Shivapuri Hike

5.0

Based on 4 Reviews

Shivpuri forest hiking with a tour guide

Shivapuri Hike Summary

    1. Hike duration: 6-7 Hours [18.62 kilo meters]
    2. Shivapuri Peak Altitude: 2,732 meters/8,964 feet
    3. Hike Difficulty Level: Easy hiking trail
    4. Best time to hike: All months (except Monsoon Rains)
    5. Group Size: 1 – 15 People
    6. Transportation: Car / Jeep / Bus [Private tour]

The Shivapuri Hike is one of the most demanding day hiking routes located in Kathmandu. Shivapuri 2,732 meters 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 square miles). Nature conservation Shivapuri is the ninth national park in Nepal and the named after Shivapuri Peak itself. However, a full distance to reach Shivapuri Peak and return to the National Park gates is 18.62 km (11.57 miles).

In the history, in 1985, Shivapuri was established as a wildlife reserve but measures for its protection were initiated as early as 1975 under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board. And it was designated a national park in 2003.

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 elsewhere.

View from Shivapuri peak

The new breeze and the tweeting of the birds will ensure that you also are important to nature. Besides that, it provides a growing Rhododendrons forest that begins to bloom in February and stays in bloom for several months.

Visit Nagi Gompa is also a top spot for visitors takes about 3-4 hours roughly after Budhanil Kantha checkpost at Pani Muhan. 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 Peak hiking Itinerary

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

Take your delicious breakfast at your hotel and be ready at the loby at 8:00 in the morning. Guide will come together with a private car and transfer through the city streets of Kathmandu, passing by various landmarks and neighborhoods. Roughly the drive to Budhanilkantha Pani Muhan Army Checkpost is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

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

To buy an entrance ticket at the Shivapuri National Park check post, you’ll need to fill out a form with your name, nationality, and contact information. The fee varies for foreigners, SAARC nationals, and Nepali citizens. Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive an entrance ticket valid for a specific period. Keep this ticket with you at all times inside the park and follow the rules and regulations. Once you’ve completed these formalities, you can begin your hike into the 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 panoramic views 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.

Bagdwar Shivapuri day hike cost

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. The area is considered holy, and 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 from Haryana, India, who earned his name due to his meditation practices within the tree trunk.

Shivapuri Hike full day tour information

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. The trail offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Nagi Gompa hike cost

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.

Budhanilkantha Tour

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 National Park Map

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.
Top Mountain View: Manaslu (8,165m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m), Langtang Lirung (7,245m) & Shivapuri Peak itself.

Shivapuri Hike 1 full day tour highlights

  • Discover the high mountains such as the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang Range of Earth.
  • The total length of this hike is around 18.62 kilometers.
  • Exploring the mountains, landscapes, and as well as wildlife is a major attraction of Shivapuri National Park Hiking.
  • Walk to Shivapuri is also popular for cycling trips for Bird watching.
  • Impressive views of Kathmandu city, Nang-Kyi Gompa, and Budhanilkantha temple heritage sites.
  • Pure Nature walk through the mixed Rhododendron forest mixed with some herbal plants.

Shivapuri Hike (a full day tour) Cost Includes!

  • AC private car transfer (from your hotel in Thamel to Budhanil Kantha Army checkpost and return).
  • Shivapuri National Park entrance fee.
  • A professional certified license holder Tourist guide while on Tour.
  • Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.
  • Hiking completion certificate, you keep as a souvenir.

What’s not included on Shivapuri Hiking tour price:-

  • All types of food & drinks during the hike.
  • Client’s travel insurance.
  • Tip for the Tour Guide

Things to know before your Shivapuri Hike:

Estimated hiking hours are depending upon the route you choose while you are in the National Park. Local guides at the checkpoint will 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 in slippery areas or near cliffs.

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.

Notes for shivapuri hikers!

