- difficulty
Moderate
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Trip Style
Group
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Start in
Kathmandu
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end in
Kathmandu
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max altitude
2,215 m/7,267 ft
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Accommodation
Tea House & Hotel
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Best Season
Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
Overview
Why Shivapuri to chisapani hike is the best
Shivapuri Chisapani hike is a spectacular short trek from Kathmandu that offers an ideal escape from urban life into the pristine wilderness of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Starting with a 30 to 45-minute drive to Dada Gaun, it is a refreshing trek through the dense forest of Shivapuri National Park. The trails wind through a forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees offering a picturesque experience.
Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the trek toward Chisapani is a steep uphill climb ideal for experienced hikers. Surrounded by a serene nature it offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Why the Shivapuri Chisapani Trek Deserves Your Attention
The Shivapuri Chisapani hike offers something increasingly rare, an authentic Himalayan trekking experience that doesn’t require weeks of vacation time or flights to remote airstrips. Located within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on Kathmandu Valley’s northeastern edge, this trek winds through dense rhododendron and oak forests, past traditional Tamang villages, to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa ranges.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker seeking a challenging day hike or a nature lover preferring a relaxed overnight journey, this trail through one of Nepal’s most accessible protected areas delivers genuine mountain experiences without the typical logistics of longer expeditions. Explore more hiking opportunities throughout Nepal to discover trails matching your adventure style.
What Makes This Trek Special
Shivapuri National Park: A Natural Sanctuary
The Shivapuri National Park encompasses 159 km² of protected wilderness, serving as one of Kathmandu’s primary water sources. This jungle walkers and bird watchers paradise features:
– Rich biodiversity: Home to wild boars, leopards, deer, monkeys, and numerous bird species including the Himalayan monal, kalij pheasant, and blood pheasant
– Dense rhododendron forests: Particularly stunning during spring (March-May) when flowers bloom
– Verdant forests teeming with diverse wildlife: Oak, pine, moss, and various grass species
– Peaceful escape from the city: Surrounded by serene nature and fresh mountain air
Breathtaking Mountain Views
Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa mountain ranges from Chisapani. On clear days, you can witness:
– Langtang range: Prominent and close-up views
– Ganesh Himal: Majestic peaks stretching across the horizon
– Dorje Lakpa: Distinctive pyramid-shaped summit
– Annapurna range: Visible on exceptionally clear days
– Mount Everest: Distant glimpses from certain vantage points
– Manaslu and Gaurishankar: Additional Himalayan giants
Cultural Immersion
The trails wind through charming villages, where Chisapani is a mixed settlement of Brahmins, Tamangs, Gurungs, and Sherpas. Experience:
- Traditional village life and local hospitality
- Buddhist culture and prayer flags fluttering in mountain breeze
- Ethnic Tamang villages along the route
- Authentic Nepali cuisine in family-run teahouses
Why Choose Tour Guide in Nepal for This Hike
• Local experts with deep trail knowledge
• Well-planned itineraries with flexible customization
• Focus on safety, nature, and authentic experiences
• Best value short treks around Kathmandu
• Trusted support from booking to trip completion
Trip highlights
• Moderately challenging trail, suitable for beginners with good fitness
• Walk through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests inside Shivapuri National Park
• Experience peaceful jungle trails rich in flora and wildlife
• Excellent route for bird watching and nature photography
• Enjoy physically rewarding terrain with gradual ascents and scenic ridgelines
• Stunning panoramic Himalayan views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa
• Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from Chisapani
• Perfect blend of adventure, nature, and Himalayan scenery
• Ideal short escape for nature lovers, jungle walkers, and first-time trekkers
itinerary
- day 1
Kathmandu to Chisapani via Sundarijal and Mulkharka
The Shivapuri to Chisapani hike is a full-day trek starting with an early morning drive to Sundarijal. The trail climbs steadily through stone steps, streams, and forest paths, with permit checks at the park entrance. After a challenging ascent through oak and rhododendron forests, hikers reach Mulkharka village for lunch and cultural interaction. The final forested stretch leads to Chisapani by late afternoon. Total trekking time is 6–7 hours, ending with sunset views, simple lodge stays, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere ideal for nature, fitness, and stress relief.
