Shivapuri Day Hiking

Trip Highlights

•    Budhanilkantha Temple.
•    Shivapuri conservation area.
•    Monastery.
•    More than 500 species of vegetation

Shivapuri situated at an altitude of 2563m north of Kathmandu is second highest hill around Kathmandu valley, after the famous Phulchowki hill. In this hill is located the Bagdwar, source of Holy River Baghmati and is the biggest water supply to the Kathmandu valleys increasing population. We drive for about 45 minutes to Budhanilkantha Temple, one of the temples with biggest statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping in the ocean bed which lies 8 kms north of Kathmandu. From Budhanilkantha we walk through Shivapuri conservation area. This is the Government protected forest where over 500 species of vegetation are found. We start our hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check post is located.

Nagi Gumpa situated at an altitude of 2330m north of Kathmandu and above Budhanilkantha Temple is only Monastery for the Nuns where about 200 Nuns practice Buddhism and foreigners often come there for meditation. 

It is a steep uphill hike through narrow and dusty trail for about half an hour and two hours gradual uphill trail to Shivapuri.

After lunch and strolling around from sometimes, we take a short cut downhill trail to Budhanilkantha for about and half hours and drive back to Kathmandu.

07:15: Depart from office to Budhanilkantha approx. 45 min drive

09:30: Tea break, fill up water bottle or last minute shopping for the hike 

12:30: Reach top of Shivapuri, which is rewarded with expansive views of the mountains to the north.

13:00: Lunch 

15:00: Hike back to the base of the park via Nagi Gompa Monastery

16:00: Meet your vehicle outside the Army check post and drive back to Kathmandu