Kathmandu Valley · 2 Days

Chisopani 2 Day Hike

· Easy · Max altitude 2,400m (7,874 ft) at Shivapuri Pass · Max group 2-15 people

Duration

2 Days

Max Altitude

2,400m (7,874 ft)

at Shivapuri Pass

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Lodge

Overview

The Chisopani 2 Day Hike is one of the most popular short hikes around Kathmandu Valley - a quick taste of Himalayan trekking that you can complete in a weekend. Located in Sindhupalchowk district just northeast of Kathmandu, Chisopani sits at 2,100m on the edge of Shivapuri National Park, offering panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and the eastern Himalayas.

Perfect for trekkers in Kathmandu with a free weekend, families with children, or anyone wanting a Himalayan view without committing to a multi-week trek.

Highlights

Panoramic sunrise views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar
Walk through Shivapuri National Park forests
Visit Mulkharka Tamang village
Lunch at Boudhanath Stupa on return day
2-day weekend-friendly format
No altitude risk
Affordable - perfect day-hike upgrade
Beautiful rhododendron forests
Suitable for all fitness levels
Easy access from Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Chisopani (2,100m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~12 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Hotel pickup at 7:30 AM. 30-minute drive to Sundarijal. Hike begins with permit check at Shivapuri National Park gate. Climb stone steps through forest to Mulkharka village (1 hr). Continue on unpaved road past terraced fields and Dhap Dam (3 hours). Final 45-minute walk to Chisopani. Check into lodge. Dinner and overnight at Chisopani.

Day 2

Chisopani to Kathmandu

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking ↔ ~10 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Wake at dawn for sunrise panorama. Breakfast at lodge. Hike to Shivapuri Pass (2,400m) through rhododendron forest. Descend through forest to Mulkharka and Sundarijal Army Check Post. Reach trail end by midday. Lunch at Boudhanath Stupa with optional shopping. Drop-off at Kathmandu hotel.

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What's included

Included

Meals during the hike (breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast and lunch on Day 2)
Accommodation in Chisopani lodge
Licensed hiking guide
Shivapuri National Park entry permit
Transport from Kathmandu hotel to trailhead and back
First aid kit

Not included

International flights and Nepal visa
Travel insurance (recommended)
Personal expenses, hot drinks
Tips for guide and drivers
Personal hiking gear (only basic hiking shoes/clothes needed)

Trek guide

Kathmandu's Best Weekend Hike

Chisopani sits at the edge of Shivapuri National Park, 15 km northeast of Kathmandu Valley. The hike is one of the most demanding short walks possible from the capital - a full day of climbing through forest and farmland to reach the village. The reward is a serene night with panoramic Himalayan views and a different return route the next day.

Geography

Chisopani is in Melamchi Municipality of Sindhupalchowk district. The trail starts from Sundarijal - 15 km north of Kathmandu - and climbs through Shivapuri National Park forests via Mulkharka village and Dhap Dam. Total distance is approximately 12 km.

Views

From Chisopani on clear days you can see:
- Langtang Lirung (7,234m)
- Dorje Lakpa (6,966m)
- Gaurishankar (7,134m)
- Eastern Himalayan peaks
- Kathmandu Valley below at night

Permits

Shivapuri National Park entry permit (paid at the gate)

Altitude

Highest point: ~2,400m at the Shivapuri Pass. No altitude risk.

Best Season

October-April for clearest views
Avoid monsoon (June-August) for muddy trails and leeches

Fitness

Easy. Family-friendly. About 5-6 hours of walking per day with significant climbing on day one.

Trail Description

Day 1 climbs through stone steps in dense forest with rhododendron and orchid trees. After Mulkharka village (a Tamang community), the trail follows an unpaved road to Dhap Dam (a newly constructed water-quality dam) and continues 3 km to Chisopani.

Day 2 climbs to the Shivapuri Pass (2,400m), then descends through forest to Mulkharka and back to Sundarijal. Optional lunch at Boudhanath Stupa with shopping/exploration before hotel drop-off.

Packing list

Clothing: Light fleece, light waterproof jacket, 1-2 hiking shirts, 1 pair hiking trousers, warm layer for evening (mid-weight fleece), 2 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat

Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots

Accessories: 30L daypack, headlamp, sunglasses, 1.5L water, light snacks, power bank

Documents: Passport copy, cash for permits and snacks

Medical: Small first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent

Frequently asked questions

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

Yes - one of the most accessible Himalayan-view hikes possible from Kathmandu.

Do I need hiking experience?

No - basic fitness is enough. Stone steps are demanding but manageable at a slow pace.

Can children join?

Yes - children aged 6+ in reasonable health handle this well.

How cold does it get?

5-15°C during the day, 0-5°C at night in winter. Mild in autumn and spring.

Are there shops along the trail?

Small tea stops at Mulkharka and Dhap Dam. Bring snacks for the day.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

No - maximum altitude is 2,400m.

What is the lodge like at Chisopani?

Basic but clean. Comfy beds, attached bathrooms in better lodges, hot food.

Can I extend this hike?

Yes - continue to Nagarkot (3 days) or join the Helambu Trek for 8-12 days. Contact us.

Will I see wildlife?

Monkeys, deer (rare), various birds. Shivapuri National Park is a biodiversity hotspot.

Why is the price not listed?

Pricing for short hikes varies with group size and inclusions. Contact us for a quote based on your group.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
24/7 in-country support during your trek.

Price on request

per person

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