- day 2
Sunrise Views and Return to Kathmandu
The second day of the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike begins before dawn to witness sunrise over the Himalayan range, with golden light illuminating distant peaks. After breakfast and preparation, hikers start descending toward Sundarijal by mid-morning. The downhill walk takes 4–5 hours, offering new views of familiar forests while requiring careful footing on knees and joints. Reaching Sundarijal by early afternoon allows a smooth drive back to Kathmandu, concluding a refreshing two-day hiking experience close to the city yet deeply connected to nature.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
Make your own.Price Included
✅ Licensed, experienced local trekking guide
✅ Private transportation (Kathmandu–Dada Gaun / Sundarijal–Kathmandu as per itinerary)
✅ Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit
✅ Nagarkot & Changu Narayan entry permits (if itinerary includes Nagarkot)
✅ Accommodation in Chisapani (best available lodge)
✅ Accommodation in Nagarkot (Hotel View Point or similar, if overnight)
✅ All government taxes and service charges
✅ Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
✅ Trip briefing and route assistance
Price Excluded
❌ Meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast unless specified in package)
❌ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers)
❌ Travel insurance (mandatory for emergencies)
❌ Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
❌ Personal hiking gear (shoes, jackets, trekking poles, backpack)
❌ Rescue or evacuation costs
❌ Any services not mentioned in the “Included” section
FAQ
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How difficult is the Shivapuri Chisapani hike?
The trek is rated moderate to challenging. The day hike option (8-10 hours) is physically demanding with significant elevation gain. The overnight 2-day option is more manageable for most fitness levels, with 6-7 hours of hiking on day one.
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Is the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike is suitable for beginners with a good fitness level. While the trail includes steep uphill sections, it is well-marked and manageable, making it ideal for first-time trekkers seeking a short Himalayan hiking experience near Kathmandu.
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How long does the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike take?
The hike typically takes 5 to 6 hours from the starting point at Dada Gaun to reach Chisapani. Many hikers choose to stay overnight in Chisapani to enjoy sunset, sunrise, and panoramic mountain views.
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What mountains can be seen from Chisapani?
From Chisapani, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and on very clear days, distant peaks such as Manaslu, Gaurishankar, Annapurna, and even Mount Everest.
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Do I need a permit for the Shivapuri Chisapani hike?
Yes, hikers must obtain a Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit before starting the trek. No TIMS card is required, making it one of the easiest treks to organize near Kathmandu.
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What is the best time to do the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike?
The best time for the Shivapuri to Chisapani hike is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These seasons offer clear mountain views, pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and excellent conditions for bird watching and nature walks.
Review
Tom And Heide
18/09/2018
AMAZING NEPAL EXPERIENCE WITH Nepal Tour Guide Team
We had the privilege exploring KTM valley with Kumar. He has a way of showing you all facets of Nepal as nobody else will. Not only does he know his country like no other, he also has a special way of connecting you with his culture , people, customs and more like a real tour guide can only do. He is a humanitarian, a good spirit, with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold, someone who CARES about his country and people. You will love the way he guides you and shows you his country. Anything from local foods, to extensive history or just small talk about politics and social issues, Kumar is happy to discuss all. He showed us a side of Nepal, we would have never experienced with a larger bus group. He customized our program to our liking, the way we wanted it, patiently answered all of our questions always friendly , attentive and genuine. We can highly recommend Kumar as your private guide. I have traveled the world extensively (please see my other reviews on tripadvisor) and know the difference between ‘just a guide’ and a true tour director who LOVES his job and connecting with people from all walks of life. Kumar is great in what he does and his personality will make you like him the day you meet. We are still friends and should we return to Nepal, there is no doubt in our minds that we will see him again, not only as our guide but also to reunite with a great friend and human being.
Adam Szucs
01/01/1970
Memorable 4 Days With Tour Guide
My wife and I had the privilege to enjoy a 4 days long private tour with tourguideinnepal.com. Everything was spot on. We had a private driver and a private tour guide for the entire trip, both extremely polite. I can 100% recommend them to others also. I also found their pricing more than fair. Kumar runs the company, he was very helpful when we put together the custom itinerary. Our tour guide was Suvash, probably the most caring guy I’ve ever met. Thanks for the lifetime experience guys!
Aristofanes Cedeno
01/01/1970
One Week in Nepal With Tour Guide
I recently spent one week in Nepal and Tour Guide Team Trek provided an extraordinary service with an itinerary suited to my needs and interests, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, detailed cultural and historical explanations when visiting different sites in Kathmandu, and above all, a customer and people-oriented approach to all activities, meals, shopping, etc. Kumar Dahal was my tour guide and it was a pleasure for me to have him showing me his native Nepal. Kumar has excellent English speaking skills and he is willing to take the extra mile to help you have the best trip to this beautiful country. I recommend him and Nepal Tour Guide Team Trek wholeheartedly as the best agency to fulfill your expectations.
Brad Wegner
01/01/1970
Two Nights Was Awesome
I only had two nights in Kathmandu and primarily wanted to do a chopper flight around Everest as well as see as much of Kathmandu as possible. Kumar was amazing and looked after me like family. I did a lot of research and Kumar booked the Chopper flight for me and answered any and all questions I had leading up to it. The Everest day was truly one of the best and awe inspiring days of my life. Kumar also took us to all of the must see sights in Kathmandu. He listened to our needs as well as read our body language for what we required. You must have a guide in places like Kathmandu to understand the history and not miss anything and you won’t regret using Kumar – he is the best!!
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