hiking conditions, and better Himalayan visibility. Spring is particularly attractive because the forests become lush and rhododendrons may be in bloom.
The hike is possible throughout much of the year, although monsoon can bring rain, muddy trails, and reduced mountain visibility, while winter mornings can be cold.
🥾 05. Difficulty Level
Nagarkot Hiking via Chisapani is considered an easy to moderate hike, suitable for travelers with basic fitness and limited trekking experience.
The main challenges include:
- Uphill and downhill sections
- Stone steps
- Forest trails
- Uneven and sometimes slippery paths
- 5–7 hours of walking on some days
- Changing weather conditions
The route reaches approximately 2,150–2,200 m around Chisapani and Nagarkot, depending on the exact trail and viewpoint.
Previous hiking experience is not essential, but regular walking practice is recommended.
🏔️ 06. Altitude & Acclimatization
The highest elevations on this hike are around 2,200 m, so the risk of serious altitude sickness is relatively low.
A dedicated acclimatization day is generally not required. However, hikers should:
- Walk at a comfortable pace
- Stay hydrated
- Eat properly
- Get sufficient rest
- Inform the guide if feeling unwell
Enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace and put safety first.
💪 07. Fitness & Preparation
Basic to moderate fitness is sufficient for most hikers. Preparation can include:
- Regular walking
- Short hikes
- Stair training
- Light cardio
- Basic leg strengthening
Practicing on uphill and downhill terrain before the hike will make the journey more comfortable.
🛂 08. Permits & Documents
The route through Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park requires the applicable national park entry permit/fee.
South Col Adventures assists with the required permits and documentation.
Carry your:
- Passport
- Required permits
- Travel documents
- Travel insurance details
throughout the hike.
🎒 09. Hiking Equipment
Essential equipment may include:
Comfortable hiking shoes • Daypack • Trekking poles • Waterproof jacket • Warm layers • Headlamp
Personal gear should also include:
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
- Rain protection
A small daypack is generally sufficient for this short hiking adventure.
🌨️ 10. Weather & Trail Conditions
Weather around Kathmandu, Chisapani, and Nagarkot can change quickly. Rain, fog, muddy trails, cold temperatures, and reduced visibility may affect hiking conditions.
During monsoon, forest trails can become wet and slippery, while winter mornings and evenings may be particularly cold.
South Col Adventures may modify or adjust the hiking itinerary whenever necessary for safety.
🏡 11. Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is generally provided in local guesthouses, tea houses, lodges, or hotels in Chisapani and Nagarkot.
Meals generally include:
Dal Bhat • Noodles • Soups • Vegetables • Pasta • Bread • Eggs • Tea and Coffee
Meals are provided according to the package arrangements.
🛡️ 12. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended and should cover:
- Hiking and trekking activities
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
Although the hike remains at relatively low altitude, appropriate travel insurance provides additional protection during the journey.
🚁 13. Safety & Emergency Support
Safety remains a priority throughout the hike. Our experienced guides monitor weather, trail conditions, route conditions, and the health of participants.
If an emergency occurs, appropriate medical or evacuation arrangements will be coordinated according to the situation.
🌱 14. Responsible Travel
The trail passes through Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, forests, traditional villages, and agricultural communities. Hikers are encouraged to:
- Minimize plastic and waste
- Avoid littering
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Respect Tamang and local communities
- Respect temples and cultural sites
- Protect forests and wildlife
- Conserve water and energy
- Support local businesses
- Follow responsible hiking practices
🎒 Nagarkot Hiking via Chisapani Guidelines
01. Prepare Your Fitness
Regular walking, hiking, and stair exercises will help you comfortably manage the uphill and downhill sections.
02. Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Use well-fitting shoes with good grip, especially for forest trails and stone steps.
03. Walk at Your Own Pace
Maintain a comfortable rhythm and avoid unnecessary exertion, particularly during the climb from Sundarijal toward Chisapani.
04. Stay Hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the hike.
05. Carry a Daypack
Keep water, snacks, medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, rain protection, and warm layers with you.
06. Carry Enough Cash
Carry sufficient Nepalese rupees for personal expenses, as payment facilities may be limited in smaller villages.
07. Prepare for Weather Changes
Carry both rain protection and warm clothing, even during spring and autumn.
08. Enjoy Chisapani Sunrise
Wake early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and Himalayan views from Chisapani before continuing toward Nagarkot.
09. Experience Nagarkot Sunrise & Sunset
Nagarkot is renowned for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views, with clear-weather vistas across the Himalayan ranges.
10. Explore Changunarayan Temple
The final section leads to Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the Kathmandu Valley, before driving back to Kathmandu.
11. Carry Proper Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance provides appropriate hiking and emergency coverage.
12. Plan Personal Expenses
Keep extra cash for snacks, drinks, charging, hot showers, laundry, shopping, and other personal expenses. Tipping is voluntary.
13. Respect Nature & Communities
Avoid littering, protect the forest environment, respect local culture and religious sites, and follow the instructions of your guide.
🏔️ Hike Prepared. Travel Responsibly. Discover Chisapani, Nagarkot & Changunarayan with South Col Adventures.
