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Group Size2
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RegionKathmandu Valley
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GeographyMountain/ Villages/Forest
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DifficultyEasy
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Max Altitude2140 m
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AccommodationHotel/ Lodge/Guesthouse
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TransportationHotel/ Lodge/Guesthouse
The Kathmandu-Chisapani trek is a popular hiking route in Nepal, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the people living in the rural areas of the country. The trek typically takes 3-5 days to complete and covers a distance of about 40 kilometers.
Have a short period of time but want to spend your holidays in the best way possible? Why not visit one of the most beautiful places on earth, hidden in the Himalayan foothills in a serene valley called Kathmandu and spend your time with adventure,. visiting old towns, observing local festivals, and simply hiking through forests and rolling hills on the periphery of Kathmandu. Just to remind you, Kathmandu also happens to be the capital of Nepal where one can find arts and crafts unmatched anywhere in the world.
Kathmandu, sitting at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level, is one of those places with the most pleasant weather. So, one does not need to worry much about being uncomfortable, with just a few packing tips. If a visitor happens to land here in winter, you might want to slip on some extra clothing like a jacket, a sweater, or a coat to keep you warm. What about summer? Nothing to worry here too! Just throw in a pair of shorts or a light pair of pajamas to make your trip a little cool, literally.
A pair of slippers or a snicker shoes will get you going when visiting old temples or other historical sites. But if you are planning for a hike or a short trek like this one, a sturdy pair of sports shoes or a trekking boot can go a long way.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic views: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, including the Langtang range, as well as the surrounding valleys and forests.
- Shivapuri National Park: The trek passes through the Shivapuri National Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
- Local culture: The trek takes you through several small villages where you can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the people living in the rural areas of Nepal.
- Chisapani: Chisapani is a beautiful hill station located at an altitude of 2,194 meters. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and the Kathmandu valley.
- Sunrise and sunset: The trek offers the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayan mountains, which is a memorable experience for many hikers.
- Waterfalls and streams: The trail passes through several waterfalls and streams, which offer a refreshing break from the hiking and a chance to cool off.
- Adventure and challenge: The trek is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginner hikers, but it still offers some challenges and adventures, such as crossing suspension bridges and hiking uphill.
- World Heritage Sites: The trek not only lets you the adventure of walking but you will also get to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Pashupatinath, BPidhantah and Swayambhunath
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Sightseeing (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath)
Day 02: Drive to Sundarijal and Hiking to Chisapani 5-6 hours
Day 03: Hiking to Sankhu/Lapsephedi and Drive to Kathmandu
Kathmandu-Chisapani Trek Itinerary
Nothing is complete until you visit the old city itself. The whole of the day is dedicated for sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley alone. Visiting the world famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites are something you would not like to miss. You will start with Pashupatinath, in the morning, which is a pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous among both Nepalese and Indians, and other Hindus all over the world. Then you will proceed to other two sites in the afternoon which are both Buddhist stupas—Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. These sites again are very famous among Buddhists and Hindus alike. Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is a famous Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. It is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest places in Nepal. Visitors can witness cremation ceremonies on the banks of the river and explore the temple's intricate architecture. Boudhanath: Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Visitors can explore the colorful prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, and shops selling Buddhist artifacts around the stupa. Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a famous Buddhist temple located on a hilltop in Kathmandu. It is known for its stunning views of the city and its unique architecture, including a large stupa and numerous shrines and temples. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of the hill and explore the complex while interacting with the friendly monkeys that live there.
The real adventure starts on this day as this is what you have really come for. You will be driving for an hour to Sundarijal which is located about 15 kilometeres northeast part of Kathmandu and stands at 1305 meters. Once you reach Sundarijal, you will start the trek to Chisapani. The trail starts with a steep climb through the Shivapuri National Park, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. You will pass through dense forests and several small streams on the way.Be prepared to sweat as you will be simply heading north taking twists and turns, and ups and downs (mostly up of course) for five to six hours on foot trails through the forests and hills. You will be provided with lunch and tea over the course of the journey. At the end of the trek and after reaching Chisapani (2140 meters), you will be able to witness the skyline graced with the panorama of Ganesh Himal Range and Langtang Himal Range. Overnight Stay at Chisapani.
In the morning, you will be able to relish the majesty of the first rays of sun fall upon the beautifully spread Himalayan panorama. After breakfast, you leave Chisapani and head back to Kathmandu. You take a different route for the return. You will head to Sankhu/Lapsephedi (altitude 1532 meters) from Chisapani which is in the eastward direction. Upon reaching Sankhu/Lapsephedi after several hours of rigorous hiking, you will drive back to Kathmandu, which will take a little over an hour. Overnight Stay at Kathmandu
Kathmandu-Chisapani Trek Included
- All necessary trekking permits and entry fees
- Accomodation during the trek
- Experienced guide for your choice of language
- Porters to carry your luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Necessary trekking equipment (sleeping bags,Trekking poles, camp ( if u wish to stay in camp) etc.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder
- Government taxes and service charges
Kathmandu-Chisapani Trek Excluded
- International airfare and travel insurance
- Nepal visa fees
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any extra activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
General Packaging List for Kathmandu- Chisapani Hike
Clothing:
- Lightweight trekking pants and shorts
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Insulated jacket or down jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Socks (wool or synthetic)
Gear:
- Daypack
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
Other:
- Passport and necessary travel documents
- Cash and credit/debit cards
- Camera or phone for taking pictures
- Travel adapter and charger
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
It’s important to pack light and only bring essential items as you will be carrying your own backpack during the trek. Also, remember to dress in layers as the temperature can vary during the day and night. Lastly, make sure to check the weather forecast before packing and adjust your clothing accordingly.
Kathmandu-Chisapani Trek FAQ's
Yes, absolutely Nepal is safe for visit. Cities, villages, and trails are safe. However, you should take the normal precautions with wallets and cameras and be more cautious at night.
Well, it depends on how you want to be accommodated. We have different categories of hotels in Kathmandu and Chisapani. So, it’s up to you. By default, you’ll be accommodated at three-star hotels for the entire trip. You’ll have all the facilities like hot and cold-water, attached bathrooms, dining rooms, bar, internet facilities, etc. However, you can upgrade or downgrade your accommodation standard.
You’ll be spending your overnights Kathmandu and Chisapani. You’ll have your meals in these two locations where you can find the restaurants for all kind of foods.
Well, it depends on the size of your group. We can use cars, minibus, van, land cruiser for traveling. We prefer small light vehicles which are flexible to drive through the narrow roads of Nepal.
The best time to take this trip is from March to May and September to December. The weather is pleasant, and you’ll have no troubles regarding weather. But January to February is also an option to take this trip if you want to avoid the crowd.
The Kathmandu-Chisapani trek is a moderate trek suitable for people with a good level of fitness. The trail includes some uphill and downhill sections, but it is not very steep. If you are new to trekking, it's a good idea to do some training and exercise before the trek to build your stamina.
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Group Size2
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RegionKathmandu Valley
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GeographyMountain/ Villages/Forest
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DifficultyEasy
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Max Altitude2140 m
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AccommodationHotel/ Lodge/Guesthouse
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TransportationHotel/ Lodge/Guesthouse