Sundarijal to Chisapani and Nagarkot in 3 Days: Route, Cost and Best Time (2027)

Last updated 17 October 2026.

Short answer: The Sundarijal, Chisapani and Nagarkot trek is a 3-day walk along the northern and eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, never higher than about 2,175 metres. You climb from Sundarijal through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani (2,165 m) on day one, walk the ridges to Nagarkot (2,175 m) on day two, and come down to the Changu Narayan temple and drive back on day three. Our Sundarijal, Chisapani and Nagarkot Trek, 3 days costs USD 295 on Budget, USD 470 on Standard and USD 830 on Luxury per person for two to four people, with the park permit, TIMS card, two nights' lodging and the temple fee included.

I am Shreejan. This is the trek I recommend to people who have three days in Kathmandu, want real walking and mountain views, and do not want to deal with altitude or a domestic flight. It starts 40 minutes from the city and ends at one of the oldest temples in Nepal.

Sundarijal to Nagarkot at a glance

How do the three days run?

Day 1, Sundarijal to Chisapani. We pick you up after breakfast and drive to Sundarijal on the north-east edge of the valley. After the park entry at the army checkpoint, you climb stone steps through forest beside the Sundarijal waterfalls and the old water pipeline that still feeds Kathmandu. The trail keeps climbing through the protected forest of Shivapuri, with deer, monkeys and plenty of birds if you walk quietly. After 5 to 6 hours and about 13 km you reach Chisapani, a small hilltop village with open views north. My Sundarijal village guide and Shivapuri day hike guide describe this part in more detail.

Day 2, Chisapani to Nagarkot. Get up for the sunrise. On a clear morning you see Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and the Jugal range. Then the trail follows forested ridges, terraced fields and small Tamang villages, up and down gently all day, with lunch on the way. You reach Nagarkot by late afternoon and watch the mountains turn pink at sunset. The Nagarkot to Chisapani walk post covers this day as a single walk.

Day 3, Nagarkot to Changu Narayan and Kathmandu. Sunrise at Nagarkot is the reason people stay the night: on a clear day the view runs a long way east and west along the Himalaya. After breakfast you walk down through pine forest and rice fields to Changu Narayan, a temple to Vishnu and part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site. My Changu Narayan guide explains what to look for. After lunch it is about 45 minutes by road back to your hotel.

What does the trek cost in 2027?

Prices are per person and the same for private and group trips, changing only with group size.

All tiers include hotel pick-up and drop-off, the drives on the itinerary, a licensed English-speaking guide, the Shivapuri park permit and TIMS card, the Changu Narayan entry fee, two nights' lodging (Chisapani and Nagarkot) and government taxes.

• Budget: public vehicle, twin-sharing room, meals not included.
• Standard: tourist vehicle, standard room, meals during the hike with tea and coffee.
• Luxury: tourist vehicle, the best rooms available, meals with seasonal fruit, nuts, soft drinks, juices and water.

Not included: your Kathmandu hotel before and after, drinks and snacks outside meals, travel insurance and tips for the guide and driver.

Which version should you choose?

If you are torn between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel for the last night, my post on Nagarkot or Dhulikhel compares them.

What is the best time for this trek?

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Sundarijal to Nagarkot trek?

Easy to moderate. Day one is the hardest because of the long climb up stone steps from Sundarijal. After that it is gentle ridge walking. Anyone who walks regularly can do it.

Do I need a permit for Sundarijal and Chisapani?

Yes. You need the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit (NPR 1,000 for foreigners) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000). Both are included and we arrange them.

Can I see Everest from Nagarkot?

On a very clear day it can be picked out far to the east, but it is a small point on the horizon. The closer views are of Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and the Jugal range.

Is this a good first trek in Nepal?

Yes. It gives you a taste of trail life, village lodges and mountain sunrises close to Kathmandu, with no altitude to worry about. It also works well as a warm-up before a longer trek.

Can I do the trek solo?

Yes. It runs privately with your own licensed guide. The solo price is USD 490 on Budget, USD 640 on Standard and USD 1,360 on Luxury.

Where do I sleep?

In a lodge at Chisapani and a hotel or lodge at Nagarkot. Your Kathmandu hotel before and after is not included.

How do I book?

Pay a 10 per cent deposit online to hold your dates. The deposit is non-refundable and there is no refund if you cancel, but you can move your trip free with at least 72 hours notice to any date within one year. The balance is paid in Kathmandu, in USD or EUR, cash or card (card carries 3.5 per cent).

How do you plan this with us?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you there are and whether you prefer Budget, Standard or Luxury. I will tell you which version fits your days and send you the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.