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Shivapuri Day Hike - 1 Day

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  • 8:00 AM: Hotel pickup (within Kathmandu).
  • 45-minute drive: Head to Budhanilkantha.
  • Permit Check: Obtain national park permits at the army checkpoint.
  • 3-4 hour hike: Trek to Nagi Gumpa.
  • Explore: Discover the area around Nagi Gumpa. You might get a chance to participate in a praying ceremony with nuns as well, but it depends on their schedule. 
  • 2-hour hike: Return trek to Budhanilkantha.
  • Drive back: Transfer to your hotel (within Kathmandu).
  • Duration 1 Day
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Activity Hiking
  • Group Size 1 to 20
  • Best Season Whole Year

Shivapuri Day Hike Overview

Drive to Budhanil Kantha (40 minutes), then hike to Shivapuri Hill (3-4 hours), then hike back to  Budhanil Kantha (2 hours), then drive back to Kathmandu (40 minutes)

A hike to Shivapuri, the northern hill surrounding Kathmandu valley is a blissful experience with excellent views of the valley below during the walk and the Himalayan ranges once you reach the top. Shivapuri stands 2563m tall, is the second-highest hill surrounding the valley, and is also the most preferred destination for bird watchers. Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati river is another attraction during the hike.

We begin our journey with a 40-minute drive to Budhanilkantha, which is the starting point of the hike. The temple of Budhanil Kantha is a holy site of Lord Bishnu, a large statue lying on a pond. Above lies the Shivapuri Conservation Area, which protects over 500 species of animals. The army checkpoint is a short walk, passing which dense forests along steep slopes begin to appear at places. Most of the route consists of stone-paved steps, making for an easy and relaxed walk. Views of the valley get clearer as we ascend higher. Nagi Gompa(2340m), a Buddhist monastery offering Buddhist practices to nuns, passes along the way. The Gompa is famous among locals as well as foreigners for meditation. The trail gets steep and narrow as it approaches the top of Shivapuri. Past Bagdwar, the start of the Bagmati River, the lush vegetation gives a feeling of relaxation. Finally, the top bestows excellent views to relish. Descending Budhanilkantha is an easy walk and takes around two hours. A short drive gets us back to Kathmandu.

Ideal for bird watching, Shivapuri also forms a great nature walk and a viewpoint. Views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges are exquisite. Shivapuri Conservation Area is well protected and contains varied forms of flora and fauna. The temple of Budhanil Kantha and Nagi Gompa gives an insight into Hinduism and Buddhism being practiced in Nepal.

Cost Includes
  • Private vehicle to the hiking start point from Thamel
  • Professional English-speaking hiking guide
  • Private vehicle to Thamel from hiking end point
  • One litter drinking water
  • Packing Lunch
  • National Park Fee 
Cost Excludes
  • Hiking equipment
  • Extra meals 
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you.
  • If you want to cancel the trip for any reason, you can let us know at least 30 days in advance. We will refund your deposit. If you want to cancel the trip within a 30-day period, we will keep your deposit until you find out the next schedule.
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What our travelers saysClient Reviews
  • TripAdvisor

    Strenuous and Beautiful Hiking Trip on Shivapuri Day Hike

    With Green Valley Nepal Treks, I just went on the Shivapuri Day Hike, and it was an incredible experience. We were able to witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley from Shivapuri Hill, which was reached after a trek that led us through lovely woods. Our educated tour guide shared with us some fascinating details about the local history and culture. Our stay was made comfortable and pleasurable by Green Valley Nepal Treks' kind and knowledgeable personnel. Overall, if you're seeking a strenuous and beautiful trekking excursion in Nepal, I wholeheartedly suggest the Shivapuri Day Hike with Green Valley Nepal Treks.

    R
    RichardsMarch 29, 2023United Kingdom
  • TripAdvisor

    Shivapuri Day Hike with Green Valley Nepal Treks

    It was an incredible experience when I recently went on the Shivapuri Day Hike with Green Valley Nepal Treks. We saw amazing views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley as we ascended Shivapuri Hill throughout the trek through lovely trees. Our experienced tour guide shared with us interesting facts about the local flora and animals. Our vacation was safe and fun thanks to the experienced and helpful personnel at Green Valley Nepal Treks. In conclusion, anyone searching for a satisfying and difficult trekking journey in Nepal should definitely consider taking the Shivapuri Day Hike with Green Valley Nepal Treks.

    A
    AndersonFebruary 17, 2023United States
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