Chisapani Trek: My Personal Experience

Chisapani Trek Experience: Trekking from Sundarijal to Chisapani is something I’ll remember for a very long time now. It provided not only beautiful vantage views but also presented the prospect of real Nepali nature, still contained within Shivapuri National Park borders. It was a trip full of joy in terms of thrilling experiences, beautiful places and serene environment, and lots of ascend and descend experiences. Here’s how my trek unfolded.

Sundarijal:

I started my journey in the morning from where the trail starts which is from Sundarijal which is approximately 15km away from Kathmandu. I am always struck by how rapid the change is from city life to being in a country at the foothills of green hills and hearing the sound of waterfalls. This Trail begins from the Sundarijal Water Supply where most of the drinking water of Kathmandu comes from. The sweet scent of the waterfalls continued as I climbed over another bridge and started on the concrete stairway that entered me into the mountains of the Shivapuri National Park conservation area.

Shivapuri National Park Conservation Area:

The terrain was a little difficult from there with part of it being up and down but mostly flat and run through the

thick forest. There were no direct sun rays penetrating the upper floor of the forests and therefore the climb was a bit easier even during summer. I went through the park and came across with pine trees, rhododendrons, and other different plants as well as animals which can be found in the park. The air remained stable and for some time my movements were the only thing that filled my ears; there was the sound of the leaves under my shoes, and birds occasionally chirping.

It is well known for its high bio diversity and there were few small wild animals around the park while I moved along the park, I mostly felt the beauty of the surrounding environment. Reality seem to slow down as I filled like I’d left all the stresses of the world back at the bus stop due to the cool nature of the park.

The Climb to Mulkharka

While the first part of the trek was relatively up, it lead me through the tiny settlement of Mulkharka. It is the kind of place where one might stop for a moment and take a breath of fresh air. From here the view of Kathmandu Valley was beautiful. Instead of the gigantic city which I had left only several hours before, I was surrounded by the nature. The trail proceeded further up into the hills but due to the thick vegetation and occasional looks at the slope farmland it was less tiring.

Arriving at Chisapani

It took me about 5-6 hours to reach Chisapani, a pleasant little village located at the extreme end of the hills. The name Chisapani actually means cold water in Nepali and indeed the climate of Chisapani is cool and chilly. From here again I got to have nice views of some of the Himalayan ranges as the Langtang, Ganesh himal and on a clear day you are even able to see the Mount Everest. Seeing own shadow and the sun setting behind these grandeur mountains was the best way to finish the day hike.
Chisapani is also a very peaceful village with some few guest house where trekkers can spend a night. The evening was spent laying low, discussing the day’s trekking experience, having a warm meal and entertaining company. The calmness of nature and the prospect of seeing mountains in the distance made all the day’s work very rewarding.

Chisapani to Kathmandu

I slept very well and got up early the next day to go have a view of the sunrise over the mountains. I guess that was a spectacle in its own – the hills gradually changing to gold at the first shaft of light in the morning. Once relishing the beauty of the place and having some bread and tea as early meal, it was the time to move back again. Many trekkers proceed to the next destinations like Nagarkot but I was to go back to Kathmandu by Jeep.

Dhap Dam

When I was driving on a Jeep back to Kathmandu from Chisapani, I stopped at Dhap Dam. The smooth and crystal unequivocal waters of the dam, located in the beautiful hills offered an ideal break. Due to its proximity to the water, gentle breeze, and cool temperatures, it was ideal for briefly taking a break and admiring the gifts of nature. I took some cool pictures of my self and the scenery and then I returned back to jeep and continued my journey towards Kathmandu

Jeep Ride Through the Hills

Just as was the jeep ride back from Chisapani another adventurous journey that I undertook. The roads were very narrow and spiral making me to drive through forest, hills and across some of the native cultures villages. The descent to the bottom of the hill was relatively rough but provided great opportunities to view the sights that were hiked the day before. It was quite interesting how people live in such isolated locations: they remain a part of nature.
As the jeep was getting back toward Kathmandu, I slowly felt that we were getting out off the territory of Shivapuri National Park – now hills and forests were changing more and more to the crowded cities. But the experience of it, I think I felt uneasiness there, but at the same time I felt relieved and fulfilled after the trek.

Reflection

Sundarijal- Chisapani trek was a nice break from the concrete jungle of Kathmandu, beautiful scenery, time in the

forest, time with nature, all very close and personal. The trek was fairly strenuous but not very steep thus friendly for both first-time trekkers, and those with prior experience.
This trek is for anyone who wishes to get a taste of the Nepalese hills, forests and mountains without going too far from Kathmandu. Upon my return, I felt renewed, both mentally and physically, hardly able to believe that good things come in small packages – in this case” the adventure, and memories created in the Shivapuri hills.

Tips for Future Trekkers

• Start your journey early in the day.
• Drink a lot of water and have snacks with you; it is better to be well hydrated and well energized.
• The weather might change in an instant especially when in the mountain region. Carry necessary items.
• Take your time – the walking trail located in Shivapuri National Park is scenic and offers great views of wide varieties of birds and attractive views of nature.