Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking

Nepal Hiking Team is renowned for its exceptional service, even on shorter treks. They provide a highly experienced, English-speaking guide and a porter (to carry your luggage), ensuring you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery and cultural experiences. Reviews consistently praise their responsiveness, with owner Ganga Raj Thapa personally overseeing logistics and guides like Bibek and Netra being described as patient, sincere, and attentive. Whether you're a solo traveler or part of a group, they offer a seamless, caring experience.

Your guide will lead you through the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park and traditional villages, managing the gentle ascents and descents at a comfortable pace. They share insights about local culture, wildlife, and the Himalayan peaks you'll see. A porter is included to carry your main luggage, allowing you to hike with just a daypack. The team handles all logistics, including private vehicle transfers, permits, and accommodation, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

One review of a practice hike to Nagarkot-Chisapani (as part of a larger tour) praised the company for excellent preparation, noting they "experienced Nepal’s National Park and the rustic village life" with ample support staff. Other reviews for the company's treks highlight guides who are "top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful," ensuring everyone is prepared and comfortable. The consistent feedback is that the team’s care and organization turn a simple hike into a memorable cultural immersion.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel (note: accommodation in Kathmandu is not included in the package). You will then have a briefing about the hike. The next morning, you'll be picked up for the drive to Sundarijal to begin the trek.

The Nepal entry visa is not included. You can obtain it easily upon arrival at the airport. A 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa costs USD $40, and a 90-day visa costs USD $100. You'll need two passport-sized photos and the fee in cash. The Nepal Hiking Team representative can assist you with the process if needed.

Yes, the package includes all necessary trekking permits, including the Shivapuri National Park entry fee. You don't need to arrange anything yourself; the company handles it for you as part of the service.

This hike has a minimum group size of just 1 person, making it ideal for solo travelers. You can join a scheduled group departure or book a private hike for yourself. The listed departure dates show frequent options (e.g., multiple dates in March 2025), so you have flexibility.

The package covers: all ground transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary (including the drive to Sundarijal and return from Changunarayan), one night’s accommodation with full board meals in Chisapani, one night’s accommodation with full board meals in a 3-star hotel in Nagarkot, an English-speaking guide and a porter (with their meals, accommodation, and salary included), and all trekking permits, government taxes, and service charges.

You should budget for: accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the hike), your Nepal entry visa, meals not specified (lunch/dinner in Kathmandu), and tips for your guide, porter, and driver. Personal expenses like snacks and drinks are also not included.

All ground transportation is provided by private vehicle. On Day 1, you'll be picked up from your Kathmandu hotel (or a designated point) and driven to Sundarijal, the trailhead. The scenic drive offers early glimpses of the Himalayas like Ganesh Himal.

On Day 3, after hiking from Nagarkot to the UNESCO-listed Changunarayan Temple, a private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Kathmandu. The company handles this transfer, ensuring a smooth end to your journey.

No, this is a purely land-based hiking tour. Transportation is entirely by private vehicle and on foot, making it a very accessible and straightforward trip without the complexities of mountain flights.

Yes, this hike is rated "Easy" and is perfect for beginners, families with children, or anyone with a basic fitness level. You'll walk an average of 4-5 hours per day on gentle ascents and descents through forests and villages. No prior trekking experience is required.

The highest elevation on this hike is around 2,175 meters at Nagarkot, which is considered a low altitude. Altitude sickness is not a concern, making this a safe and comfortable introduction to hiking in Nepal for those who may be worried about high elevations.

The trails are well-defined and include stone-paved paths, gentle ascents through forests, and walks through terraced fields and traditional villages. You'll walk through Shivapuri National Park, with its rich flora and fauna, and enjoy panoramic views without any technical or strenuous sections.

Your guide is experienced with the route and carries a first aid kit. They will set a comfortable pace and ensure you stay hydrated. The private vehicle support means that if any issue arises, you are never far from transport back to Kathmandu. The company also has a reputation for monitoring client well-being, as noted in reviews for their longer treks.

Your guide is your first point of contact. For minor issues, they can provide basic first aid. For anything more serious, the trail is relatively close to Kathmandu, and private vehicle transport can be arranged to reach medical facilities quickly. The short duration and low altitude minimize health risks.

Travel insurance is not explicitly listed as mandatory for this package, but it is always recommended. For this easy, low-altitude hike, a standard travel insurance policy with medical coverage is sufficient. It can protect you in case of unexpected events like trip interruption or minor injuries.

You'll need comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, layered clothing for variable weather (including a warm fleece or jacket for mornings and evenings), a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack. The company provides a porter to carry your main luggage, so you only carry essentials.

No. Accommodation is in guesthouses and a 3-star hotel, where bedding is provided. The hike takes place at relatively low elevations, so heavy down jackets are not necessary. A good warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings is sufficient.

Yes, if you need any gear (like a daypack or hiking shoes), you can easily rent or purchase it in the Thamel area of Kathmandu before the hike. The pre-trip briefing is a good time to ask your guide for recommendations.

In Chisapani, you'll stay at the "best available guesthouse" with full board meals. In Nagarkot, you'll stay at a 3-star category hotel, known for its comfort and excellent views of the Himalayas. Both offer a clean, comfortable place to rest. Accommodation in Kathmandu is not included.

Mobile phone service is generally available in the villages of Chisapani and Nagarkot, though it may be intermittent on the trail. Wi-Fi is typically available at the guesthouse and hotel for a small fee. This is a short, easy hike where connectivity is not a major issue.

Hot showers are available at both the guesthouse in Chisapani and the hotel in Nagarkot, usually included in the cost. Charging facilities for electronic devices are also available, though it's always a good idea to bring a power bank for convenience.

Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included during the two days of the hike (Day 1 and Day 2). You'll enjoy local Nepalese cuisine, including dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, momos, and other hearty meals at the guesthouse and hotel. Meals in Kathmandu are not included.

Bottled water is readily available for purchase at the guesthouse and along the trail. To reduce plastic waste, you can bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or a filter. Your guide can advise on safe water sources.

Yes, the guesthouses and hotels can cater to common dietary needs like vegetarian or vegan with advance notice. Be sure to inform the company during the booking or briefing process so they can make arrangements.

Yes, while the package is offered with scheduled group departure dates, you can request a private hike for yourself or your own group. This offers more flexibility in timing and a personalized experience. Contact the company to discuss your preferences.

This hike offers a unique combination of natural and cultural highlights in just 3 days. You get the lush forests and wildlife of Shivapuri National Park, the serene village of Chisapani, the spectacular sunrise and sunset over 8 Himalayan ranges (including Everest on a clear day) from Nagarkot, and the UNESCO-listed ancient temple of Changunarayan. It’s a compact, diverse experience.

Tipping is not included and is a way to show appreciation for good service. For a short 2-day hiking experience with a guide and porter, a common guideline is to budget around 10-15% of the trip cost to share between them. Your guide can advise you on local norms and how to distribute the tip fairly.