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 2,400m), 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 is at 2,000 to 2,400 metres, low enough for any fitness level, but the ridge faces north toward the high range, which means the Himalayan view is as good as anything you get from Pokhara at twice the altitude.
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. The organisation was smooth and our guide was knowledgeable. I recommend."
— Aurore C · Verified TripAdvisor Review, 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
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 special permits beyond the basic park entry, 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'll wake up to a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the snow-capped 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.
