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Shivapuri day hike

Duration

1 Days

Start-End Point

Kathmandu

Meals

Pack lunch

Grade

Trek Grade

Accommodation

No

Best Season

Sep to Jan, March to August

Max Altitude

2,732

Group Size

1-15 Pax

Transportation

Car

Trip Cost

Group Size: 1

Per Person

$200

Total

$200
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Trip Highlights

  • Explore Shivapuri National Park: Hike through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, with crystal-clear mountain springs and rich biodiversity. During spring, colorful rhododendron blooms transform the trail into a spectacular natural paradise.
  • Wildlife and Birdwatching: Discover one of the best nature escapes near Kathmandu, home to numerous bird species, butterflies, Himalayan wildlife, and peaceful forest habitats.
  • Visit Sacred Buddhist Sites: Pass ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and meditation retreats that add a spiritual and cultural dimension to the hiking experience.
  • Reach Shivapuri Peak (2,732m): Enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and surrounding mountain landscapes from the highest point of the national park.
  • Discover Bagdwar – The Source of the Bagmati River: Visit the sacred spring where the holy Bagmati River originates. Revered by Hindus, the river plays a vital role in Nepal's religious traditions and flows through Kathmandu, passing many of the country's most important temples and cultural heritage sites.

Shivapuri Day Hike Peak Details

Location: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, in the northern part of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Starting Point: Budhanilkantha, about 10 kilometers from Kathmandu city center. Hikers will encounter a holy Hindu pilgrimage site featuring a statue of Lord Vishnu lying horizontally along a roll of snakes.

Elevation: Shivapuri Peak stands at 2,732 meters (8,963 feet).

Duration:  6-7 hours for a round trip, depending on your pace and starting point.

Trail: The trail is well-marked and passes through dense forests, streams, and Nagi Gombu. The nunnery lies below the daunting Tara Bir Cliff, which is sacred to the female Buddha of compassion. Tara is practiced daily by all the nuns.

Difficulty: Moderate, accessible for most hikers. Required a reasonable level of fitness due to the elevation gain and some steep sections.

Tea house: A small break place for tea after the steep walk for 2 or 3 hours from the entry point. The place is peaceful with a small tea house, stupa, and monastery where one monk stays for meditation and to look after the monastery. And on the other hand, the tea house is owned by the Baba.

Bagdwar: The initial phase of the Bagmati River water flows from this area. And considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Shivapuri Day Hike Peak Tour

Experience an unforgettable adventure with the Shivapuri day hike. Exploring the renowned Shivapuri Day Hike Peak located within the northwest of Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Standing tall at 2,732 meters (8,963 feet). Shivapuri Day Hike Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the majestic mountains that surround it.

The Shivapuri day hike trail presents an exciting and moderately challenging trek that spans approximately 6-7 hours, weaving through lush forests, streaming waterfalls, and charming villages. This unique journey allows you to immerse yourself in Nepal’s natural beauty. For a safe and enjoyable trek, it is highly recommended to join a guided tour or hire an experienced guide, especially as some sections of the trail can be steep and demanding.

Drive distance for Shivapuri day hike

Your memorable Shivapuri day hike experience begins with a picturesque drive to the Shivapuri entrance point, which takes 30 minutes from Thamel in the early morning. Followed by a captivating three-hour day hike to reach Tinchuli peak, a hot spot having the open door for the stunning mountain views of the valley.

After this, a 30-minute hike will take hikers to the popular destination among the locals and foreigners for the dry picnic at the high viewpoint with melodious sounds of the birds.  The place where the admired Shivapuri Baba Temple awaits. The hikers are attracted by the fact that Baba lived his life for 130 years. Also, the place got popular because of the reason that Baba meditated here for a long year.

Encompassing a diversified area of 159 km², Shivapuri National Park treats visitors to diverse landscapes with oaks, rhododendrons, pines, moss, and a variety of grasses. These are all safeguarded under the protection of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. The park’s wilderness also provides a habitat for numerous wild animals, including wild boars, tigers, monkeys, leopards, deer, and an array of captivating bird species.

Ascend to Shivapuri Day Hike Peak

As you ascend to the Shivapuri day hike peak, be prepared to be enthralled by the mesmerizing views of the Langtang range and the  Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, peaks such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang range, Dorje Lapka, Sisapangba, Mt. Everest, and Annapurna range are captured.

Your trek commences with a 2.3km uphill walk in a north-easterly direction from Budhanilkantha. For park entry, foreigners will need to pay approximately Rs 1000 (USD 10), while Nepalese nationals will be charged Rs 100 ($1).

