Chisapani, Nagarkot & Dhulikhel Trek
From $600 per person
Trekking region
Kathmandu Valley Hikes
Gentle hill walks on the rim of the Kathmandu valley, with Himalayan sunrises from Chisapani and Nagarkot and medieval Newar towns like Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel.
- Highest point
- Chisapani 2,215 m
- Trek length
- 3–7 days
- Gateway
- Kathmandu
- Best months
- Oct–May
Compare the routes
Treks in the Kathmandu Valley
Every trek below runs as a private trip on your dates or with a small group. Compare the length, height and grade, then open a trek for its full day-by-day plan.
| Trek | Days | Max altitude | Grade | Best for | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chisapani, Nagarkot & Dhulikhel Trek
|
7 | 2,215 m | Easy | Oct–May | $600 |
Why go
Why hike around the Kathmandu valley
You don’t need two weeks to walk in the Himalayan foothills. The hills around Kathmandu have forest trails, farming villages and sunrise views stretching from Langtang to — on a clear day — Everest, and they are less than an hour from the city.
These walks are perfect for families, for travellers with a few spare days, or as a gentle warm-up before a big trek.
-
Himalayan sunrise
Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Dorje Lakpa from Nagarkot and Chisapani.
-
Newar towns
Bhaktapur’s squares and Dhulikhel’s old bazaar.
-
Shivapuri forest
Birdlife and oak forest in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
-
For all ages
Low altitude and hotel nights — ideal for families and seniors.
When to go
Trekking conditions month by month
Jan: Good
Feb: Good
Mar: Best
Apr: Good
May: Possible
Jun: Avoid
Jul: Avoid
Aug: Avoid
Sep: Possible
Oct: Best
Nov: Best
Dec: Good
- Best
- Good
- Possible, with trade-offs
- Not recommended
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Clear skies and the best mountain views.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool, crisp mornings with very clear views; cold nights.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm and green; haze can hide the mountains by April.
Permits & cost
Permits you need
All permits are arranged by us and included in the trek price. Fees are set by the government and can change — we always charge the current rate.
Included
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry
Paid at the park gate at Sundarijal on the first day.
Included
Heritage site entry fees
Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu sightseeing entry tickets.
Our Kathmandu valley trek
The Chisapani–Nagarkot–Dhulikhel Trek is 7 days with three walking days: through Shivapuri forest to Chisapani, along village trails to Nagarkot for sunrise, and down to Dhulikhel, ending with a visit to Bhaktapur.
Combine it with other trips
It fits well with a safari in Chitwan or as an acclimatisation warm-up before the Langtang Valley Trek. For sightseeing ideas in the city, read places to visit in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Valley Hikes: your questions
Can I see Everest from Nagarkot?
Only on very clear mornings, mainly from October to February, as a small peak far to the east. The closer views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal are the real highlight.
Do I need a permit?
Only the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee on the first day, which we include.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask the guide who leads this trek.
Free trip planning
Not sure which Kathmandu Valley trek to choose?
Tell us how many days you have and how fit you feel. We’ll suggest the route that fits — or design one around you.
Send us your questions
A guide replies within 24 hours, by the channel you prefer.