
Shivapuri Hike is one of the most demanding day hiking routes located in Kathmandu. Shivapuri (2730 m) is the second-highest mountain that surrounds the Kathmandu Valley and one of the finest day hiking destinations near Thamel.
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) is the nearest park covering an area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi). Nature conservation Shivapuri is the ninth national park in Nepal. It is named after Shivapuri Peak of 2,732 m (8,963 feet) altitude.
The history of Shivapuri was established as a wildlife reserve in 1985 but measures for its protection were initiated as early as 1975 under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board. It was designated a national park in 2003.
Recorded wildlife in the parkland includes mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bears, leopards, jungle cats, and rhesus monkeys. Also, 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 mushroom. Additionally, it is an enjoyable journey passing through oak, rhododendron, and pine forest.
As you reach the Shivapuri peak, you can see the glowing view of Mount Manaslu (8,165m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m), Lantang lirung (7,245m), etc. Moreover, you can see the green valley that you wouldn’t have from elsewhere. The new breeze and the tweeting of the birds will ensure that you also are important to nature. Besides that, the day tour also provides a growing Rhododendrons forest that begins to bloom in February and stays in bloom for several months.

Exploring the mountains, landscapes, and as well as wildlife is a major attraction of Shivapuri National Park Hiking. In addition, the Shivapuri Hike station day hike is also popular for cycling trips and for Bird watching. The full distance to reach Shivapuri Peak and return to the National Park gates is 18.62 km (11.57 miles).

Budhanil Kantha – 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.
Things to do around Budhanilkantha Temple
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 day tour. Climb up to Baghdwar or Baghdwar is the place where the Bagmati River starts. There is a little lake encompassing a Shiva sculpture in its middle. The 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 in Nepal. It is located in Narayanan, 8 kilometers north of Kathmandu on the foothills of Shivapuri mountain. It is named after the Budhanilkantha Temple which is located nearby.
Visit Nagi Gompa is also a top spot for visitors. A dusty path, encased by the rich green woods drives you up a course that continues to get more extreme and smaller until at least you end up in Nagi Gomba.
Adorned with beautiful supplication signals and possessed and kept up with by the nuns who live there. It’s likewise an optimal spot to partake in the valley view without the contamination or the structures hindering it.
Shivapuri Hike – Shivapuri National Park day Hiking tour Itinerary.
Hiking Shivapuri is the second-highest hill after Phulchoki is absolutely a paradise for bird-watching lovers. The best Shivapuri hike takes 3 – 6 hours depending upon the hiking routes in Shivpuri National Prak you choose. They are the most demanding hikes in Shivapuri National Park, near Kathmandu town.
First option: See the Budanilkantha sights – Bagdwar – Nagi Gompa – Budhanilkantha Tour.
Visiting Bagdwar, the source of river Bagmati which you can see at Pashupatinath temple. Nagi Gompa located at an altitude of 2340m is another attraction besides Bagdwar. Both places are famous for tourists who want to practice Buddhism and meditation.
Second option: Budanilkantha sightseeing – Bagdwar – Nagi Gompa – Kopan Monastery Tour.
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. 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.
Third option: Boudeshwor Waterfall – Cave – Hike to Surya Chaur and return.
Visiting Johor Mahankal, Boudeshwor cave, and its beautiful waterfall. Boudeshwor is one of the names derived from Lord Shiva. Hike to Surya chaur is another attraction to explore the closest Langtang Himalayan range including the Ganesh Himal family. Some travelers said that the view from Shivapuri is a better view compared to Nagarkot hill. And of course, as you are traveling via the national park, you can see a lot of wild animals and bird species along the journey. Please let us know your option for day hiking tours in Nepal.

Shivapuri National Park Fact
Hiking Duration: 3 to 6 hours Maximum Height: 2,730m/8,957 feet Hiking Type: Private Hiking Tour. Grade: Easy to Moderate Difficult. Shivapuri National Park Location: In between Kathmandu and Nuwakot. Best season for hiking: February to May and from September to December. Best Mountain View: Manaslu (8,165m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m), Lantang Lirung (7,245m) & Shivapuri Peak itself.
Shivapuri Hike day tour Cost Includes
- AC private car transfer (from your hotel in Thamel to Budhanil Kantha Temple and return from Kopan).
- A professional licence holder government Tourist guide while on Tour.
- Nepal Government Tax, VAT and as well as Company service charge.
- Hiking completion certificate, you keep for as a soveneur.
What’s not included on Shivapuri Hiking tour price:-
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- All meals and drinks, and your travel insurance.
- Tips for the Guide and Driver
- Any other things which are not mentioned above
Shivapuri Hike day tour highlights
- Discover the high mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Langtang Range of Earth.
- The total length of this hiking is around 18 kilo meters.
- Impressive views of Kathmandu city, Nagi Gompa, Budhanilkantha temple heritage sites.
- Pure Nature walk through the mixed Rohodondron forest
Things to know before your Shivapuri Hike:
The hiking hours are depending upon the route you choose while you are in the National Park. There are the local guides at the checkpoint who force you to pay if you enter from Budhanilkantha. Local guides who stay at the park are not educated like Government-certified Guides but they know the basic names of Birds. So, pay attention to it.
Likewise, there are some important this to know before your hikes.
- Stay always together so, the slowest hiker near the front keeps your group together.
- Keep Track of Your Time and Distance.
- Be courteous and cautious of others out on the trails.
- Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling when on the trail.
- Use long trousers to save from sharp grasses and thorns.
- Hiking can drain your energy quickly, so eat snacks, and fruits and drink water.
- Be careful with time and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs.
Shivapuri Hiking Traveller’s Review
Shivapuri Day Tour Near Kathmandu
Wow, the nature park hike was awesome. The landscape looks untouched and beautiful. Spending an hour at Suryachour was worthy. Take a coffee break and watch the mountains.
Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you Rainer for your time to submit your review
Shivapuri Hiking a full day in Kathmandu
Great place to visit. Ammar picked up us for the Budhanil Kantha and shipauri tour. I suggest taking a professional and licensed guide, it’s always worthy rather than a local one. A guide will take you to the peak point to see the best mountains and the valley. The Boudeshwor with Suryachour hike is the best. best!

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you
Best hike in Shivapuri Park.
Wonderful park for a day hike, have spent about 4/5 hours. There are a lot of crowds during peak season especially leading up to Nagi Gompa and Bagdwar. If you visit, make sure to see more than just Bagdwar and Shvapuri peak if u have time. There is so much more to this park than you would think!

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you
Best Hiking Experience with Guide Som Shrestha.
Shivapuri National park is a once in a lifetime place to go see, it is a place of wonder. Several small trails are connected, so hire a guide not to miss nature.

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you for the review.
Book a Guide for Shivapuri Day hike in Shivapuri National Park.