Sundarijal to Chisapani-Nagarkot and Panauti Trek
One of the famous treks trail around Kathmandu valley is starting trekking from Sundarijal for Chisapani to Nagarkot and further trekking to Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Balthali village then trek end at Panauti Bazaar. Sundarijal is located 15 km north-east of Kathmandu, it takes about 45 minutes drive from Thamel main tourist's hub. Sundarijal is the trekking starting point for Helambu valley and Chisapani to Nagarkot and so on. Sundarijal is also a popular hangout and busy picnic spot. In the beginning the trail pierces Shivapuri National Park passing through a big watershed that supplies 40 percent drinking water to Kathmandu Valley.
Chisapani to Nagarkot trek offers beautiful nature and village walking experience, natural environment, stunning Himalayan view of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar Himal and even we can see the Mt Annapurna (From Chisapani) and Everest (from Nagarkot view tower) in far distance.
First day Sundarijal trek to Chisapani it takes about 4–5 hours. The water and weather in Chisapani always cold, as its name is Chisapani, meaning “cold water” in Nepali. Next morning, wakeup earlier to see the brilliant sunrise rising in the Himalayan range. Chisapani to Nagarkot it takes 6-7 walking hours, walking through the jungle till Jule continue trek to Chauki Bhanjyang for Lunch break. After Lunch, continue trek to Nagarkot with enjoy in close up view of farming fields and landscape. Finally, you reach at Nagarkot, beautiful village full of standard hotels, lodges, and resorts.
Probably Nagarkot is one of the best sunrise and sunset spot so evening sunset view excellent and early morning sunrise view is the most fascinating and mesmerizing view reflecting rays of sun to the White Mountains.
Those who does not have much time, from Nagarkot they trek about 3 hours down to Changunarayan (Hindu temple) then drive back to Kathmandu in same day, but our trek continues from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel it takes about 6 hours. It offers to see you flora and fauna, villager’s lifestyles, cultural and different biodiversity lowland to highland.
Dhulikhel trek to Namobuddha and same day trek to Balthali it takes about 7 hours. You will have lunch break at Namo Buddha where you can see a famous ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monastery after that continue trek to Balthali village through the jungle. Balthali trek to Panauti (Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal where you will see the oldest temples) it takes about two and half hours then drive back to Kathmandu.
Around Kathmandu Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu drive to Sundarijal then trek to Chisapani Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 04: Chisapani trek to Nagarkot Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Nagarkot trek to Dhulikhel overnight at Hotel
Day 06: Dhulikhel trek to Namo Buddha Overnight at Monastery
Day 07: Namobuddha trek to Balthali village Overnight at Hotel/Resort
Day 08: Balthali village trek to Panuiti then drive to Kathmandu Overnight at Hotel
Day 09: Depart Kathmandu or extend your trip