Six days trekking from Kathmandu through Shivapuri National Park to Nagarkot at 2,195m, then across to Dhulikhel with three UNESCO sites on the return.
Full Himalayan panorama from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga with Everest visible on clear mornings
Three days trekking through subtropical forest with monkeys, deer, and leopards in the hills above Kathmandu
Traditional Newar hilltop town at 1,550m with mountain views and medieval temple squares
Bhaktapur, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath covered by private vehicle and licensed guide on Day 5
This is a 6-day private trip combining three days of forest trekking with a Kathmandu Valley cultural day. The trek starts at Sundarijal, 15km northeast of Kathmandu, and enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park through the lower gate. From there you climb through subtropical forest to Chisapani at 2,215m on Day 2, continue along the ridgeline to Nagarkot at 2,195m on Day 3, then descend and traverse to Dhulikhel at 1,550m on Day 4. The return to Kathmandu on Day 5 passes through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple by private vehicle with a licensed guide. The trek covers approximately 35km over three days through one of the most accessible national parks in Nepal.
The trek is moderate. The first day is the hardest with a sustained uphill climb through forest from Sundarijal to Chisapani gaining around 1,200m of elevation in 5 hours. Days 3 and 4 are ridge walks with more gentle undulations. You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 6 hours on consecutive days on forest trails with a daypack. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not essential. Your porter carries the main bag throughout. The Shivapuri forest section is known for rhesus macaques, spotted deer, and the occasional leopard track, though the animals are shy and sightings vary.
MountainKick runs this as a fully private trip with a government-licensed guide throughout all 6 days. All meals on trek days are included at the guesthouses. A Shivapuri National Park permit and TIMS card are arranged before departure. Kumar and the team know the Shivapuri trails well and know which guesthouses along the route serve the best food and have the warmest rooms in winter.
What you will see and do:
For travellers who want a shorter version of this route, the Kathmandu Nagarkot Hike covers the first section in 5 days without the Dhulikhel extension. For a longer Kathmandu Valley hiking circuit, the Kathmandu Nagarkot Dhulikhel Panauti Hike adds a fourth hiking day to the medieval town of Panauti.
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and prepare your kit for the trek. Your guide runs through the route, guesthouse conditions, and what to expect in Shivapuri National Park in the evening.
Private vehicle to Sundarijal, 15km northeast of Kathmandu. The trek begins at the national park gate and climbs steadily through subtropical forest for 5 hours to Chisapani at 2,215m. The forest section passes rivulets, tea stops, and occasional wildlife including rhesus macaques and spotted deer. Chisapani has wide Himalayan views on clear evenings.
A long ridge walk from Chisapani to Nagarkot through forest and open hillside with the Himalayas in the backdrop. The trail passes through Jhule and Chauki Bhanjyang where you stop for lunch. The final section into Nagarkot opens up with wide valley views on both sides of the ridge. Arrive in the afternoon with time to rest before the sunrise tomorrow.
Wake before dawn for the Nagarkot sunrise. On a clear morning the full Himalayan arc stretches from Annapurna in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east with Everest identifiable to the northeast. After breakfast the trail descends and traverses through terraced farmland and the village of Nala before reaching Dhulikhel, a traditional Newar hilltop town at 1,550m with medieval temple squares and mountain views.
Private vehicle back to Kathmandu stopping at three UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the way. Bhaktapur Durbar Square with Newari architecture intact since the 15th century, then Boudhanath Stupa in the afternoon, and Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River. Your guide covers all three sites with full historical and religious context. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu in the evening.
Breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide sees you off at departures.
Kathmandu nights are at a 3-star hotel in Thamel with private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi. The location is practical for the airport transfer on arrival and the Sundarijal departure on Day 2.
Chisapani is one night at a standard guesthouse at 2,215m. Rooms are simple twin sharing with basic facilities. Hot showers may be available depending on the season. This is teahouse-style accommodation and the right expectation to set: clean, functional, and with a wood fire in the common room in winter. The mountain views from the guesthouse terrace in the evening are the real draw.
Nagarkot is one night at a 3-star hill station hotel at 2,195m with heating and private bathrooms. The hotel is chosen for its Himalayan sunrise views. A luxury mountain resort upgrade is available on request.Dhulikhel is one night at a 3-star hotel in the old town area with views of the Himalayan range.
Dhulikhel has some of the best mid-range accommodation in the Kathmandu Valley foothills and the hotel quality here is notably better than Chisapani.
Single supplement is available on request at all hotels. The Chisapani guesthouse cannot always guarantee single occupancy.
