Shivapuri National Park is one of the youngest national parks. It was established in 2002 on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Shivapuri day hike takes us to the top of Shivapuri Peak. Once at the top, we can admire the views of the Langtang Himalayan Range as well as the Kathmandu Valley below.
On this trip, we will observe the lush forest nearby as we hike to the top of Shivapuri. In the morning we will pick up you at your hotel by our transport and guide. After 30 minutes of driving we reach one of the best-known Vishnu Temples, ‘Budhanilkantha’, which features one of the largest sleeping goddesses on top of a water pond. Then the drive brings us to the gate of Shvapuri National Park.
Here we have to take a permit to enter the national park. The money serves to preserve and enrich the forest. The government forest contains more than 500 species of animals and more than 200 species of birds. A steady and gentle climb leads us to the top, passing by the Buddhist nun monastery ‘Nagi Gompa’, a place that foreigners often visit for meditation.
Finally, we will reach the Shivapuri Peak located at an altitude of 2732 meters above sea level. The top offers a stunning view of the Langtang Himalayan range and many other peaks as well. After time to enjoy the view and wander around we start downhill and return To Kathmandu.
Shivapuri Hill Day Hike Itinerary
Day 01: After breakfast, we will be driving for about an hour to the Shivapuri National Park Gate along the main road to Chakrapath ring road and continuing to Budhanilkantha Temple. This is the famous religious site of the sleeping goddess of Vishnu. A ten-minute drive from there will take us to the hiking start point.
We walk inside the park and walk through the beautiful Nagi Gumba then climb up to Deurali Bhanjyang beside Bagdwar (water from the head of Tiger). Then we continue walking up for 30-40 minutes to the top of Shivapuri Peak, 2732mtrs elevation, from where we have a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu valley.
We will also have a splendid view of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Jugal Himal ranges to the north. Also, Manaslu Mountain, 8163mtrs/ 8th highest peak in the world, can be seen amongst the extensive Himalayan panorama. After an hour at the top for observing and taking photos we start walking back to the same gate as we entered and then drive back to the hotel.
