3 Days Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley | Short Trek

Trip Summary

Trip Duration3 Days
Difficulty Level Easy

Highlights

Scenic ridge trek connecting Chisapani, Nagarkot & Dhulikhel
Breathtaking Nagarkot Sunrise View over the Himalayas
Guided walk through Shivapuri National Park
Traditional Tamang and Newar villages with authentic cultural experiences
Views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal & Mount Everest (weather permitting)
Visit the sacred monastery at Namobuddha (optional extension)
Comfortable guesthouses and hotels along the trail
Suitable for beginners and all age groups
Flexible itinerary with upgrade options

3 Days Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley is the ideal short trek in Nepal for travelers who want authentic Himalayan scenery, traditional villages, and peaceful hill landscapes—without venturing far from Kathmandu. This scenic Kathmandu Valley Trekking experience connects the popular ridge-line trails of Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel, offering panoramic mountain views, charming rural life, and unforgettable sunrise moments.

This trek is perfect for beginners, families, photographers, and travelers with limited time. Within just three days, you will walk through the pristine forests of Shivapuri National Park, explore hillside settlements, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan panoramas including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest on clear days.

If you are searching for the best Hiking Near Kathmandu that combines nature, culture, and comfort, this is your perfect getaway.

Why Choose This Kathmandu Valley Trekking Experience?

Nepal is famous for high-altitude adventures like Everest and Annapurna. However, not every traveler has weeks to spare or the desire to trek at extreme elevations. This Chisapani Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek provides a rewarding Himalayan experience at moderate altitudes (below 2,400 meters), making it safe, accessible, and enjoyable year-round.

You will trek through forested trails, terraced farmlands, and quiet hill villages. Unlike remote mountain treks, this journey combines natural beauty with comfortable accommodation and easy road access if required.

This is truly the best Short Trek in Nepal for those who want maximum experience within minimal time.

Itinerary

After breakfast, we’ll leave our hotel in Kathmandu for Sundarijal. The time will be around 7:00 AM when we head out. It will be a drive of 1 hour to Sundarijal, the beginning point of the hike.

Upon reaching Sundarijal, we will enter the woods of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. As we begin to do steep walks in the park, we will come across a wide range of vegetation. We will also pass the source of the Bagmati River, a holy river that winds through the valley. It is also a good place for bird lovers.

The walk will get slowly a bit steep. But we will take it slow by enjoying the greenery. In the process, we will cross several villages after the national park. Mulkharka village is one of them. By walking around 6 hours through sheer nature, we will reach Chisapani. The place will greet us with a fantastic panorama. Overnight in Chisapani.

Chisapani(2,175m) is one of the best view stations near Kathmandu. So we cannot miss a sunrise view from the place. We will wake up early and find a good spot for the fantastic sight. Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and other peaks are visible from the place.

After the beautiful sunrise and mountain view, we will come to our hotel for breakfast. Then, we will move toward Nagarkot, our next destination. The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike is around 6-7 hours long. In this stretch, we will come across many forests, terraced fields, local hamlets, and more. We will also catch amazing views of the dotted valley and the Himalayas. We will take a lunch break at Chauki Bhanjyang, the midpoint of today’s walk.

Upon arriving in Nagarkot, another famous hill station, we will have a good evening panoramic view. We will reach the view tower of the place to watch a mesmerizing sunset. Overnight in Nagarkot.

We should not miss Nagarkot’s sunrise view either. Thus, we will leave our bed early today as well. Nagarkot is a vantage point to watch eight different Himalayan Ranges. If looked carefully, we can even see Mt Everest from here. A sunrise view amid a majestic mountain panorama will make our morning memorable.

Following the sunrise, we’ll take breakfast and leave for Changunaryan. We will use a car drive this time as our walking part finishes here. Changunarayan is just in the foothills of Nagarkot. So we will quickly drop by the UNESCO heritage site, Changunaryan Temple.

The temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. We will spend some exploration time around the area. We will return to Kathmandu, our hotel, when we unfold all the places. It will be a quick drive. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Essential Information

Accommodation During the Trek

Chisapani: Best available local guesthouse (simple and authentic)

Nagarkot: 3-star category hotel (upgrade available to 4 or 5-star)

Dhulikhel: Quality hotel options if extending overnight

Accommodation upgrades are available upon request.

Best Time for 3 Days Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley

This trek is possible throughout the year.

Spring (March–May):
Blooming rhododendrons, clear mountain views, warm temperatures.

Autumn (September–November):
Best visibility, stable weather, excellent photography conditions.

Winter (December–February):
Cool mornings and evenings but clear skies. No heavy snow on the trail.

Monsoon (June–August):
Green landscapes but occasional rain and slippery sections.

Because this is a moderate-altitude trek, it remains accessible even in winter.

What to Pack

Spring & Autumn:

Light hiking clothes (2 sets)

Comfortable walking shoes

Light jacket (morning & evening)

Sunglasses & cap

Daypack

Sunscreen & moisturizer

Reusable water bottle

Winter (Dec–Feb):

Warm jacket & thermal layers

Gloves & warm cap

Windproof jacket

Warm hiking trousers

Packing light is recommended, as this is a short and moderate trek.

Optional Add-On Destinations

Enhance your journey with cultural sightseeing on the return drive:

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue – One of the tallest Shiva statues in the world

Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Ancient royal palace complex

Pashupatinath Temple – Sacred Hindu pilgrimage site

Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 3 Days Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley suitable for beginners?

Yes. This is an easy to moderate trek with no high-altitude risk, making it perfect for beginners and families.

2. Can I see Mount Everest from Nagarkot?

On clear days, a distant view of Mount Everest is visible from Nagarkot.

3. Do I need a trekking permit?

Yes, entry into Shivapuri National Park requires a permit, which we arrange.

4. What is the maximum altitude of the trek?

The highest point is Chisapani at 2,350 meters.

5. Can this trek be extended?

Yes. You can extend to Namobuddha, Balthali, or Panauti for a 4–5 day experience.

Book Your Kathmandu Valley Trekking Adventure

Whether you are visiting Nepal for a short holiday or looking to acclimatize before a bigger expedition, 3 Days Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley is the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking.

Our experienced team ensures safe, comfortable, and culturally enriching journeys. We customize the itinerary based on your time, fitness level, and accommodation preference.

Contact us today to plan your unforgettable Chisapani Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek and experience the best Hiking Near Kathmandu.

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Kalpana Neupane

Need assistance?Mrs. Kalpana Neupane (Travel Consultant)

Call: +977 9851199586 or WhatsApp Chat: +977 9851199586