Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek (3 Days)

Sundarijal - Chisapani - Nagarkot Trek (3 Days)

3-day short trek from Kathmandu — Sundarijal to Chisapani to Nagarkot through Shivapuri National Park, Tamang villages, Himalayan sunrise. Guide + meals.

From US$235 per person

Duration
3 days
Grade
Moderate
Highest point
2,175 m / 7,136 ft (Nagarkot)
Group size
1 to 20
Starts and ends
Kathmandu to Kaathmandu
Best time
March–May & September–November

Govt RegdTAAN #1586300+ ★ reviews

  • Three generations of family guides in the Himalayas, independent since 2016
  • Government-licensed Nepal trekking company (Reg 147653)
  • TAAN Member #1586
  • 300+ reviews
  • Secure payment via Himalayan Bank
  • Four-time TripAdvisor award winner (Travellers' Choice 2020, 2023, 2024 and Certificate of Excellence 2019)

Overview

From US$235Updated Sep 21, 2026

Sundarijal to Chisapani to Nagarkot Trek Highlights

  • Three-day trek along the Kathmandu Valley rim: Sundarijal to Chisapani, Chisapani to Nagarkot, Nagarkot to Dhulikhel
  • Panoramic Himalayan views from the ridge: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna IV on the western horizon, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar and Numbur to the east
  • Stay at family-run lodges in Chisapani and Nagarkot, with sunset views over the entire valley
  • Single-track trail through Shivapuri National Park with red panda habitat in the upper forest
  • No high altitude (maximum 2,175m), suitable for trekkers of all experience levels and family groups with children
  • Year-round trekking option: clearest mountain views October to March, greenest forest April to June

Why I built this trek the way I did

I am Shreejan, the founder of The Everest Holiday. This is the right first-Nepal-trek for travellers who want a real Himalayan view without committing to a 12-day expedition. The Kathmandu Valley rim here reaches about 2,175 metres, low enough for any fitness level, but the ridge faces north toward the high range, which means you get a good Himalayan view anyway, with Langtang and Ganesh Himal close and Everest far off on a clear morning.

The three-day length matters. Most operators run the same route in two days as a forced march, which means each day is seven to eight hours of walking, and you reach each evening too tired to enjoy the lodge or the sunset. Our three-day version gives you four to five hours of walking each day, plus time at Chisapani for the sunset over the valley and time at Nagarkot for the sunrise over Everest, which is the reason most people come up here in the first place.

Every booking helps fund the teacher's salary at our Nagarjun Learning Center in Saldum, where 70 children get free education funded out of my own pocket. Your trek is what makes that sustainable.

"Very good experience with the Everest Holiday. The trek to Nagarkot is very beautiful. I recommend!"

— Aurore C · TripAdvisor, July 2023 · ★★★★★

Trip Highlights

  • A perfect short trek for those with limited time in Nepal — only 3 days from Kathmandu

  • Walk through the lush forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, rich in wildlife and birdlife

  • Pass through traditional Tamang and Brahmin villages with terraced farmlands and warm local hospitality

  • Witness the famous Nagarkot sunrise with panoramic views of the Himalayas — including Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna ranges on clear days

  • Enjoy sweeping views from Chisapani, a peaceful hilltop with vistas of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Jugal Himal

  • Explore the Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal

  • A budget-friendly trek with no flights, minimal permits, and easy accessibility

  • Ideal for beginners, families, and travellers seeking a nature-and-culture combo experience

Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Trek at a glance

Duration3 days, from Kathmandu
Highest pointThe Chisapani and Nagarkot ridge, around 2,175 m
RegionThe Kathmandu valley rim, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park
DifficultyEasy to moderate; a short trek close to the city
PermitsShivapuri-Nagarjun National Park and TIMS
Best monthsOctober to November and March to April

Best time to trek Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

SeasonMonthsWhat it is likeVerdict
AutumnOctober to NovemberClearest and most reliable; the main seasonBest overall
SpringMarch to MayWarm, rhododendron on the Shivapuri slopesGreat, second season
WinterDecember to FebruaryCold mornings but clear, good mountain viewsClear and cold
MonsoonJune to mid-SeptemberRain, cloud and leeches on the approachAvoid

Permits

This short trek crosses the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park on the Kathmandu valley rim. You need the two below, and we arrange both and include them in your trek price.

