3 Days Kathmandu Valley trek

Trek Distance: 14 km

Trekking Hours: 6.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 950 meters (from 1,400m to 2,350m)

On Day 1 of the The Kathmandu Valley trek, we take travelers from Kathmandu to Sundarijal village at the foot of Shivapuri National Park in a 40-60 minutes’ drive. 

This 40-minute drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal offers you magnificent sights of rural Nepal’s terraced fields and small villages alongside scenic rivers emerging as you further away from Kathmandu’s active and loud city lifestyle. The trek begins at 1,400 meters level after reaching Sundarijal. 

The trek begins at 1,400 meters level after reaching Sundarijal. From here, our journey proceeds into Shivapuri National Park where the thought of possibly getting to witness red panda in wildlife excites us.

A gradual ascent through pine and oak trees covers the beginning of this hiking route which is easy for most hikers. When you penetrate further into the park you are enveloped by the sound of nature, birds fluttering high above the shy wildlife stir the leaves. 

The path reveals multiple species like the Himalayan monal and the red-billed leiothrix. Walking along the forest path gives Nepalese trekking enthusiasts a tranquil natural walking away from the urban areas.

The planned elevation gain starting from Sundarijal at 1,400 meters and ending at 2,350 meters in Chisapani, provides one’s body sufficient time for body adjustment without plunging into undue fatigue. 

The path has both gentle grades and moderate slopes that are balanced by the rewarding sights you will encounter during the ascent. Reaching Chisapani, you will enjoy breathtaking wonders including Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges.  

Chisapani, a small village on the edge of Shivapuri National Park, offers simple teahouse accommodations and local meals. The mountainous zone together with fresh air from the surrounding offers the correct tone to set for the upcoming hiking.

Brief Insight on The Sivapuri Forest

Shivapuri Forest, resting within Shivapuri National Park serves as one of the vital ecological sites in Kathmandu Valley. Since its foundation in 2002, the park occupies 159 square kilometers. It got its name from the second tallest hill surrounding Kathmandu, Shivapuri. 

The Forest provides essential biodiversity with its diverse animal and plant life. Shivapuri Forest also functions as the crucial water storage zone for the valley. The deep woods containing oak pine and rhododendron trees provide a habitat for various wildlife species, including the rare red panda and the Himalayan tahr. 

This forest also is a home for over 300 bird species. The hill stands as a sacred region which carries historically religious importance to the community, the people here believe that the place is a resting area of Swayambhu (also known as “Buddha of Kathmandu”). The Trekking routes of this park attract nature enthusiasts who can admire the natural  valley and mountain scenery around.

Brief Insight on Sundarijal

The starting village for Kathmandu Valley trekkers, Sundarijal, exists as the beautiful town lying only 15 kilometers from Kathmandu’s northeastern edge. The waterfall located here stands as a religious site for Hindus as they consider it to be sacred. 

Sundarijal, the name is derived from “beautiful water”, which signifies the pure and sparkling flowing water of the stream at the Shivapuri hills. The local population of Kathmandu obtains their main source of water supply from here. The town also gains its reputation from the Sundarijal Hydroelectric Plant, which harnesses its power using nearby river water resources. 

Since ancient times, Sundarijal has attracted many local residents who seek a peaceful relaxation. The place also functions as a hiking base to access Chisapani and other points in the northern hills.

Brief Insight on Chisapani

Chisapani has established itself as one of the top hilltop trekking locations at 2,350 meters altitude within Kathmandu Valley. Chisapani occupies space near the boundaries of Shivapuri National Park, it provides magnificent views of both the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

This village is a great spot for Observing the traditional mountain culture of Chisapani, trekkers can enjoy the small-town village houses and farmland terraces around. Chisapani serves as an effective initial stop for hikers before they continue through the region as it provides an ideal environment for relaxation and acclimating to high altitudes. 

Through history Chisapani served as an important stopping place for journeying travelers who moved toward the elevated territories of Nepal. Chisapani derives its name from the local terminology which signifies the availability of “cold water” due to the residence of fresh water from the cool springs nearby. 

Tourists today visit Chisapani for its harmonious combination of authentic natural surroundings along with cultural heritage exposure, all within a serene setting.