Breakfast is included at all hotels and the guesthouse throughout the trip. All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on the three trek days at the guesthouses in Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel. The farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 5 is also included.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu on Days 1 and 6 are at your own expense. Thamel has restaurants covering every cuisine and budget at $8 to $15 per person for dinner.
Guesthouse food on the trek is simple and filling. Dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, and pasta are the staples at all three stops. Chisapani has a smaller menu than Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. Hot drinks including tea, coffee, and hot lemon are available at all guesthouses and on the trail at teahouses, at your own expense.
| Dinner in Kathmandu, Thamel | $8 to $15 per person |
| Hot drinks on the trail | $1 to $2 per cup |
| Snacks at trail teahouses | $1 to $3 per item |
| Bottled water in Kathmandu | $0.50 to $1 per bottle |
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Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a protected forest reserve on the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, starting just 15km from the city centre. It covers 159 square kilometres of subtropical and temperate forest and is home to rhesus macaques, spotted deer, leopards, and over 300 bird species. The trek enters through the Sundarijal gate and climbs through the park to Chisapani on Day 2. It is one of the most accessible national parks in Nepal and gives this route a genuinely different character from most Kathmandu Valley hikes.
The trek is moderate. The hardest section is the Day 2 climb from Sundarijal to Chisapani, a sustained uphill through forest gaining around 1,200m of elevation over 5 hours. Days 3 and 4 are ridge walks with more gentle undulations and some descent. You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours on consecutive days on forest trails with a daypack. Prior trekking experience helps but is not essential. Your licensed guide sets the pace and the porter carries the main bag.
Rhesus macaques are common along the lower forest section between Sundarijal and Chisapani and you will almost certainly see them. Spotted deer are present and sightings are reasonably frequent. Leopards live in the park but are shy and rarely seen. Over 300 bird species have been recorded including the spiny babbler, Nepal’s only endemic bird species. Your guide knows the trail well and will point out wildlife signs along the way.
Everest is visible from Nagarkot on clear mornings. October and November give the sharpest visibility after the monsoon clears. March and April are also reliable. The full Himalayan arc from Annapurna in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east is visible on the clearest days with Everest identifiable in the central eastern section of the range. Cloud cover is common in the afternoons which is why the sunrise timing matters. Your guide will advise on conditions based on the season.
Dhulikhel is a traditional Newar hilltop town at 1,550m on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, around 30km from the capital. The old town has medieval temple squares, carved wooden facades, and some of the best Himalayan ridge views in the valley. It is worth the extra day. The accommodation quality in Dhulikhel is notably better than Chisapani and the town itself rewards a slow evening walk before the return to Kathmandu. Travellers who want to extend further can add Panauti as a fourth hiking day.
All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on the three trek days at the guesthouses in Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel. Breakfast is included at the Kathmandu hotel on Days 1 and 6. The farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 5 is also included. The only meals at your own expense are lunch and dinner in Kathmandu on Days 1 and 6. Budget $8 to $15 per person for dinner in Thamel.
October and November are the best months. The monsoon has cleared, Nagarkot views are at their sharpest, and the Shivapuri forest trails are dry and clear. March and April are a close second with comfortable temperatures and the rhododendron forest in bloom. December and January are cold at altitude but clear and quiet with very few other trekkers on the trail. June to September is monsoon season. The Shivapuri trails become muddy and leech-heavy and Nagarkot views are frequently lost. This trek is not recommended during monsoon months.
Two permits are required: the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entrance permit and the TIMS card. MountainKick arranges both before your arrival. You need to provide your passport details and one passport-size photo. The UNESCO site entrance fees on Day 5 are also included in the tour price.
The Kathmandu Nagarkot Hike is 5 days and covers the Sundarijal to Nagarkot section without the Dhulikhel extension. This 6-day trip adds the Day 4 ridgeline traverse to Dhulikhel, giving you an extra hiking day and a overnight in one of the most characterful towns in the Kathmandu Valley foothills. If you have the extra day, the Dhulikhel addition is worth it. For travellers who want to extend further, the Kathmandu Nagarkot Dhulikhel Panauti Hike adds a fourth hiking day to the medieval town of Panauti.
Chisapani is a standard guesthouse at 2,215m with basic twin sharing rooms and simple facilities. Hot showers may be available depending on the season. Nagarkot is a 3-star hotel with heating and private bathrooms. Dhulikhel is a 3-star hotel in the old town with Himalayan views. All meals are included at all three stops. A down jacket and sleeping bag are provided by MountainKick for the trek so you do not need to bring your own.
