Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel Hike
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsSix days trekking from Kathmandu through Shivapuri National Park to Nagarkot at 2,195m, then across to Dhulikhel with three UNESCO sites on the return.
Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel Hike: What to Expect
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:
- Sundarijal waterfall and reservoir at the base of Shivapuri National Park, a sacred Hindu bathing site
- Three days of forest trekking through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park with rhesus macaques, spotted deer, and Himalayan birds
- Chisapani ridge at 2,215m with wide Himalayan views on clear evenings
- Nagarkot hill station at 2,195m for sunrise over the full Himalayan arc from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga, with
- Everest identifiable to the east
- Ridgeline traverse with open mountain views between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel
- Dhulikhel old town, a traditional Newar hilltop settlement at 1,550m with medieval temple squares and mountain views
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square on the return, a former royal courtyard with Newari architecture intact since the 15th century
- Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia at 36 metres high
- Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
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.
Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani
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.
Trek to Nagarkot
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.
Nagarkot Sunrise and Trek to Dhulikhel
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.
Drive to Kathmandu with Heritage Sightseeing
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.
Final Departure
Breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide sees you off at departures.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
-
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure Return pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
-
5 nights accommodation with daily breakfast 2 nights 3-star hotel in Thamel, 1 night guesthouse at Chisapani, 1 night 3-star hotel at Nagarkot, 1 night 3-star hotel at Dhulikhel
-
All meals during the 3-day trek Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at guesthouses on Days 2, 3, and 4
-
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 5 Traditional Nepali dinner with cultural performance
-
Private vehicle for all road transfers Kathmandu to Sundarijal, Dhulikhel to Kathmandu, and all sightseeing on Day 5
-
Government-licensed English-speaking guide throughout all 6 days Licensed by Nepal Tourism Board, present for the full trek and all sightseeing
-
Porter for the trek One porter per two travellers, 20kg load limit per porter
-
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entrance permit Arranged by MountainKick before the trek begins
-
TIMS card Trekkers Information Management System card arranged by MountainKick
-
All 3 UNESCO World Heritage Site entrance fees on Day 5 Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple
-
Down jacket and sleeping bag for use during the trek Provided for the duration of the trek, returned on completion
-
Souvenir duffel bag Provided on arrival in Kathmandu
-
All government taxes and official expenses
-
International flights
-
Nepal visa fee USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, payable on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
-
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu on Days 1 and 6 Budget $8 to $15 per person per meal in Thamel
-
Personal travel insurance Required. Policy should cover trekking to 2,215m and emergency helicopter evacuation
-
Tips for guide and porter Entirely at your discretion
-
Personal expenses Souvenirs, additional meals, drinks, phone calls, laundry
-
Single room supplement Available on request at city and town hotels. Chisapani guesthouse may not have single rooms
-
Hot drinks and snacks on the trail Available at teahouses at your own expense
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
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 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A lovely escape from Kathmandu”
As a couple, we really enjoyed this short hike, a nice way to get out of the city and spend time walking through villages and countryside around Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. The views were beautiful and the whole trip felt relaxed. MountainKick organized everything well and our guide was excellent.
“Beautiful villages and mountain views”
Our group of four had a wonderful time on this hike. We enjoyed the quieter trails, local villages, and the scenery around Nagarkot, especially early in the morning, a nice mix of walking and cultural experience without being too demanding. The MountainKick team were friendly and made everything very easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and why does the trek pass through it?
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.
How difficult is the trek?
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.
Will I see wildlife in Shivapuri National Park?
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.
Will I see Everest from Nagarkot?
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.
What is Dhulikhel and is it worth the extra day?
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.
Are all meals included on this trip?
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.
What is the best time to do this trek?
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.
What permits are required?
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.
How is this different from the Kathmandu Nagarkot Hike?
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.
What accommodation is like on the trek?
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.
Can I customise the itinerary?
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.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
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.
"*" indicates required fields
-
1
20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
-
2
80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Documents
ⓘ Bring USD cash for the visa fee. Cards are not accepted at the visa on arrival counter at Tribhuvan Airport.
Clothing
ⓘ Temples on Day 5 require covered shoulders and knees. For the trek wear moisture-wicking layers and broken-in boots. Long trousers protect against leeches in the forest section between Sundarijal and Chisapani.
Personal Items
ⓘ Sunscreen and lip balm are available in Thamel. Your guide checks your kit on Day 1 evening and can arrange rental of trekking poles or any missing items in Thamel before the trek starts on Day 2.
Electronics
ⓘ Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plug sockets. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Money
ⓘ ATMs are reliable in Kathmandu. Withdraw sufficient cash before the trek starts on Day 2. There are no ATMs between Sundarijal and Dhulikhel. Budget extra for hot drinks and snacks on the trail which are at your own expense.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon months from June to September are not recommended for this trek. The Shivapuri forest trails become muddy and leech-heavy between Sundarijal and Chisapani. Nagarkot views are frequently lost for days at a time. The ridgeline between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel becomes slippery in heavy rain. If you travel in this window bring leech socks and waterproof gaiters and expect limited mountain views.
Leave at home
-
Large wheeled suitcase You move between a city hotel, a forest guesthouse, and hill station hotels across 6 days. A duffel or soft bag is much easier throughout
-
Sleeping bag All accommodation aA sleeping bag is provided by MountainKick for the trek. No need to bring your ownincludes beds with bedding. Not required
-
Hiking poles Trekking poles are recommended on this trip for the Day 2 climb and Day 4 descent. Can be rented in Thamel if needed
-
Cotton clothing for trek days Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly. Wear moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool on the trail
-
Heavy non-waterproof boots Too heavy and stiff for the Panchase trail. A lightweight hiking boot with ankle support is sufficient
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.
Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel Hike
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
Tales from the Himalayas
Essentials Family Trekking in Nepal: Best Treks for Kids, Ages and Tips
The best treks in Nepal for families with kids, which ages suit which routes, altitude and safety, and how we…
Everest Region EBC Trek in March: Weather, Snow, Crowds and What to Expect
March brings clear mountain views and quieter trails to the Everest Base Camp trek, but nights stay very cold up…
Annapurna Region Tilicho Lake Trek: Altitude, Route, Difficulty and Best Time
One of the highest lakes of its size in the world, three days off the Annapurna Circuit. Here’s how to…