As per the above written hiking itinerary is subject to change due to a condition and the months you travel to. Likewise, taking a comfortable private car transfer to Pani Muhan at Budhanil Kantha is a gateway to visiting the peak. After your hike, the driver will pick you up from Pani Muhan and drop you at your hotel.

However the information stated above here shows a tentative hiking option that we offer but a physical, and technical condition may change the hiking hours.

“What makes a Shivapuri day hiking trip special?”

It’s a popular day hike as some of the other routes in Nepal, which means you can enjoy a more peaceful and less crowded experience. It’s a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experience, and physical challenge, making it a very special experience for those who undertake it.

We at Gokyo Treks and Expedition believe in quality services. Your safety and satisfaction are our prime concerns. We are a team of professional, experienced, and licensed local guides who know the destination much better than others.

Traveler’s Hike to Shivapuri Review

Best Hiking Experience with Guide Som Shrestha.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
December 12, 2022

Shivapuri National Park is a truly enchanting destination that deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. It exudes a sense of wonder that is bound to leave you mesmerized.

The park offers several interconnected small trails, making it essential to hire a guide to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you won’t miss out on any of the breathtaking sights and experiences that await you in this natural wonderland.

Avatar for Jeff Goldsmith, Dubai.
Jeff Goldsmith, Dubai.

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal

Dear Jeff G.

Your review has filled us with absolute delight! We emphasize that customer satisfaction is our utmost priority and express our sincere gratitude for the kind words and appreciation.

Your appreciation motivates us to continually strive for excellence in delivering exceptional hiking adventures. We eagerly look forward to welcome you on another remarkable hikes in the near future.

Thank you so much once again for choosing our services and assure you that we are always available to assist with any questions or assistance needed.

Warm regards, Ammar Guni

Shivapuri Day Tour Near Kathmandu

Rated 5.0 out of 5
May 11, 2022

The nature park hike was absolutely awe-inspiring! The landscape appeared untouched and utterly beautiful. The highlight was undoubtedly the hour we spent at Suryachour – it was truly worth it.

We took a coffee break while marveling at the majestic mountains in all their splendor. The entire experience left us in complete awe of nature’s wonders.

Avatar for Rainer Schreiner, Thüringen, Germany
Rainer Schreiner, Thüringen, Germany

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal

Dear Rainer Schreiner,

Your wonderful review is deeply appreciated. We are thrilled that you had a fantastic experience with us. Your satisfaction is our utmost priority, and we cannot wait to have the pleasure of serving you on another remarkable trip to the Himalayas very soon.

Thank you once again, and we eagerly anticipate your return.

Regards, Ammar

Shivapuri Hiking a full day in Kathmandu

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 11, 2022

Visiting this place was truly remarkable! Ammar took us on an unforgettable journey to Budhanil Kantha and Shipauri, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering this tour, I highly recommend opting for a professional and licensed guide, as the expertise they bring is always worth it compared to a local guide.

With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll be taken to the peak point to witness the most breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley.

Among all the hikes we embarked on, the Boudeshwor with Suryachour trek stood out as the absolute best! It left us in awe of the stunning beauty that surrounded us.

In short, this destination and the guided tour were nothing short of exceptional!

Avatar for Lily, pitsch, Hamburg, Germany
Lily, pitsch, Hamburg, Germany

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal

Dear Lily P,

Your review has filled us with absolute delight! Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are thrilled to learn that you had a wonderful experience with our services. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we are sincerely grateful for your appreciation.

Your words of encouragement serve as a powerful motivation for us to continue delivering exceptional Himalayan adventures. We eagerly await the opportunity to serve you again on another remarkable trip in the near future. Your return will be a true pleasure for our team.

Thank you once again for choosing us and for sharing such positive feedback. Should you have any further questions or require any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Warm regards, Ammar Raj Guni

Best hike in Shivapuri Park.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 9, 2022

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!

Avatar for Dorothee Kauth, Ilmenau, Germany
Dorothee Kauth, Ilmenau, Germany

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal

Thank you

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

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