PermitCost per person
Shivapuri-Nagarjun National ParkNPR 1,000 (NPR 600 for SAARC)
TIMS cardNPR 2,000 (NPR 1,000 for SAARC)

Overview

The Sundarijal–Chisapani–Nagarkot Trek is one of the most rewarding short treks near Kathmandu, offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, and Himalayan views — all within just 3 days.

This easy-to-moderate trek takes you through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, dense forests, traditional villages, and high ridges with sweeping views of Nepal's most classic mountain ranges. Unlike high-altitude treks, this route requires no domestic flights, no restricted-area permit, only the park entry and a TIMS card, and no technical climbing — making it perfect for travellers of all fitness levels.

The trek begins at Sundarijal, a beautiful spot known for its waterfalls, the sacred Bagmati River, and the Sundarimai Temple. As you climb through the protected forests of the national park, you'll encounter scenic trails, lush vegetation, and abundant birdlife, eventually reaching Chisapani (2,165 m) — a quiet hilltop village offering clear views of the Himalayas.

The next day's trail leads you across forested ridges and farmland toward Nagarkot (2,175 m), one of Nepal's most beloved viewpoints. Here you wake up for the sunrise over the peaks, with views of Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and the Mahalangur range.

The final day takes you down through scenic trails to Changu Narayan, a 4th-century UNESCO World Heritage temple, before driving back to Kathmandu. Whether you're a first-time trekker, a family with children, or someone with just a few days to spare, this trek offers a complete Himalayan experience without the demands of long-distance trekking.

Why book with The Everest Holiday

  • Three generations of family guidesFamily-run since 2016 with three generations of guiding heritage. Not an agency — the family that runs the company leads your trek personally.
  • Private group, no strangersEvery trek we run is private. Your group only. We never combine bookings or add strangers to your party. If you book solo, you walk with a guide; if you book as four friends, your group stays four.
  • Nagarjun Learning Center givebackA fixed share of every booking funds the Nagarjun Learning Center — 70 children, 7 community centres, 3 full-time teachers, 600+ medical interventions, 275+ women supported. You can visit the centre before or after your trip; we arrange the visit separately.
  • Government registered, TAAN memberGovt Regd. No. 147653/072/073. Trekking Agency Licence 2090/072, Travel Agency Licence 2838/072. TAAN Member #1586. Over 300 reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Trustpilot. We are a real, audited Nepal company — not a booking-platform middleman.

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Prices

The Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek (3 Days) with The Everest Holiday costs $235 (Budget), $505 (Standard), or $795 (Luxury) per person for the 3-day trip. Allow about $20 a day for personal expenses, and buy your travel insurance at home before you travel. Book with a 10% deposit; the balance is payable in Kathmandu.

Budget price by group size
Travellers in your groupPrice per person
1US$385
2 to 4US$235
5 to 8US$130
9 to 12US$100
13 to 20US$95

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

Book Budget

Himalayan Bank logoSecure payment by Himalayan Bank.

What is included

On the Budget level.

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu (public vehicle)

  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary (public vehicle)

  • Government-licensed, English-speaking professional trekking guide

  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit and TIMS card

  • Changu Narayan Temple entry fee

  • 2 nights' accommodation (1 night in Chisapani + 1 night in Nagarkot) on twin-sharing basis

  • Meals are not included. 

  • All applicable government taxes, VAT, and service charges

  • First-aid kit during the trek

  • A local SIM card on arrival in Kathmandu; your guide shows you how to buy a cheap data pack, which you pay for.

Not included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (before/after the trek)

  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, laundry)

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Tips for the guide and driver (appreciated but optional)

  • Any extra activities or sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Any costs arising due to natural disasters, flight delays, or unforeseen circumstances

  • Wifi, hot showers, charging, heated blankets and anything else outside the room price, paid by you directly to the teahouse or hotel.

