• Simple Field Trip for Overnight Hiking.

• Stations for Spiritual and Cultural Travel.

• Rich Flora and Wildlife

• Perfect Day Adventure Thrust in the City.

• Multiple trail entry points

• Diverse forest types

1 Day Hiking in Nepal - The Shivapuri Hiking

Overview

And the core of nature to the side of Kathmandu Valley is Shivapuri. In this instance, a day hiking will last about 6-8 hours beginning and ending in Kathmandu. It is taken between different scenery by forests and monasteries, mountain top, etc, and returns to the city. The ascending of the Shivapuri is moderate. No technical skills and special equipment are necessary. The increase is possible to every person who is healthy and is able to walk several hours uphill. The average duration is approximately 18-20 km and the duration of walk is approximately 6-7 hours. The Shivapuri Day Hike would be ideal due to its proximity to the city that can appeal to families, time-conscious and inexperienced travelers.The time of the year when it is best to hike in Shivapuri is spring and autumn since it is cool and it is not hot. The trail is also beautiful all year round, but it is most visible in the morning, and the most attractive scenes are portrayed at 2,732 m / 8,963 ft.

Imagine it is early in the morning and you wake up in Kathmandu, breathing in the pristine air of the mountains and then by noon you stand in a view point where Kathmandu Valley is beneath and snowy mountains of the Himalayan range are in the distance guarding the sky. It is the magic of the Shivapuri Hiking - 1 Day adventure of the perfect combination of nature, tranquility, and breathtaking scenes, and it all in the adventure of a day. It is not just a hike, it is also an urban out of the city getaway. You will lose the sense of the city as you get on the trail. Visit a serene Buddhist monastery where monks are praying in the background of the wind blown prayer flags. Look at Baghdwar of the sacred Bagmati River and breathe easy. Views in the Himalaya That Rob You of Breath.

 

Alternate Routes and Trail Options

1. Standard Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri Peak Trail.

This is the most frequented and conspicuous trail: leaving Budhanilkantha, you walk in the forest through tea shops, Nagi Gumba, Baghdwar and then reaching to the peak of Shivapuri.It is the standard day hike most travelers opt to do since it is simple and fruitful with stunning sceneries.

2. Sundarijal to Shivapuri Trail.

You can also begin your walk at Sundarijal, a serene village on the eastern side of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National park, instead of starting your walk at Budhanilkantha.Here the road continues slowly up the mountain through and through the woods and beautiful nature until it meets the main Shivapuri track, a beautiful diversion that allows you to see a little different part of the national park.

3. Helipad Route via Nagi Gompa

Towards the summit, one has a small helipad where a number of trails converge.Now you can proceed either by the Nagi Gompa road (which is a more gradual one, and good when one wants to pause in spiritual places) or by a more direct road, somewhat steeper, to the top.

4. Tokha / Pani Muhan Entry

Alternatively to the start at the Budhanilkantha, a few hikers start at Tokha or Pani Muhan gates into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.These bring you into the park on a different side with a different view of the forest and trail gradients and finally you join the main path to the summit.

5. A Multi-Day Walk Hike Shivapuri National Park Kakani - Shivapuri - Chisapani - Nagarkot

To make a more scenic journey, one can take a multi-day trail starting around Kathmandu at the place of Kakani (northwest), traverses Shivapuri, and onward to Chisapani, and finally Nagarkot a ridge walk, giving views of the Himalaya wide and large villages in between.This makes a day walk an adventure of 3-4 days.

Is Shivapuri hike suitable for you?

One does not have to be an athlete to be able to have fun in the Shivapuri hike, though some preparation can help make a trip more comfortable and enjoyable.As the trail presupposes several hours of gradual uphill walking and some steep sections, it is possible to do some simple activities prior to your trip to make your body feel more prepared.Practice a few brisk walks or light jogs a few times a week to get in shape, and do use stairs or paths up the slightest hills you come across, as this imitates the uphill stretches of the walk and works the muscles you will be depending on.Even a couple of workouts to strengthen your legs such as squats or lunges can help you feel the difference in the way your legs feel on the trail.Lastly, ensure that you are hydrated and well-rested when you come to the hike so that you begin fresh and energetic (not tired or dehydrated).No need to worry if you are a solo traveler and want to do this hike.We organize private hiking trips as well.

Shivapuri hiking difficulty

The climb at Shivapuri is mostly moderate and an easy one hence suitable to a large number of active travellers who want to explore nature on foot. You do not require special climbing abilities or climbing equipment, just a decent pair of shoes and a fair degree of fitness. Allow around 5-7 hours of walking, which includes around 10-18km of total distance walking, depending on your pace and point of entry and exit of the track. The trail is not very steep except that a few places towards the top are very steep particularly on stone steps.

You can hike Shivapuri almost any time of year, but some seasons just feel better than others on the trail.

Spring (March–May) – This is one of the best times to go. The weather is pleasant, the forests come alive with bright rhododendron blooms, and the air feels fresh and uplifting.

Autumn (September–November) – Often considered the prime season for hiking in Nepal, autumn brings dry, cool weather and crystal‑clear views of the mountains. The paths are dry and comfortable, and the scenery feels like nature at its best.

