Sundarijal Chisapani Day Hike

Start beside the Sundarijal waterfall and reservoir, 30 to 45 minutes from central Kathmandu

Climb the long stone staircase that follows the water pipeline above Sundarijal

Walk through rhododendron, oak and pine forest inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Pass Mulkharka, a Tamang hill village with terraced fields and slate-roofed houses

Reach Borlang Bhanjyang, the pass where the Sundarijal trail meets the ridge towards Chisapani

Eat a packed lunch on the Chisapani ridge, with the Kathmandu Valley below

Look north to the Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges when the sky is clear

Watch for rhesus macaques, langurs and forest birds along the way

Walk back down through the forest in the afternoon, with a private vehicle waiting

Travel with a licensed English-speaking guide, with permits and park entry already arranged