Chisapani Nagarkot Trek – 3 Days

Weather and Season

The weather contributes to the experience of the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek. One of the most suitable seasons to visit is spring (March to May) when the weather is warm, and the rhododendron woodland is in blossom, giving color to the trail. The other season, which is perfect, is the autumn (September to November), because of clear weather, fresh air, and mountainous scenery.

Winter (December to February) is colder, particularly at night, though in the mornings it is usually sunny and clear, and the winter is ideal as far as sightseeing is concerned. The highest elevation of the tour is approximately 2,425 m (7,956 ft), and the air is cool there.

During monsoon (June to August), it rains, the trails are muddy, and visibility is limited, hence making the trekking hard.

All in all, the spring and autumn offer the most optimal weather, landscape, and comfort to this short Himalayan trip.

Trip Difficulty

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is an easy-to-moderate walk, which can be completed by ordinary people with only basic fitness. Trails are generally clear, and there are forest trails, smooth hills, and a few stone steps. It is safe and manageable since it does not have any technical sections.

The toughest part is the initial day of climbing uphill to Borlang Bhanjyang (2,425 m / 7,956 ft). The speed is, however, slow with ample rest intervals en route. The successive days are not so hard, and the way has some slower places and descents.

Trekking for 5 to 6 hours a day can make the experience enjoyable as the trekkers would not be in a hurry. Most of the people can do the trek comfortably with light preparation, such as walking or jogging, prior to the trip.

Altitude Sickness and suggestion

The issue of altitude sickness will not be an issue in the Chisapani Nagarkot trek since the altitude is not very high. The highest point is Borlang Bhanjyang at (2,425 m / 7,956 ft), which is lower than the altitude where issues of altitude normally start.

Trekkers will have an opportunity to walk, sleep, and have fun during the journey without fear of severe health risk factors caused by height. Acclimatization days are unnecessary, and hence the trek is easy and non-stressful.

Nevertheless, one should not forget about keeping hydrated and eating in a proper way. Consumption of sufficient water and the consumption of carbohydrate rich food can ensure strength during the hike.

The body is kept comfortable through walking at a slow rate and taking short breaks. These are just some of the simple measures that will guarantee a good and secure trekking experience.

Food & Drink During the Trip

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek food is plain, fresh, and nourishing. Teahouses on the way have a wide variety of meals to keep the trekkers going. Foods such as eggs, pancakes, porridge, and tea or coffee are commonly taken as breakfast.

During lunch and dinner, Dal Bhat is the most common meal, and it consists of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. It gives the stamina to spend days walking long distances. Noodles, pasta, momos, as well as soups are also available in many teahouses.

Meals are included in the package by Morning Star Treks, making the trip more convenient for travelers. Use of boiled or treated water is suggested instead of untreated water. With a reusable bottle, it is possible to avoid plastic in order to keep the environment safe and remain hydrated.

Visa and Permits

It is easy to obtain the papers required when doing the Chisapani Nagarkot trek. Purchasing a Nepal tourist visa is relatively simple since the visa is available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a form is filled out, and a fee is paid. The visa duration is offered under various periods of stay.

Treks require a park entry permit to go to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Morning Star Treks organizes this permit at the point of origin in Sundarijal. It leads from the forest area into a protected zone.

One has to pay another entrance fee to see the Changu Narayan Temple at the end of the trek. The process in general is simple, and there is no special trekking permission required to do this trek, which makes this trek easy and affordable.

Health & Safety

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek can be considered safe by nature, though simple measures should be taken. Morning Star Treks has trained first-aid guides who understand the road and are familiar with it. They pack a first aid kit to treat minor injuries in the course of the trek.

Hygiene should be upheld. Washing of hands or the use of sanitizer should be done before eating anything. To prevent stomach problems, it is better to consume freshly cooked meals.

The trek is also close to Kathmandu, which provides easy access to medical services in an emergency. Cars or even helicopters can be set up where necessary. With the right advice and some basic precautions in place, trekkers will be able to experience a safe and comfortable experience.

Transportation

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is easy to reach by means of transportation. All the transfers are organized by Morning Star Treks with the use of private vehicles. The trip starts with a one-hour drive between Kathmandu and Sundarijal, where the trek will start.

