The Nagarkot Chisapani Trek: A 5-Day Guide
You are in Kathmandu and you want to see the famous Himalayan peaks. You would love to experience a real trek, walking through forests and villages. But you only have a few days to spare. You are looking for a short, easy, and beautiful trip that gets you out of the city and into the mountains.
Imagine a journey that starts just an hour's drive from your hotel. You walk along the green rim of the Kathmandu Valley, with the city behind you and the great Himalayas in front. You stay in hilltop villages famous for their amazing sunrise and sunset views. You see a huge panorama of snow-capped peaks, from Annapurna in the west to Everest in the east on a clear day.
Our 5-day Nagarkot Chisapani Trek is the perfect answer. This short trek is a complete Himalayan experience packed into just a few days. You will walk through a beautiful national park, see stunning mountain views, and visit a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the best short trek you can do from Kathmandu.
Best Time for This Trek
This trek can be done year-round, but some seasons offer better views than others.
- Autumn (September - November): This is a great time with clear skies and pleasant weather for walking.
- Winter (December - February): This is often the best time for mountain views. The air is very cold and dry, which makes the long-distance views of the Himalayas incredibly sharp and clear.
- Spring (March - May): The weather is warm and the rhododendron forests are in bloom. The views can sometimes be a little hazy in the afternoons.
A Typical Day on Your Trek
- Morning: Your day usually starts around 7:30 AM with breakfast at the teahouse or hotel. You will start walking with your guide around 8:30 AM.
- Trekking: The pace is always relaxed and easy. The daily walks are enjoyable and not too long, usually lasting 5-6 hours. You will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
- Lunch: You will stop at a small local restaurant or teahouse on the trail for a one-hour lunch break.
- Afternoon: You will walk for another 2-3 hours to reach your destination. You will have free time in the afternoon to explore the village or relax.
- Evening: You can watch the sunset over the mountains. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM.
Meet Your Guide and Porter Team
You will have a professional and friendly team to support you.
- Your Expert Guide: All our guides are local to Nepal. They are trained, licensed, and speak English. They are experts on this trail and the local culture. Each guide is also trained in first aid.
- Your Porter (Optional): For this easy trek, a porter is not always necessary. However, if you prefer to walk with just a small daypack, we can arrange a friendly local porter to carry your main bag.
Safety on Your Trek
Your safety is our top priority. This is a very safe trek with very low risk.
- Low Altitude: This trek does not go to high altitudes. The highest point is Nagarkot at 2,195 meters. This means there is no risk of altitude sickness, making it a worry-free trip.
- First Aid: Your guide carries a complete first-aid kit. It has supplies for common issues like cuts, blisters, and minor sprains.
- Well-Marked Trails: The trails are well-maintained and close to the city, ensuring a safe walking environment.
Trek Difficulty: Is This Trek for You?
This trek is rated as easy. It is perfect for first-time trekkers, families with children, or anyone with a basic level of walking fitness.
The trail has some gentle uphill and downhill sections, but there are no long, steep climbs. It is a wonderful and gentle introduction to the joys of trekking in Nepal.
Food and Lodging on the Trek
- Teahouse & Hotel: You will stay one night in a simple teahouse in Chisapani and one night in a more comfortable tourist-class hotel in Nagarkot.
- Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. You will eat in the dining halls of the lodges. The food is a mix of simple Nepali dishes and some Western items.
