From Chisapani to Nagarkot hike

As the starting point of this hike is Chisapani, which is about 19.6mi northeast of Kathmandu, you might like to hire a Jeep to get there (about $50 USD per Jeep). You can also hike 5-6 hours up to Chisapani from Sundarijal. If you choose this option, you’ll need to stay overnight in Chisapani and return to Nagarkot the next day.

Starting at Chisapani, head southeast on a steep downhill trail where you may encounter a variety of birds and flowers on this stage of the hike. After walking close to 1.8mi, you’ll reach a small body of water known as Nagamati Dhaap. This small lake is quite serene. Find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy a snack along the narrow path circling the lake.

The next section of the hike is quite demanding with an elevation gain of 1690ft and a loss of 1237ft. The trail opens into a dense forest of the National Park after passing Nagamati Dhaap. Take occasional breaks and keep hydrating your body. Beware of leeches in this section as the lack of sun creates a leech-friendly environment. The trail is straightforward, so keep at it for 4.7mi until you reach the highest point of this hike, known as Jhule View Point (7306ft). Break for lunch and refreshments at Jhule village.

You still have 7.5mi left to complete, but the remaining section is not as demanding as the previous segment. After leaving Jhule, walk for 1640ft until you reach a fork in the trail. You’ll see a long stretch on your right that spans as far as the eyes can see. Avoid the right and stick to the main trail. Descend down about 1640ft, covering almost 2.3mi. Eventually, you’ll reach a small settlement, Lapsephedi. At the end of Lapsephedi village, you reach another fork in the trail. Take the left to stay on the main hiking trail and follow the narrow and flat path through numerous villages. Walking for another 1.4mi will take you to another village, Jarsing Pauwa. Jarsing Pauwa has a small school, a bus stand, and a significant number of houses and restaurants. If the weather is clear, enjoy the mountain panoramas and views of the valley.

From Jarsing Pauwa Bus Stand, avoid the main roads and head south along the single track—which looks like an off-the-beaten path. This trail also offers stunning views of lush green terraced fields. After walking on this trail for 2.3mi, you reach Kartike Bhanjyang, and from here the beautiful hills of Nagarkot will come into view. You can take a rest here and have some tea and snacks while enjoying the amazing view. Additionally, you can also take in the sweeping mountain panoramas from Kartike. There is a small junction at Kartike Bhanjyang from where, if you divert from the trail and take a right, you’ll reach Sankhu, the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. Keep on following the trail and ascend a steep path. This is the final section of the trail, and it is about a 984ft climb to Nagarkot from Kartike Bhanjyang. Alternatively, pick up the Nagarkot Eco-Trail after walking for 2461ft from Kartike Bhanjyang.

You know you’re in Nagarkot when you start to see concrete buildings and large settlements. Reward yourself for having completed a challenging hike. Either choose to stay at one of the many lodges at Nagarkot or opt to return to Kathmandu by bus.