The trekking part is done on foot and traverses forests, villages, and picturesque ridges. Porters carry your heavy luggage so that you can walk easily and you have a light bag.

Trekking finishes at Changu Narayan where you re picked by a privately hired vehicle and being transported to Kathmandu in the time span of approximately 1.5 hours. It is an easy mode of transport that ensures that the whole journey is stress-free.

Travel Insurance

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek requires travel insurance. Although this journey is not a very dangerous one and remains under 2,425 m (7,956 ft), there are still some unanticipated events that may occur. An insurance policy provides peace of mind and financial cover in the course of the trip.

Trekking activities to a minimum of 3,000 meters must be clearly covered by your insurance. It should also involve emergency medical assistance and evacuation. Helicopter rescue can be extremely costly when required in the very rare instances of illness or injury.

It also comes in handy should you have insurance for trip delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. Theft or damage to security is also helpful since many trekkers come with their personal equipment and cameras.

Before purchasing a policy, Morning Star Treks recommends that one carefully examine all the details. An all-inclusive insurance will give a stress-free and safe trekking experience.

Language & Communication

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is easy in terms of communication. English is commonly spoken on the trail, particularly by guides as well as employees in teahouses. Morning Star Treks has well-trained guides who lead on the local culture and also help with any requirements during the trek.

Although English is widely used, it is always better to learn some of the local words so that the tour can be more valuable. The greetings of saying Namaste and saying Dhanyabad as a thanksgiving build a friendly relationship with the locals.

The mobile network coverage is excellent in most places during the trek, even in the high places such as 2,175 m (7,136 ft) in Nagarkot. A local SIM card can be used easily to make calls and have internet. Wi-Fi is also available in some teahouses at a small charge.

The Chisapani Nagarkot trek offers a great balance between staying connected and enjoying nature.

Don’ts on This Trip

When you are enjoying the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, some rules should be observed in order to appreciate the local culture, safeguard nature, and save your life.

Tourists must wear modest clothes covering shoulders and knees, especially when traversing villages or accessing places of worship such as Changu Narayan Temple.

Wearing a modest dress is a sign of respect to the local culture. One should also avoid using the left hand to either give or take things since this is considered rude in the Nepalese culture.

Trekkers are advised not to capture the photos of an individual without requesting permission, especially in rural villages. Privacy is an aspect that should be respected to create positive interactions.

Avoid littering or leaving trash along the trail and in protected areas like Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (2,425 m / 7,956 ft).

Do not walk away from the marked trail or disregard the instructions of your guide. By staying on the right trail, one will have a peaceful and healthy Chisapani Nagarkot Trek experience.

Photography & Drone Rules

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek has attractive sceneries fit to take photos. Walking along forests and vistas such as Nagarkot (2,175 m / 7,136 ft), you can be as free to take photos using your phone or camera as you desire.

The use of drones is, however, highly regulated in Nepal. It is not allowed to fly a drone without a government permit. The unapproved flying may result in a fine or a seizure of your drone.

The use of drones in places of worship, including Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and close to various cultural sites such as Changu Narayan Temple, is also restricted. Such regulations assist the safety, nature, and local customs.

In case you just want to take photos on the ground, then it is not restricted. The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek offers a lot of scenic shots without the use of a drone.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek can be considered the best option for first-time trekkers and is a good balance in the combination of nature, culture, and walking distance that is not too difficult. With proper preparation, the experience can be made a lot more enjoyable.

It is best to carry a simple daypack with only the essential items. It is also important to wear comfortable and broken-in hiking shoes, that is easier to walk on stone steps and uneven trails.

Wearing layers is one of the things that will allow you to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures all day long. Evenings and mornings are cool, and afternoons may be warm. A steady and slow pace is important, especially on the first day of the uphill hike to 2,425 m (7,956 ft). Even taking short breaks will give your body the rest it needs and will make you enjoy the surroundings better.

Maintaining hydration and taking periodic food will ensure that your energy levels are maintained. Carrying cash comes in handy since the villages hardly accept card payments. As a part of a good trekking experience, respecting the local traditions and being polite to those you come across on your way contribute to a pleasant experience.