Dates

Your trek, your choice, your price. Choose the style that suits you. Book a private departure on any date with just your party, or join a fixed group departure and trek with fellow adventurers from around the world. Same routes, same guides, same quality — 3 comfort tiers on both options. Per-person price follows our group-discount tiers based on YOUR party size (a couple pays less per pax than a solo trekker, 5+ pays less again) — the same tiers apply on both booking types.

Private departure

  • Any date you choose
  • Just your party + dedicated guide
  • 3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
  • Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size

Fixed group departure

  • Scheduled dates (see below)
  • Join other trekkers from around the world
  • 3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
  • Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size (same tier as Private)
Prefer email? Send a question and we will reply within a few hours.

Peak season (Sep–Nov) — our guides book up fast. Get in touch 6–8 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates.

Other dates

Need a different date? Other dates are available on request. Contact us or message Shreejan on WhatsApp.

Fixed departures are dates we have already committed to run. Your party still treks as its own private group with its own guide; we never merge bookings or add strangers, and solo trekkers are welcome on any date. Private departures on any other date you choose are also available. On both, the per-person price is set by the size of your own party.

Shreejan Simkhada, Director of The Everest HolidayShamjhana Basukala, Co-founder of The Everest Holiday

Shreejan and Shamjhana plan every trek personally

Your hosts since 2016. Ask us anything; we reply within hours.

Ask Shreejan on WhatsApp

Essential information

Best Time for the Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek

This trek is possible year-round, but each season offers a unique experience:

  • March to May (Spring): Pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and lush forests. One of the best seasons.

  • September to November (Autumn): The most popular season — clear skies, crisp mountain views, and ideal trekking weather.

  • December to February (Winter): Cold mornings and evenings but very clear skies. Pack warm layers.

  • June to August (Monsoon): Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but slippery trails and possible leeches in forested sections.

For the best Himalayan views, autumn and spring are highly recommended.

Accommodation

  • In Chisapani: Stay at a simple, cozy local lodge or teahouse. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with clean beds, blankets, and basic facilities. Meals include traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, momo, noodles, and soups.

  • In Nagarkot: A more developed area with a wide range of comfortable hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers are standard. Upgrades to 3-star or 4-star hotels are available on request at additional cost

Why Book the Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek with The Everest Holiday?

  • Locally based experts with years of experience in Nepal's tourism industry

  • Government-licensed, English-speaking guides with deep knowledge of the trails and culture

  • Private vehicle transportation for door-to-door comfort

  • Carefully selected accommodations in Chisapani and Nagarkot

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden charges

  • Customisable itineraries to fit your travel style and budget

  • Friendly customer service before, during, and after your trip

  • A perfect short trek that combines nature, culture, spirituality, and Himalayan views — all in 3 days. 

Read before you go: Sundarijal · Nagarkot to Chisapani Day Trek · Sundarijal to Chisapani and Nagarkot in 3 Days

Questions people ask

How much does the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot 3-day trek cost?

The price is on request — this short trek is quoted per group, so send us your dates and number of trekkers and we will give you the current figure. The cost covers your licensed guide, the Shivapuri National Park permit, teahouse accommodation and transport back to Kathmandu. Ask us for the latest per-person rate and any small-group discount.

How long is the Sundarijal to Nagarkot trek and what is the route?

It is a 3-day trek that starts and finishes in Kathmandu, walking from Sundarijal up through Shivapuri National Park to Chisapani, then on to Nagarkot for the sunrise. Because it loops back to Kathmandu, no internal flights are needed. Three days is enough to enjoy the forest, the ridge views and the Nagarkot morning without rushing.

How difficult is the Chisapani Nagarkot trek – can a beginner do it?

It is graded Moderate, with a few steady uphill sections on the first day out of Sundarijal but no technical ground and no extreme altitude. Reasonably fit first-timers manage it comfortably, provided you are happy walking 4–6 hours a day on hill trails. No previous trekking experience is required.

Is the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek good for first-time trekkers with limited time?