Trek Distance: 23 km
Trekking Hours: 7 to 7.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 750 meters (from 2,350m to 2,100m)

Your Day 2 begins enjoying early morning breaths then starts from Chisapani to Nagarkot to enjoy breathtaking sunrise views from its perfectly elevated station. Breakfast sets the start of the trek. Then, you will move downward gradually through tiny villages as you explore the rural way of living, admiring the terraced farmlands’ around. 

During the trek you will pass through natural terrains enjoying the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and moving waters creating a melodious ambiance. As you proceed, you’ll trek through Tamang villages and have the chance to witness traditional houses alongside the everyday activities of residents. 

The trek includes short steep slopes that are balanced by flatter stretching areas, resulting in a moderately demanding experience.

During this trip you descend primarily while experiencing occasional small ascensions which have you witness the diverse nature of terrains in Kathmandu Valley. The pathway meanders through thick forests where you can occasionally witness snowy Himalayan peaks, including those belonging to one and only Ganesh Himal. 

As you near Nagarkot, the terrain begins to flatten out gradually.

Once you get to Nagarkot you can indulge in wonderful mountain views like The Annapurna and Langtang range together with a full panorama of the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. 

Nagarkot is known for its pretty Sunrises and sunsets. Thus, after reaching your hotel, you can relax and prepare for relaxation before witnessing the sunrise that paints the Himalayan early next morning.

Brief Insight on Nagarkot

One of the most visited hill stations near Kathmandu existing approximately 32 kilometers toward the eastern direction, Nagarkot, provides breathtaking Himalayan views from it. Reaching an elevation of 2,195 meters, it delivers remarkable views of Mt. Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and even Mount Everest on well-scattered days. 

Nagarkot stands distinguished as an area celebrated for its quiet atmosphere providing the ideal sanctuary against Kathmandu’s city chaos. The place had a crucial position during the Malla kings era, where they turned the hill into their royal haven for resting. The local people frequently select Nagarkot for a walk or hike as it features various paths that traverse forested areas alongside terraced plantations. Nature enthusiasts along with photographers consider Nagarkot a prime location for its renowned sunrises and sunsets which peaks shyly beyond the Himals around everyday, early in the morning.

Trek Distance: 26 km
Trekking Hours: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 meters (from 2,100m to 1,600m)

Your journey will start at dawn on the last trek day to witness the sunrise coloring the Himalayas orange, which stands as Nagarkot’s precious highlight. The descent from your sunrise viewing will bring you to Changunarayan, an ancient Hindu heritage and a Temple charted in UNESCO World Heritage sites list. 

The journey goes across peaceful woods and cultivated hills before leading you through quaint village communities. Your descent views include lush greenery of various landscapes and stretching vistas of Kathmandu Valley.

The path follows mainly a descending pattern though it alternates with some moderate slopes. You Travel through multiple local areas and explore Newari architectures where you can observe the typical lifestyles of Newari people in the valley. 

The travel is picturesque, offering few glimpses of the valley below and the surrounding mountains like Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges along the nearby Sundarijal Hills. As you approach Changunarayan, the path becomes progressively urbanized and as you walk, houses and roads seem to appear more often. 

When we reach Changunarayan, we will explore the temple where Lord Vishnu stands as the main deity. This place of worship ranks among the most ancient Hindu temples in Nepal and displays elaborate features and stone sculptures from antiquity. 

Biding the temple goodbye, we will take a short drive back to our Kathmandu valley. This return drive concludes our memorious 3 Days Kathmandu Valley Trek.

Brief Insight on Changu Narayan Temple

Looking east from Kathmandu at a distance of 22 kilometers, you find Temple Changunarayan, Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple positioned on top of Bhaktapur District. The Temple worships  Lord Vishnu and is declared as a World Heritage Site by The UNESCO. 

Evidence supports that this is the first temple construction that occurred 1500 years ago with the current structure built during the Licchavi period, dated between the 4th and 5th centuries.

People worldwide recognize the temple due to its complex wood carvings features along with ancient stone inscriptions and metal sculptures that reflects the oldest artifacts and beauty of Nepal. The architectural brilliance of old Nepalese civilization stands out through Changunarayan Temple as a pivotal cultural marker. 

The serene environment here welcomes visitors. The temple location abounds with grassy vegetation catching the attention of most. Not only is it a religious beauty, it also provides stunning vistas of Kathmandu Valley because of its perfectly elevated position.