Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Major Attraction of Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Peace and Quiet:

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek takes you away from the chaos of city life and in contact with nature. The trek traverses peaceful, unexplored trails, which allows you to be one with the peace and quiet of the woods and hills.

Locals’ Village Life:

Throughout the course, you will pass through characteristic Tamang and Newar villages. This provides an excellent opportunity to see their rich culture, customs, and way of life among hospitable locals.

Scenic Beauty:

Get to see breathtaking views of the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and even views of Everest on a clear day. The trek is blessed with incredible landscapes with rolling green hills and snow peaks.

Biodiversity:

The trek goes through the Shivapuri National Park, dense forests, dense flora and fauna, and diverse birdlife. Nature lovers will appreciate the serene environment with lots of rhododendron and oak trees.

Scenes of Epiphany:

The trek also includes visits to religious and cultural points, such as the Chisapani view point and hilltop of Nagarkot. These places give moments of relaxation and meditation among stunning vistas.

Diverse Trekking Experience:

From the forest to agricultural fields with terraced fields and villages, the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek offers a diverse trekking experience. The diverse landscape gives each moment of the trek thrilling and refreshing.

Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets:

One of the prime reasons for this trek is the breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset at Nagarkot. Observing the first rays of the sun set the Himalayas ablaze with golden color is something that will be etched in one’s memory for all times to come.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking Trail

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek begins from Sundarijal, a vehicle-accessible distance from Kathmandu. From here, trekkers ascend through the forest cover of the Shivapuri National Park crossing streams and waterfalls. Trekkers reach Chisapani at a height of around 2,165 meters with spectacular views of the mountains and proceed to Nagarkot. The trail traverses villages and rice-terrace fields and ascends step by step up to Nagarkot, situated at an elevation of 2,175 meters. This view point is famous for having an all-around panorama view of sunrise over the Himalayas. The trek following a trip to Nagarkot descends to Bhaktapur or Changunarayan, and then a drive would bring you back to Kathmandu.

The trek is a short but rewarding one close to Kathmandu, with good views of the Langtang and Everest regions. It starts in Sundarijal, with a picturesque climb through forest, crossing small streams en route past Tamang villages. Chisapani, a tranquil hill station, offers a scenic stopover before the path comes down to Nagarkot, which is renowned for sunrise and sunset viewing. The trek concludes with a walk down to Bhaktapur, where there are ancient temples to be seen before going back to the city.

Health and Physical Requirements:

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is an easy-moderate grade trek, which is suitable for beginners who possess a general level of physical fitness. Trekkers need to be ready for 5-6 hours of walking each day, with some climbs and descents. Not particularly demanding, but some endurance is required in order to fully appreciate the trip. The elevation at the top of about 2,175 meters is not a serious threat for altitude sickness, but hydration and paced walking are still required. Having light cardio training such as running, swimming, or biking before the trekking will help in maintaining stamina and making the adventure more convenient.

Best Time to Trek to Chisapani Nagarkot

The best time to trek to the Chisapani Nagarkot is spring and autumn. It is 10 to 25 degrees Celsius from March to May, with nice weather and beautiful blooming rhododendron on the trails. The days are clear in the sky and offer breathtaking views of Langtang and Everest ranges. In the manner, September to November Autumn provides consistent weather, refreshing breezes after the monsoon, and mild temperatures ranging from 8 to 20 degrees Celsius. Winter and summer are challenging as the monsoon rains cause heavy rain and sloppy trails, whereas winter from December to February experiences cold weather and foggy mornings that may impede the vision of mountains.

Spring Season:

Spring is an ideal time for the Chisapani Nagarkot trek, with a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is perfect for trekking, with clear skies and stunning views of surrounding mountains. The trail follows with rhododendrons and other wildflowers, so the trek is colorful and enjoyable. Spring is also less touristy than autumn, so it is a peaceful trekking experience.

Summer Season:

Summer monsoon is the heavy rain shower in June and August, and as such, the trails will be slippery and muddy. The temperature ranges from 12 to 26 degrees Celsius in the lowland, and at a different level, it will be still colder. The surrounding view will be very pretty with its good green landscape, but the trail will be dominated by landslides and leeches and thus will be difficult. The weather can become unfavorable, and the scenic beauty of the mountain range can also be shrouded with cloud and fog.

Autumn Season:

Autumn is one of the most suitable seasons for the trek with good weather and blue skies after the monsoon. Temperature varies from 8 to 20 degrees Celsius, ideal for the trek. Dry trails and fresh air make it more pleasant, and the two of Nepal’s biggest festivals Dashain and Tihar that take place during the time provide an opportunity to witness local culture. The season may be crowded with trekkers because of the favorable situation.

Winter Season:

Winter, December to February, is chilly weather, especially in early mornings and evenings. Temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes. The trek remains open, but foggy conditions can limit mountain views. Winter gear is required to stay warm. Fewer crowds and serene winter trekking scenery are plus points, but shorter daylight hours and potential trail difficulties need to be considered.

A Day in the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Breakfast starts at a teahouse in Kathmandu, and trekking begins from approximately 7 to 8 am. The trek includes trekking in forests, hillside fields, and villages and blends nature and culture. After 5-6 hours of hiking, lunch is eaten at a viewpoint or at a Nepali teahouse where the local Nepali cuisine like dal bhat (lentils and rice) is consumed. The afternoon trek is taken slowly with regular stops before reaching the overnight camp by 4-5 pm. Relaxation, observation of mountains, and a dinner between 6 to 7 pm occupy the evenings.

Acclimatization on Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The trek reaches a maximum height of approximately 2,200 meters at Nagarkot, which is relatively low compared to Himalayan treks at high altitudes. The gentle incline allows acclimatization, and altitude sickness is rare. Proper hydration with water, regular breaks, and a relaxed trek allow acclimatization without any issue.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Challenges

This is a simple trek with a mixture of both up and down trails. There are moderate ascents and boulders on a couple of trails, and one requires a moderate level of fitness. Trails are slippery during monsoon months, and winter mornings are chilly. With careful planning, i.e., suitable walking shoes, layering clothing, and essentials, the trek is possible.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking Permits

Trekkers should possess an entry permit to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park since the trek passes through the park. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card should also be brought along for security and documentation reasons. The permits can be booked in Kathmandu before embarking on the trek. Pre-checking on the requirements of permits will make the trek smooth.

Electricity and Communication on Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Electricity is generally readily available in all the teahouses along the track, but power outages are very frequent in off-road sections. Charging gadgets attracts extra fees. Mobile phone network is present for most of the track except some forest and higher altitude areas, but even there, signal loss happens intermittently. A portable battery pack prevents devices from getting drained out.

ATM/Currency Exchange

Money-changing facilities and ATMs are easily available in Kathmandu but are very rare along the trekking trail. All teahouses and villages accept only Nepali rupees cash. Enough cash should be carried for food, accommodation, and other expenses before the trek as banking facilities are not available at remote areas.