3-Day Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Trek from Kathmandu

Three days along the valley rim, from forest to Himalayan horizon

A 3-day trek from Kathmandu that follows the Kathmandu Valley rim from Sundarijal through Shivapuri National Park to Nagarkot, staying in teahouses and walking 5 to 6 hours each day on quiet forest trails. You climb through rhododendron and pine to Chisapani at 2,175m, then traverse the ridge east to Nagarkot: one of Nepal's best sunrise viewpoints, where Everest is visible on clear days. All meals, a licensed English-speaking guide, and private transport are included.

The experience

Most people do day hikes around Kathmandu. This trek is different: a proper 3-day route that stays on the valley rim and reaches places most visitors never find. You start at Sundarijal, where the city ends and Shivapuri National Park begins. The trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forest (stone staircases, shaded sections, small waterfalls) for 4 to 5 hours to Chisapani at 2,175m. On arrival, the Himalayan range spreads across the horizon: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu. You sleep in a Nepali teahouse, eat local meals, and wake to the same view.

Day 2 follows the forested ridgeline east to Nagarkot, 6 to 7 hours along open viewpoints and terraced villages. Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Everest appear on clear days. You arrive late afternoon and overnight at another teahouse. On Day 3, you wake before dawn for the sunrise panorama (the single reason many people come to Nagarkot), then walk a short distance to Rani Jhula Bridge. A private vehicle brings you back to Kathmandu with a lunch stop at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The whole trek is moderate: no technical sections, no altitude concerns, and the pace is yours alone.

Your guide speaks English throughout and knows the trail intimately. Shivapuri National Park entry, all ground transport from Kathmandu, and every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. The teahouses are typical Nepali homestays on a twin-sharing basis. This is the kind of trek that feels much further from the city than it actually is, and it works as a proper introduction to Nepal trekking without committing to a longer route.

What’s included

• Shivapuri National Park entry.
• experienced English-speaking guide for all three days.
• teahouse accommodation in Chisapani and Nagarkot on a twin-sharing basis for two nights.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared with organic local ingredients.
• private vehicle transport from Kathmandu to Sundarijal on Day 1 and from Nagarkot back to Kathmandu on Day 3, with a lunch stop at Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mountain Hike Nepal

Is this one for you?This trek is private (just your group, your guide, and your pace), so it suits anyone who wants to walk the Kathmandu Valley rim without the structure of a larger group or the logistics of arranging their own transport and meals. The 3-day length fits between a single afternoon hike and a longer Nepal trek, making it ideal for a first-time trekker or someone with limited time before or after other plans in Kathmandu.

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Top questions

How far is Sundarijal from Kathmandu, and how do I get there?

Sundarijal is about one hour's drive from Thamel in Kathmandu. Pickup happens at 8:00 AM from your hotel, and the private vehicle takes you directly to the trailhead, where breakfast is ready before the hike begins.

What are the teahouses like, and will I have a private room?

The teahouses are typical Nepali homestays in Chisapani and Nagarkot. Rooms are on a twin-sharing basis, so you share with one other person in your group (or your travel partner if you're two). They are basic but clean, with meals cooked fresh each day.

Can I see Everest from Nagarkot?

Everest is visible from Nagarkot on clear days, especially at sunrise on Day 3. The view depends on weather and atmospheric clarity, but Nagarkot is one of the best viewpoints in Nepal for seeing the Himalayan range, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar.

How many hours of walking happens each day?

Day 1 is 4 to 5 hours of climbing from Sundarijal to Chisapani. Day 2 is 6 to 7 hours along the ridge to Nagarkot. Day 3 is a short walk to Rani Jhula Bridge before the drive back to Kathmandu. The trails are quiet forest paths with no technical sections.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Included are Shivapuri National Park entry, all ground transport, teahouse lodging for two nights, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and an English-speaking guide throughout. You need to bring personal hiking gear: sturdy shoes, layers, rain jacket, sun protection, and a small backpack. Tips for the guide and driver are not included.