Shivapuri Hike

The Shivapuri Hike stands out as one of the most popular day hiking routes in Kathmandu. At 2,732 meters, Shivapuri is the second-highest peak surrounding the Kathmandu Valley, making it an exceptional destination for day hikes close to Thamel.

Adjacent to this, the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP), which spans 159 km² (61 square miles), offers a significant natural expanse. Renowned for its conservation efforts, Shivapuri became Nepal’s ninth national park, named after Shivapuri Peak. The total hiking distance to reach Shivapuri Peak and return to the park gates is approximately 18.62 km (11.57 miles).

Historically, Shivapuri was designated a wildlife reserve in 1985, though conservation measures began as early as 1975 with the establishment of the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board. It was officially declared a national park in 2003.

Upon reaching Shivapuri Peak, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,165 m), Ganesh Himal (7,446 m), Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), and more. Additionally, the lush green valley offers a unique perspective not found elsewhere.

Moreover, the fresh breeze and melodious bird songs accentuate the connection with nature. The park also features a flourishing Rhododendron forest, which begins to bloom in February and remains vibrant for several months.

A noteworthy detour includes a visit to Nagi Gompa, a significant site that requires roughly 3-4 hours from the Budhanil Kantha checkpost at Pani Muhan. Initially, this path is dusty and flanked by dense greenery, gradually becomes more challenging and narrow until reaching Nagi Gompa.

Nagi Gompa is distinguished by its serene environment, adorned with devotional prayer flags and maintained by resident nuns. It provides an ideal vantage point to enjoy panoramic valley views without the interference of pollution or structures.

Shivapuri Peak hiking Itinerary

8:00 AM: Ready at your hotel and departure:

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel and ready to meet in the lobby by 8:00 AM. Subsequently, your guide will arrive with a private car to transport you through the bustling city streets of Kathmandu. As you travel, you’ll pass by various landmarks and neighborhoods. This drive to Budhanilkantha Pani Muhan Army Checkpost typically takes around 30-45 minutes, although this may vary depending on traffic conditions.

8:45 AM: National Park Checkpost (1,400m/4,593 feet):

To purchase an entrance ticket at the Shivapuri National Park check post, first complete a form that requires your name, nationality, and contact information. Entrance fee differs depending on whether you are a foreign visitor, a SAARC national, or a Nepali citizen. After payment, you will receive an entrance ticket valid for a specified duration. It is crucial to keep this ticket with you throughout your time in the park and adhere to all rules and regulations. With these formalities taken care of, you can then commence your hike into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.

10:30 AM: Checkpost to Deurali Viewpoint (2,400m/7,874 feet).

As you walked 2 hours 30 minutes via stone stairs, you will be at Deurali ridgeline. It’s a popular place that offers stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounding hills, and, on clear days, the majestic Himalayan range including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Everest. The viewpoint provides a peaceful spot to rest and take in the natural beauty of the area, making it a popular destination for hikers.

11:00 AM: Reach at Baghdwar (2,490m/8,170 feet).

Walking from Deurali to Baghdwar is a super easy trail that goes through the forest and streams. Baghdwar is famous because it is believed to be the source of the sacred Bagmati River, which holds significant religious and cultural importance in Nepal. As this area is considered holy, many pilgrims visit Baghdwar to offer prayers and perform rituals.

11:20 AM: Todke BABA Ashram (2,580m/8,465 feet):

Todke Baba is a revered sage known for his meditation inside a tree trunk. During our journey, we encountered a massive, empty tree trunk, serving as a reminder of his presence. At the top, where the tree was once whole, a few zinc strips served as a makeshift roof. This spot is believed to have been used by Todke Baba, a sage who earned his name due to his meditation practices within the tree trunk.

12:00: Shivapuri Peak (2,732m/8,964 feet):

Continue uphill from Todke baba asram to reach Shivapuri Peak, the highest point in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This trail becomes steeper as you ascend, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it.

02:00 PM: Descend to Nagi Gompa (2,340m/7,677 feet):

After enjoying the views from Shivapuri Peak, descend towards Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist monastery. At this journey, you will have a magnificent views of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

03:45 PM: Descend to Checkpost:

Nagi Gompa to Budhanil Kantha Checkpost on our return is an easy trail that we walk on the well managed trail that passing through forests and open fields.

04:00 PM: Budhanilkantha Temple sightseeing – The Lord Vishnu Temple

Nobody knows where this fantastic five-meter stone came from. It didn’t begin in the Kathmandu Valley. It was conveyed from some distant area and formed into the tranquil picture of Lord Visnu lying on the Cosmic Sea once on the site. You blend with the Hindu admirer and ministers as they play out their holy Pujas over the waters that the inconceivable icon lays upon.

