Chisapani Nagarkot Trek - 6 Days

What You Can Expect from the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

• This short trek around the Kathmandu valley has much more to offer. From beautiful Himalayan views, scenic trails, cultural richness, to stunning sunsets and sunrises, the Chisapani Nagarkot hike is full of surprises.
• You can enjoy and play around the cascading waterfalls and streams in Shivapuri National Park.
  Home to various wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, leopards, and over 300 bird species, trekking through Shivapuri National Park gives you a wonderful opportunity for bird watching and discovering animals in their natural habitat.
• The expansive view of the mountains, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa, will undoubtedly stun you. If you are lucky enough, you can also get a glimpse of Mount Everest on clear days.
• You can not miss out on mesmerizing views of sunlight falling on snow-capped mountains from Nagarkot.
• Since the trails are well-marked and maintained, you can find cozy and comfortable teahouses dotted alongside the trail.

Is Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Suitable for You? 

There are various factors like physical fitness, amount of time, trekking experience, etc, that determine whether the trek is feasible for you or not.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking is an easy trek that does not require a high altitude ascent and long, so a person with a basic level of physical fitness can also embark on this trek. Moreover, if you are a person with limited time but want to take a quick break from city life, then this trek can be a great choice for you.

Moreover, this amazing trek can be a perfect practice trek if you are preparing for other high-altitude treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Everest Base Camp Trek, or the Langtang Trek. Taking you to a maximum elevation of 2,715 m, this short trek has a low probability of altitude sickness. Hence, even senior citizens and children can easily complete this trek.

If you are someone who enjoys exploring nature, is curious about different plants and animals, and loves quiet places, then this trek is made for you. Likewise, if you love experiencing new traditions and cultures, then the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is heaven for you. You can enjoy the warm hospitality of different ethnic  groups while passing through numerous charming villages.

How to Prepare for the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

1. Build Basic Physical Fitness

Even though the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is graded as an easy to moderate trek, it will require you to walk several hours to complete the trek. Moreover, you will have to take several uphill and downhill sections along the trail. Hence, you have to build a good level of physical fitness to cope with the difficulties during the trek.

You do not need to do intense physical exercises to prepare yourself physically. However, simple exercises to increase physical strength and endurance can be a great help. Likewise, walking for 30 to 60 minutes a few weeks before the trek works like magic in helping you walk several hours during the trek.

2. Develop Mental Endurance

For those people who have never gone on any hikes or treks, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek can be quite daunting. Hence, developing an adaptability mindset is very important to embark on this trek, especially for beginners. You have to understand the whole Chisapani Nagarkot trek itinerary so that you know what you can expect in this trek. Most of all, you have to set realistic expectations about the trek.

3. Smart and Right Packing

Your packing list can totally make or break your trek. You have to pack lightly, but you have to make sure you don't miss out on essentials. Remember to pack all your necessary medications and medicines for altitude sickness, too. 
If you are not the kind of person who drinks a lot of water daily, you can pack some electrolytes to boost your hydration during the trek. Your packing list can somewhat differ according to the time you are doing the trek. Hence, do smart packing and make your trek smooth and stress-free.

The Best Time For Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Like most of the best treks in Nepal, spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November) are considered the best times for the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek. However, off-season trekking is also equally popular and rewarding when it comes to this short trek.

During the spring season, the rhododendron trees are in full bloom in different shades of red, white, and pink against the contrasting green canopy of lush forest. Moreover, the beauty of wildflowers and other seasonal flowers blooming alongside the trails will give a gentle pause of admiration. Likewise, the mild temperature with clear skies allows you to enjoy the panoramic Himalayan vistas.

During the autumn season, the weather is accompanied by a cool breeze, making your trek comfortable. Leaves turning to a golden and yellow color add a different charm to the trails of the Chisapani Nagarkot hike. Moreover, the festive vibe in villages and cities makes this season's trekking more meaningful. You can enjoy unique culture and traditions while devouring delicacies. The dry trails and great visibility also make autumn an ideal time for this fun trek.

During the monsoon season, the whole trail of the Chisapani Nagarkot trek becomes alive. Monsoon rain energizes the lush forest and hills with vibrant greenery. Being the off-season for trekking, you can enjoy nature in solidarity. No one will be walking in the background while you are trying to click a picture. However, due to rain, the trails can get muddy and slippery. Moreover, the leeches and other insects will be quite active in this, making the journey difficult.