Yes. Common adjustments include adding a Kathmandu heritage day before the trek, extending to Panauti, or upgrading accommodation at Nagarkot to a luxury mountain resort. Kumar replies personally within a few hours and is happy to adjust the itinerary around your schedule and fitness level.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | 1 | Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry |
| Passport photos | 2 | Required for Nepal visa on arrival. Digital submission is also accepted |
| Nepal visa fee cash | 1 | USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days |
| Travel insurance documents | 1 | Must cover trekking to 2,215m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard policies often exclude trekking so check carefully |
| Emergency contact list | 1 | Share a copy with someone at home |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Broken-in hiking boots | 1 pair | Essential for the Day 2 climb from Sundarijal to Chisapani. Do not bring new boots. The 5-hour uphill through forest will cause blisters on unbroken footwear |
| Trekking pants | 2 pairs | Lightweight quick-dry material. Long trousers recommended for the forest section to protect against leeches in wet conditions |
| Warm hat and gloves | 1 each | Essential for the pre-dawn Nagarkot sunrise at 2,195m |
| Moisture-wicking base layers | 2 to 3 | Long and short sleeve. Essential for trek days and summit climb |
| Comfortable walking clothes | 3 to 4 days worth | Lightweight and breathable. Kathmandu and Pokhara are warm most of the year |
| Modest temple clothing | 1 outfit | Covered shoulders and knees required at Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur on Day 5 |
| Light fleece or jacket | 1 | Pokhara mornings can be cool between November and February |
| Rain jacket | 1 | Useful Oct to May for afternoon showers. Essential if travelling Mar to May |
| Walking shoes | 1 pair | For city and heritage site days only |
| Sandals or slip-ons | 1 pair | You remove shoes frequently at temples. Easy on and off saves time |
| Warm layer for evenings | 1 | Kathmandu evenings drop noticeably in December and January |
| Leech socks or gaiters | 1 | Recommended if trekking between June and September. The Shivapuri forest section has leeches in wet conditions. Less relevant in dry season |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher | 1 | Especially important at the Nagarkot sunrise viewpoint and on open ridgeline sections between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel |
| Personal medications | Full supply | Bring more than you need. Specific brands can be hard to find outside Kathmandu |
| Hand sanitiser | 1 | Useful at busy temple sites |
| Reusable water bottle | 1 | Filtered water is available at both hotels. Reduces plastic waste on the road |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Dry mountain air on the trek dehydrates lips quickly |
| Trekking poles | 1 | Highly recommended for the sustained Day 2 uphill from Sundarijal and the descent sections on Day 4. Can be rented in Thamel |
| Small day bag or backpack | 1 | Your porter carries the main bag on trek days. Keep essentials in your daypack |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phone and charger | 1 | A local SIM card gives you data from Day 1. We help you get one in Kathmandu |
| Camera | 1 | Nagarkot sunrise panorama and the Shivapuri forest section both reward a proper camera. A zoom lens is useful for identifying distant peaks at Nagarkot |
| Universal power adapter | 1 | Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets |
| Power bank | 1 | Useful on guesthouse days where electricity can be intermittent. Charge devices at every opportunity |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | Essential for the pre-dawn Nagarkot sunrise walk on Day 4. Do not rely on your phone torch |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| USD cash | Enough for visa plus backup | USD is the most useful foreign currency in Nepal for tips, optional activities, and emergencies |
| Nepali rupees | Day to day spending | Withdraw sufficient cash before leaving Kathmandu on Day 2. There are no ATMs between Sundarijal and Dhulikhel. Guesthouses on the trail are cash only |
| Credit or debit card | 1 to 2 | Visa and Mastercard accepted at most Thamel and lakeside restaurants and shops |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Thermal base layer top and bottom | Kathmandu mornings drop to 2 to 5 degrees in January. Chisapani at 2,215m is significantly colder at night |
| Warm hat and gloves | Essential for the pre-dawn Nagarkot sunrise in winter. Temperatures at 2,195m before dawn in December and January drop close to zero |
| Heavy fleece or down jacket | Layering works better than one thick coat for moving between cold mornings and warm afternoons |
| Warm socks | Important for cold guesthouse floors at Chisapani in winter |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rain jacket | Daily afternoon rain is near certain in both cities. A good jacket matters more than an umbrella |
| Quick-dry clothing | Humidity is high and clothes take longer to dry between days |
| Waterproof bag cover or dry bags | Protects your camera and electronics during sudden downpours |
| Umbrella | Less useful on the forest trail than a good rain jacket. More useful in Kathmandu on Day 5 |
| Leech socks or gaiters | The Shivapuri forest section between Sundarijal and Chisapani has heavy leech activity from June to September. Leech socks are the most effective protection |
A down jacket and sleeping bag are provided by MountainKick for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles and hiking boots can be rented in Thamel if needed. Your guide checks your full kit on Day 1 evening and arranges rental of any missing items before the trek starts on Day 2.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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