It is here you travel with your private aide who clarifies the entirety of the imagery and which means of this astounding spot. Most guests to the Kathmandu Valley will, unfortunately, miss this spot although it is the most popular Hindu pilgrimage site.

Apart from Budhanilkantha’s main shrine, there are some other important things to do. Cycling to Shivapuri nature park is another top attraction on your 1 day tour. There is a little lake encompassing a Shiva sculpture in its middle. This spot additionally comprises other Hindu and Buddhist landmarks and stone carvings. It is a decent spot that makes a pause and partakes in the wood’s vegetation.

Budhanilkantha School often referred to as BNKS, is a competitive public boarding school situated on the foothills of Shivapuri mountain. It is named after the Budhanilkantha Temple which is located nearby.

Here are the itinerary options to hike to Shivapuri peak.

Ramble to Shivapuri peak is the second-highest hill after Phulchoki and is absolutely a paradise for bird-watching lovers. The best Shivapuri hike offers various trek routes and you can select the best suits as per your demands. They are the most demanding hikes in Shivapuri National Park, near Kathmandu town.

I Option: See the Budanilkantha sights – Bagdwar – Shivapuri Peak – Nagi Gompa – Budhanilkantha Tour, 7-8 hours.

Visiting Bagdwar, the source of river Bagmati which you can see at Pashupatinath temple. Furthermore, Shivapuri peak is the highest hill station about 2,732 meters and Nagi Gompa located at an altitude of 2340m is another attraction besides Bagdwar.

Likewise, at the high point a statue for Shivapuri Baba, a holy man who lived in the mountains for years and visited the summit daily, regardless of the weather. Descending off the summit to the east, you’ll pass the ruins of the old home of the holy man, followed shortly thereafter by a more modern Buddhist monastery. Both places are famous for tourists who want to practice Buddhism and meditation.

II Option: Budanilkantha sights – Bagdwar – Nagi Gompa – Budhanilkantha Tour, 4-5 hours.

Bagdwar is situated at an altitude on 2,563m, an origin of Bagmati river which is a prime attractions as you hike into the nature park. Besides the Hike to Bagdwar you can visit Nagi Gompa at 2,340m as you descend. Likewise, you can also visit a sightseeing on a Lord Vishnu at Budhanil kantha temple on your journey.

III Option: Budanilkantha sightseeing – Bagdwar – Nagi Gompa – Kopan Monastery Tour, 6-7 hours.

Go with a tourist guide to Budhanil Kantha to see its sights. Get to know the heritage site and walk to the Military check post to enter the nature park. Todke Baba is a sage who meditated in a tree trunk. On the way, we ran over an empty tree trunk. It was colossal. On its top, from where the tree was cleaved down, not many Zinc strips filled in as a rooftop. It is said that the spot was utilized by a sage from Haryana, India. As he thought inside the tree trunk, individuals referred to him as “Todke Baba”.

In Nepali, an empty space inside a tree trunk is designated “Todka”. The tree trunk has now been abandoned and an ashram for reflection has been by the Baba. The spot has offices for remaining, thinking, and performing yagna (blessed proposing to the fire). Continue to hike in the depth of the park and choose the direction to Tare Vir to exit for Kopan Monastery. Look at the Monastery, see around, and take a private transfer back to your hotel in Town.

Shivapuri Hike 1 full day tour highlights

Departure & Return Departure Point:

Have in mind that we pick up all the travelers from inside the ring road such as your location in Thamel, Lazimpat, Darbar Marg, etc.

What To expect on the Shivapuri day hikes?

Stroll to Shivapuri is a popular destination day hike located on the northern side of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. A hike to Shivapuri park is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and enjoy some stunning natural beauty.

See the Hindu pilgrimage place at Budhanil kantha Temple, and record wildlife in the parkland including mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bears, leopards, jungle cats, and rhesus monkeys.

Likewise, it’s home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 endangered species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms. Additionally, it is an enjoyable journey passing through oak, rhododendron, and pine forest.

Additional Information (TIPS AND TRICKS)

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
a wheelchair is not accessible entire the tours
A maximum of 15 people per booking
Travelers with back pain are okay but not recommended for pregnant, and very old travelers.
It’s a private/group tour activity.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the trip starts time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Limitations of time are based on the experience’s local time.

Book a nature tour guide for the Shivapuri Day hike into the Shivapuri National Park.