The initial stretch of the hike takes you along dusty roads within the national park, setting the stage for the adventure that lies ahead. As you ascend northeast, the landscape transforms, leading you to the serene Nagi Gumba, enveloped in a trail lined with trees. The fluttering prayer flags and warm presence of nuns make this a tranquil spot to appreciate the valley views. A brief break at the monastery’s tea shop offers a perfect opportunity to savor a cup of tea or coffee.

The subsequent section of the hike involves two options: either to take the steep part or the moderate way, a vertical ascent to Bhagdwar and, ultimately, to the summit of Tinchuli and then to Shivapuri Peak.  Although the path is straightforward, the stone steps can be physically demanding. However, the reward is worth it as you approach the brilliance of Shivapuri Peak.

Importance of Preservation

  1. Biodiversity Conservation: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is rich in biodiversity. Preserving this area helps protect numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are rare and endangered.
  2. Water Source: The park is a crucial watershed area for the Kathmandu Valley, supplying water to the valley’s residents.
  3. Cultural Heritage: Cultural and religious sites, important to local communities, dot the area. Preservation helps maintain this cultural heritage.
  4. Tourism and Education: The park serves as an important location for ecotourism and environmental education. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about nature and the importance of conservation.
  5. Climate Regulation: The forested area plays a significant role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Tips for Hikers

  • Permits: For the Shivapuri day hike, obtain the necessary permit to enter the Shivapuri National Park from the park entrance.
  • Preparation: Carry sufficient water and snacks, and wear appropriate day hiking gear.
  • Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Do not litter and respect wildlife.
  • Local Guidance: Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience and to support the local economy. Remember that you cannot do a day hike inside Shivapuri National Park without an experienced guide because of the potentially hazardous wildlife.

Shivapuri National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

  1. Wild Boars: Commonly roam the park, displaying their robust and adaptable nature as large, omnivorous mammals.
  2. Tigers: Shivapuri National Park provides a habitat for majestic big cats, making it an essential conservation area for their survival, even though they are rare and elusive.
  3. Monkeys: Different species of monkeys, langurs, and rhesus macaques, commonly in the park, add to the vibrant biodiversity.
  4. Deer: You can see various deer species, including spotted deer and barking deer, grazing in the park’s grasslands and forests.
  5. Birds: Birdwatchers find the park a haven, with a rich diversity of avian species, from colorful pheasants and vibrant parakeets to majestic eagles and hawks.
  6. Himalayan Black Bears: Although you see them less commonly, these elusive bears inhabit the dense forests of the park.
  7. Leopards: Leopards also reside in Shivapuri National Park but you rarely spot them due to their solitary and secretive nature.
  8. Small Mammals: The park is home to various small mammals, including martens, civets, and porcupines, among others.
  9. Reptiles and Amphibians: The park’s diverse ecosystems support various reptile and amphibian species, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
  10. Butterflies and Insects: Shivapuri National Park is teeming with a wide variety of butterflies and insects, further enhancing its natural beauty.

List of related day hikes in Kathmandu

    1. Nagarkot sunrise view
    2. Nagarjun day hike
    3. Kakani hiking
    4. Kathmandu-trek
    5. Khaptad-national-park
    6. Chisapani-nagarkot-trek

 About company

To make the most of your Shivapuri hike experience, we offer a comprehensive hiking package. Where a guide with a private vehicle (jeep) will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Kathmandu. The package involves a tea break and a delightful packed lunch along panoramic views at the summit, and a safe return to Nagi Gompa. The entire journey typically takes around 6-7 hours. Our experienced guides ensure your safety and make this hiking adventure within the heart of Nepal’s wilderness and charm. Join us on this incredible Shivapuri hike and discover the wonders that await.

Note

The departure dates for the Shivapuri day hike are always open, and guides for the trip are always available in the office. We gladly help organize the hike with a flexible schedule.

Itinerary (1 Days)

Cost Included

  • Shivapuri National Park Permits: Covering entry for guides, clients, drivers, and the jeep.
  • Guide Wage: Payment for the services of a professional guide throughout the hike.
  • Packed Lunch: A nutritious lunch is provided for each participant to enjoy during the hike.

Cost Excluded

  • Any expenses not listed in the "Cost Included" section, such as personal expenses, travel insurance, tips for the guide and driver, or any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Routes

Shivapuri day hike route map

Frequently Asked Question


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Price per person

USD 200 / pp

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