Yes — this is one of the best short treks near Kathmandu for first-timers and anyone short on time. At 3 days, with a high point of only 2,175m / 7,136ft, it gives a genuine Himalayan ridge experience without the commitment of a high-altitude expedition. It also works well as a warm-up before a longer trek.

What is the best time of year for the Nagarkot sunrise trek?

The best months are March to May and September to November, when the skies are clearest and the Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot is at its sharpest. Spring brings rhododendron bloom in Shivapuri National Park, while autumn after the monsoon gives the crispest mountain views. Winter is walkable but cold at dawn, and the monsoon can cloud the panorama.

Do I need a permit for Shivapuri National Park on this trek, and do you arrange it?

Yes, the route passes through Shivapuri National Park, which needs an entry permit — and we arrange all permits as part of your package. You do not have to queue or sort out any paperwork yourself. Ask us for the current fee if you would like it itemised in your quote.

What is included in the 3-day Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek package?

Your package includes a licensed guide, the Shivapuri National Park permit, teahouse accommodation along the route and transport between Kathmandu and the trailheads. Meals and any extras are confirmed when we send your quote. Tell us your dates and we will set out exactly what is covered.

Is there any altitude sickness risk on the Nagarkot trek?

Altitude sickness is very unlikely on this trek — the highest point is just 2,175m / 7,136ft at Nagarkot, well below the level where altitude problems normally begin. That low elevation is part of why it suits first-timers and makes a gentle warm-up before higher Himalayan treks. You will simply enjoy fresh hill air and cool mornings.

Can you see the Himalayas or Everest from Nagarkot at sunrise?

Yes — Nagarkot is famous for its sunrise Himalayan panorama, and on a clear morning the view stretches across several ranges, with the Everest massif visible far to the east. The dawn light striking the peaks is the highlight that ends the trek. Clarity is best in the spring and autumn windows.

Where do you stay on the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek?

You stay in local teahouses at Chisapani and Nagarkot — simple, friendly lodges with a bed, hot food and mountain views. This keeps the trek light and means you do not carry any camping gear. We book the teahouses for you as part of the trip.

Is the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek a good warm-up before Everest or Annapurna?

Yes — many trekkers use this 3-day trek to get their legs moving before a bigger Himalayan trip, as it gives a real taste of teahouse trails close to Kathmandu. Be aware that at 2,175m / 7,136ft it is too low to provide true high-altitude acclimatisation. It is ideal for shaking off the flight and testing your boots and gear before heading higher.

Can I cancel or reschedule my trek?

Plans change? What we offer is free rescheduling: give us 72 hours' notice and we move your trek to any date within a year at no charge. Your 10% deposit is not refunded if you cancel. The balance is only paid in Kathmandu, so nothing else is at risk before you arrive. If we have to cancel, you get your money back, less taxes, bank and card charges, and anything already spent on your behalf such as permits and flights. If your plans change, message me and we will find new dates together.

Can I do this trek alone?

Yes, from one person. A solo trekker is guided by a licensed guide and, on this short trek, on Standard the guide carries up to 10 kg of your bag, because porters are shared one between two trekkers. On Luxury you get your own porter, and Budget never has one. Prices are per person and drop with group size, and we never add strangers to your group.

What happens if I get sick or hurt on the trail?

This trek stays within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the Nagarkot ridge, never more than a few hours from a road, so if something goes wrong the guide walks or carries you to the nearest road and a vehicle takes you to a Kathmandu hospital the same day. Helicopters are almost never needed here. Your guide carries a first aid kit and is trained to use it, and we still ask that your insurance covers hiking up to 2,500 metres.

Are porters included, and what do they carry?

On the Standard and Luxury tiers, yes: one porter for every two trekkers on Standard (10 kg each), and one porter per trekker on Luxury (up to 20 kg). On the Budget tier you carry your own bag. A sleeping bag and down jacket are yours to use free on every tier; on Standard and Luxury we add a duffel bag for the porter.

How many guides do we get?

One government licensed guide for a group of up to six, and from eight trekkers we add an assistant guide so nobody is ever left at the back alone. The guide is with you from your hotel in Kathmandu to your hotel at the end, and they are the ones who decide when to slow down or turn back.

From, per personUS$235