The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike is a beautiful and not too difficult trek that lets you enjoy the peaceful countryside of Nepal. This trek is in the Kathmandu Valley, so it's great if you don't have a lot of time but still want to experience Nepal's natural beauty. It usually takes 2 to 3 days and covers about 25 kilometers.
You start from the busy city of Kathmandu and head to Chisapani, the first stop on this trek. Chisapani is a charming village on a hill, and it gives you amazing views of the Langtang Himalayas and the green hills. While you hike on well-marked paths, you'll go through rhododendron and pine forests, small villages, and fields. You'll get to learn about the local culture and how Nepalese people live.
The hike then takes you to Nagarkot, a famous hill station known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas. It's a fantastic sight to see the sun turning the mountains golden. In Nagarkot, you can also explore the local culture by visiting ancient temples and monasteries.
One of the best parts of this trek is meeting the friendly people of Nepal. You can stay in cozy teahouses, try traditional Nepali food, and experience the simple yet rich life of the villages you pass through.
To sum it up, the Chisapani Nagarkot Hike combines nature, culture, and adventure. It's perfect if you want to escape the city, see the beauty of the Himalayas, and get to know the welcoming culture of rural Nepal, all in a short and easy trip from Kathmandu.
After you've had breakfast, start your journey by driving for about 2 hours to Sundarijal. This place is where the water for Kathmandu comes from, and there's an old water pipe from the last century that runs alongside the road and goes down some stone steps. You might want to take a break in Sundarijal and have a cup of tea to relax and shake off the stress of the city before you start a 5-6 hour hike to Chisapani. As you walk through the forest in Shivapuri Nagajun National Park, you'll find the source of the water supply for the city below. This area was protected as a special place for the water source in 1978 and later became a National Park in 2002. Tonight, when you reach Chisapani, you can enjoy wonderful views of the hills and mountains that surround the area.
Today, you'll keep walking through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the forest. This area is a home to various animals. You might be lucky enough to see big ones like Himalayan black bears and Indian leopards, but you're more likely to come across smaller animals like mongooses, porcupines, jungle cats, pangolins, and more. If you're into birds, you can also look out for the yellow-throated marten and many other bird types.
You'll have lunch on the way at either Chauki Bhanjyang or Jhule, two places on your path. Then, you'll continue your journey to Nagarkot, where you'll arrive in time to see a stunning sunset over the Himalayan mountains. You can enjoy this beautiful view from a viewing tower or other good spots. To end the day, you can have a nice dinner at one of the many hotels in Nagarkot. There are options for different budgets, from affordable to luxurious, in this well-known hill station.
The morning's highlight is a stunning sunrise over 8 of the 13 Himalayan mountain ranges. Watching the sun rise over these majestic peaks, with the clouds creating a mesmerizing display, is a sight to behold. Having a warm breakfast in the cool mountain air makes it even better. Reluctantly leaving this natural wonder, you'll head to Changu Narayan Temple, which is about a 4-hour journey, mostly downhill. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the oldest in Nepal. Despite the 2015 earthquake's impact on the Changu Narayan area, restoration work by UNESCO and other organizations is ongoing. Nearby, there's a fascinating living museum that the earthquake didn't harm, providing insights into Nepali and Newari culture, art, and history. After your visit to Changu Narayan, it's a short drive back to Kathmandu.
