Budhanilkantha – Chisapani Trek
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A popular trail that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the capital
After hearing a lot about it, I made a two day plan of Chisapani Trek with a bunch of my friends to celebrate the Nepali New Year 2070. It is said that Chisapani Trek is a perfect option for the Kathmanduities who wish to get away from the hustle bustle city life. There are several routes to get to Chisapani, which is located in Nuwakot district. We chose Budanilkantha, Baghdwar to Chispani hike for the first day and Chispani to Sundarijal route to come back to Kathmandu valley on the second day.
After hearing a lot about it, I made a two day plan of Chisapani Trek with a bunch of my friends to celebrate the Nepali New Year 2070. It is said that Chisapani Trek is a perfect option for the Kathmanduities who wish to get away from the hustle bustle city life. There are several routes to get to Chisapani, which is located in Nuwakot district. We chose Budanilkantha, Baghdwar to Chispani hike for the first day and Chispani to Sundarijal route to come back to Kathmandu valley on the second day.
As per the
plan, we gathered in front of Nepal Airlines Corporation building at 7:00am and
it took the local micro-van about half-an-hour to reach Budhanilkantha stop.
There we had breakfast at small local tea shop and started our hike at 8:15am after
paying our respect at Budhanilkantha temple.
Ran Gautam,
who had been to Chisapani before, was guide for us throughout the journey.
Intending a shortcut, our guide led us to hike steep hills which was the toughest
part of our entire journey. After three hours of tiring steep climbs and
passing hundreds of stairs, we reached a plain land and started descend.
It was 45
minutes more before we came to Baghdwar – an origin of Bagmati River. We took
rest and had our lunch at Baba’s Ashram.
We resumed
our hiking at 1:00pm from Baghdwar to our ultimate destination Chispani. The
journey to Chispani is not a easy task, it is a trail with steep climbs and
descents than plains. The scenic view of the hills was wonderful but we were
not lucky enough to witness any mountain ranges and fauna throughout the
journey. It was 4:30 pm when we accomplished our journey to Chisapani. It had
been a nine-hour hike altogether.
Overcome by
fatigue and hunger, we could not wait ti get some rest and freshen up. There
were dozens of hotels and lodges. But to our dissppointment, the hotel where we
stayed was not good at all. There was only one common bathroom for the entire
floorand we had to line up for our turn. Even from the limited items listed on
the meu, we had to place our order depending on its availability. We ordered
chowmein and thukpa which not only took forever to arrive but also tasted horrible.
Although they charged handsome money for both Rs.90 per person and Rs.250 per
person for the dinner set, the service and food quality was anything but
satisfactory.
The next day
we woke up early hoping to see the sunrise. But the morning fog dampened our
plans. All of us were highly disappointed that we did not get to witness any of
the scenic views and mountain ranges that we heard so much about. So, with long
faces we descended from Chisapani to Sundarijal at 11:00am. We found this route
more mesmerizing than the one taken the previous day. We observed a beautiful
pond, fren plants and other vegetations. After walking couple of hours, we
reached Gurungtol, then HArkatol and Mulkarka. Walking downhill on hundreds of
stone steps was not easy task. But 45 minutes later, we had reached Sundarijal.
The walk back took us exactly four-and-a-half-hours.
How to get
there
- 40 minutes microbus ride from Netional Airlines Corporation to gate of Shivapuri National Park. Ticket Rs.10 per person to enter the national Park
- One hour-hike to reach Nagigomba and two-and-a-half hour to reach Baghdwar
- Three-and-a-half hours from Baghdwar to Chisapani
- 40 minutes microbus ride from Netional Airlines Corporation to gate of Shivapuri National Park. Ticket Rs.10 per person to enter the national Park
- One hour-hike to reach Nagigomba and two-and-a-half hour to reach Baghdwar
- Three-and-a-half hours from Baghdwar to Chisapani
( Note:
There are several shortcut routes to reach Baghdwar)
Fast Facts
Climate: Cool And windy during summer, for
scenic view winter hike is recommended.
Accommodation facilities: There are local lodges and hotels like Hotel BBC, Hotel Mountain Galaxy, Annapurna Mountain View, Lama Dorje Lakpa Hotel along with local hospitality. Local chicken for barbeque is available but the quantity of food and ambience is questionable.
Accessibility: Trek and biking route.
Tourist attraction centres: Sundarijal and Shivapuri National Park along trail of Chisapani
Must have: Water bottle, windproof jacket, first-aid box, comfortable trekking shoes, extra slippers, enough food for the journey
Height: 2,375 m from the sea level
Distance: 18 Km walk (mix trail) from Budhanilkantha to Chisapani
Accommodation facilities: There are local lodges and hotels like Hotel BBC, Hotel Mountain Galaxy, Annapurna Mountain View, Lama Dorje Lakpa Hotel along with local hospitality. Local chicken for barbeque is available but the quantity of food and ambience is questionable.
Accessibility: Trek and biking route.
Tourist attraction centres: Sundarijal and Shivapuri National Park along trail of Chisapani
Must have: Water bottle, windproof jacket, first-aid box, comfortable trekking shoes, extra slippers, enough food for the journey
Height: 2,375 m from the sea level
Distance: 18 Km walk (mix trail) from Budhanilkantha to Chisapani
Source:
Sujata Awale, The Himalayan Times, Travel & Lifestyle, May 9 2013