Sundarijal to Chisapani
Gateway to the Helambu region — a forest trek through Shivapuri to one of the best sunrise viewpoints near Kathmandu.
Know before you go
Trip readiness
Best timing
October-November, March-April
Treat this as the first planning window, then verify local trail and weather conditions.
Time needed
5.5h
Include acclimatization and transport buffers for mountain routes.
Permit status
Permit required
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee required
Difficulty
Moderate
Kathmandu route. Match this to fitness, altitude experience, and daily walking hours.
Live conditions
Trail weather available
Use the weather card before starting, especially during monsoon and winter windows.
The Sundarijal to Chisapani trek is a gateway to the Helambu region but works brilliantly as a standalone day hike or overnight trip. The trail climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park's dense forest, passing waterfalls near Sundarijal and the sacred Bagdwar spring (source of the Bagmati River).
The route crosses a ridge pass at Borlang Bhanjyang before descending to the small settlement of Chisapani at 2,140m. Sunrise views from Chisapani are legendary — the panorama stretches from Annapurna to Everest, making an overnight stay highly recommended.
This is the first (or last) day of the famous Helambu Trek, and can be combined with a return via a different route for a satisfying loop.
Planning this trek? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
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