08/05/2022
Chisapani Nagarkot hike
Day-1: Drive to Sundarijal from Thamel then Trek to Chisapani
We took a cab from Thamel at 8:50 and reach Sundarijal at 9:40 driving about 17km. After reaching Naya Pati Bus Stop, the road ends and the trail begins. We took some dumplings and tea then start our trek at 10:10.
Start through a large pipe carrying water to Kathmandu flanks the concrete steps for the first 100m before the trail, edged by trees, gradually climbs uphill. Pass by small houses and the smiling locals. Just beyond the houses, we got a waterfall over a huge rock after walking for almost 1.6km. Then we climb up the stairs to the Sundarijal reservoir, where first army checkpoint awaits. Here we purchase our permits for the National Park area.
We climb steeps from the checkpoint until we reach the end of the first climb for views of the classic Nepali countryside. From here, the trail is all uphill and passes by a few thatch-roofed homes of the Tamang and Newar people. We see grains drying in the courtyards, as well as bundles of garlic onion and corn, hung from the roofs and wall. After walking for another 1 km, gaining an elevation of 250m, we reach Mulkharka. Like other settlements of Nepal, Mulkharka is a beautiful blend of different ethnic groups. We take veg-noodle soup at Mulkhara as it is the last community on the trail to Chisapani.
Leaving Mulkharka, the trail transitions into a narrow single track with dence forest. This section of the trail is quite peaceful, where we get lost in our thoughts. We spend more time on the steep trail with an elevation gain of 480m to Burlang Bhanjyang walking slowly with occasional breaks to catch our breath. After reaching Burlang Bhanjyang at 2430m we decent 300m within 3 km and checkedin at Hotel Dorje Lakpa at Chisapani.
