Easy and Short Trek Near Kathmandu
The Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trek is the closest 3-day trekking adventure from Kathmandu, offering an excellent blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration with some walking adventure. This scenic and moderately challenging trek begins with a one-hour (14km) drive east from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Alternatively, you can start by taking a short driving to the Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu) Temple, located north of Kathmandu, and finish at the Changunarayan Temple near Bhaktapur. Changu Narayan Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Kathmandu Valley and is also listed as a world Heritage Site (UNESCO). This trek is perfect for those with limited time, a budget-friendly option, and a desire to immerse in nature while experiencing rich cultural heritage.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Highlights:
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.
- Explore the Shivapuri National Park and its diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views from both Chisapani and Nagarkot.
- Ideal for families, students, and anyone with a short holiday looking for a quick yet memorable hiking adventure.
- Chisapani (2300m) and Nagarkot (2175m) offer stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the eastern ranges like Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu.
The trek to Chisapani begins at Sundarijal, passing through dense Rhododendron forests in Shivapuri National Park, and continues on to Mulkharka. From Mulkharka, you continue your journey to the top of the hill, from where it offers breathtaking mountain views, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and part of the Annapurna Himalayas. After 5 hours of hiking, you will reach Chisapani. The second day of the Chisapani Nagarkot trek follows the Pine and Rhododendron forests with beautiful traditional villages, active local lives, breathtaking landscapes, the valleys, and farming terraces. This is the most scenic and pleasurable day of the 3 days Chisapani Nagarkot Trek.
Nagarkot is located 32km east of Kathmandu. It is another scenic hill station that was once part of the Kathmandu Valley. It was historically a royal retreat and has a few fortifications that were built to monitor activities in the valley. Today, it’s a popular spot for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Similarly, the Helambu Circuit Trek is also available for 5 days, starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu.
A unique addition to the trek is a visit to the Changunarayan Temple, renowned for its intricate wood, stone, and metal carvings. This temple, built in the 2nd century during the Lichhavi Dynasty, is a prime example of pagoda-style architecture.
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