During the winter season, you will get crisp air in chilling mornings and evenings. The trail will be quiet, so you can immerse yourself in nature more personally. However, you have to wear warm clothes as the temperature will get low during winter.

How long is the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

Your Chisapani Nagarkot can be as short as one day and as long upto 7 days. The duration of the trek depends on your itinerary, package, pace, fitness level, highlights to explore, etc. You will have to walk for 4 to 6 hours to cover 9 to 18 km per day on this trek.

What is the  Distance and Height of the  Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

The total distance of the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is approximately 60km(37 miles), starting from Sundarijal. However, the total distance can increase or decrease as per the Chisapani Nagarkot trek itinerary you decide on. This distance can increase if you want to explore more of the side highlights and go on other short hikes.

Likewise, you will be elevated to a maximum altitude of 2175 m at Nagarkot. At Nagarkot, you can climb the view tower and enjoy the panoramic views and beautiful valley landscapes.

How Difficult is the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

With the well-marked trail, short duration, low altitude, and no technical climbing requirements, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is considered an easy-to-moderate difficulty trek. However, walking for 4 to 6 hours on the trail will make the trek exhausting, especially for novice trekkers. Moreover, ascending uphill and descending downhill increase the difficulty of the trek. At the same time, uneven terrain, narrow and rocky trails in some sections of the trek can test your strength and wits.

How Much Does it Cost for the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

The total cost for the Nagarkot Chisapani trek will cost you approximately $250 to $600 per person. However, this cost may vary due to factors like itinerary, route, group size, services included, side highlights, etc.

Where does the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Start and End?

Your Chisapani Nagarkot Trek will start from Sundarijal, passing through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. After exploring the charm of nature, you will move towards Chisapani. People who have limited time usually complete this trek in 3 days by ending the trek at Nagarkot. However, most people end their trek by descending towards Changunarayan and exploring Bhaktapur at the last leg of the trek. 

Altitude Sickness during the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Generally, people fall into the trap of altitude sickness above 2500 m. However, Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek will take you to a maximum height of 2175 m. So, there is less probability but not zero probability of altitude sickness. If you stay most of the time at a very low altitude near sea level, then this height can also be more for them. When they suddenly ascend to this elevation, their body may not adapt to the high-altitude atmosphere for high altitude and develop altitude sickness. Hence, you should never underestimate altitude sickness.

You have to walk at your own pace and ascend rapidly to avoid altitude sickness. Moreover, you should stay hydrated and eat proper food to replenish your energy. Make sure to carry some altitude sickness medicines in case of emergency.

Do I Need Permits For Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

You do not need to require any permit for the Chisapani Nagarkot trek. However, you will have to pay for the entrance fees at the entry gate of Shivapuri National Park. The price of the entrance fee is NRS 100 for Nepali citizens, NRS 600 for SAARC nationals, and NRS 1000 for nationals other than SAARC countries.

Accommodation in the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

You will see numerous lodges and tea houses alongside the trails of the Chisapani Nagarkot hike. These teahouses will offer you a room on a twin shared basis. They will provide you with a well-equipped bed with mattresses, pillows, and blankets.

Some teahouses may have attached bathrooms, while some may have shared bathrooms in the vicinity of the teahouses. Moreover, you can enjoy the dinner at the communal area where you can interact with other fellow trekkers and establish a beautiful friendship.

Food and Drinks in the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The teahouses and trails will offer you a decent food variety and drinks. For breakfast, you can have bread, butter, paratha, sel roti, congee, porridge, oats, pancakes, etc.

Similarly, for lunch and dinner, you can have Dal Bhaat Tarkari, dhindo, momo, chowmin, thukpa, pasta, fried rice, etc. You can have veg and non-veg options too. For drinks, teahouses can offer you tea, coffee, milkshakes, soft drinks, and even hard drinks. However, consuming hard drinks during the trek is not recommended.

Do I Need Porters and Guides for the  Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

Hiring a porter and guide while trekking is strongly advisable. Since you will be in a completely new area, you need someone who knows that area inside out. So a guide can help you navigate the path and give you the necessary information. Likewise, you are not used to carrying weights and walking for long hours. So, the porter will help you in carrying the luggage and equipment and ease your burden.

Why Choose Mountain Adventure Trekking for the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?

Mountain Adventure Trekking offers affordable packages, licensed guides, and other services that you will require on the trek. Moreover, we specialize in tailoring packages as per your needs and preferences. Your experience and safety are our top priority. Join us to make your preferred trek into an unforgettable memory that you will cherish forever. Contact us!