Winter (December–February) – It gets chilly, especially early in the morning and near the peak, but the skies are often sharp and clear, and the views of snowy hills are stunning if you’re prepared for cold weather.

Monsoon (June–August) – The rains make the trails muddy and slippery, and clouds can hide the views, so this is usually the least comfortable time for most hikers. Even though lush greenery and waterfalls can be beautiful, planning carefully during monsoon months is essential.

Transportation

The Shivapuri hiking trails are easily accessible and free of stress, no matter whether you are visiting them alone or through a guided tour. The day for most hikers is a brief ride from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha -the entrance to Shivapuri National Park. The city is only a 2045minutes drive, hence you drive less and have more time in the wild.

In case you have booked an organized hike, then a personal vehicle (such as a car, jeep or van) will typically pick you in the morning at the hotel. It is a good thing to be able to sit back and watch the Kathmandu valley transform into a green foothill and reach the trail-head with a clean and invigorating walk.

The same transport will be standing there to drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu after your hike. Either you have reached the peak or visited some scenic areas of the park. In such a manner, you get to complete your day comfortably without the need to determine buses or taxis at the end.

Most visitors also use domestic transport such as buses or micro vans to Budhanilkantha and then take the walk up to the park gate. It would be an excellent choice when you have a budget constraint, but it may require more time in general.

Guide

Our hiking guide is a friendly and experienced one to take you on the Shivapuri Day Hike to ensure that the entire process is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. We are familiar with the trails and environs of the Shivapuri National Park and hiking with our team implies that you have the locals on your side with local knowledge, tips and have a lot more fun in the process. Your guide would take you out of your hotel in the morning, accompany you all day, and drive you safely back to your hotel once the hike was over sense-free (no worries about directions, permits or logistics). Our guides are also qualified and trained, used to the trails of Shivapuri and they help provide services to hikers of all abilities be it in answering your questions, helping you enjoy the scenery, and getting the permits organized at the entrance of the park. A guide will make the hike less stressful and more memorable particularly when you are visiting Nepal or simply hiking in a new setting.

You might also decide to do some shopping for the souvenirs, have a nice dinner in Kathmandu afterwards or you may even want some special transport (afterwards pick up time). Average hikers can calculate that you need to pack a budget of USD 15 to USD 25 to cover food and beverages such as snacks, bottled water etc when you are on the trail as well as the light lunch.

Why opt us for Shivapuri Hike?

We will assist you to have fun in this trail during any part of the year, be it when you are planning your next adventure or you have a spontaneous adventure. You do not have to plan much ahead in case you change your mind at the last moment without the need to book in advance because we are only too glad to be flexible and can give you a hike that is custom made to suit your liking.

The following are what you will receive taking the hike with our team:

• Well-trained and pleasant local guides who are familiar with the route make the day enjoyable and educational.
• Pickup and drop to the hotel so that you can spend your day at its ease.
• Small or private alternatives - you may be hiking alone, with friends or in a small group.
• Assistance in an unforgettable occasion - scenery of beautiful forests to the Himalaya ranges.
• Our guides are honest, well-educated, and pleasant to spend time with, which makes the hike safe, simple to enjoy and full of positive experience. Trekking Champadevi with a guide can not only deal with the logistics but you will have an opportunity to know more about the culture, nature, and stories behind the trail.
• Our motto is to provide excellent service at a reasonable price, and we will never mind clarifying to you about what to do to enjoy the best day hike. Just call - we would make your stay in Champadevi most memorable!

Shivapuri Hiking 01 day Itinerary.

Day 1: Day Hike Kathmandu Day Trip to Nagi Gompa.

This will start off with an easy picking up of your Kathmandu hotel. It is a pleasant fresh morning and the city is quiet when you drive to Budhanilkanata. The next thing after breakfast is visiting the entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Such an exercise will allow you to conserve power to the hike. At the entrance to the park, your guide signs you in and you stuff your pack pack water, packed lunch and fruits of the season. It begins to climb on a broad and tarmac road, and gradually rises through the green woods. You can hear the singing of the birds in the trees, and the trees are very high. The higher you walk up the hills the steeper the track becomes. Your leader will proceed very leisurely and slowly so that all will be able to walk at their own rate. Nagi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located on an isolated hill and requires several hours to reach it. It is a remote location where nuns are praying. You see you may here have a little rest and taste of what a quiet life the monastery has. It is also a good view of Kathmandu valley particularly in the bright morning sun.

Afternoon

You walk out of Nagi Gompa, where you sleep, and walk farther in the woods. The walk is sunlight and it involves the motions and the walks in nature which consist of rocks. It is gradual and you will experience the increase of the height as you will go to a higher height. The wood is all pine, oak and rhododendron. There are times when one may be able to spot little creatures, e.g. monkeys or colorful birds. Farther on, there is Baghdwar, a holy place, which is reported to be the source of the Bagmati River. It is a holy site and is situated in the forest and which has a religious connotation to the locals. Then there occurs temporary stoppage and ultimate ascendancy to the Shivapuri Peak. You will be uphill walking, and your guide will be a good one to take as many breaks as possible, time to rest, drink water, talk, laugh and just take in the forest that surrounds you as you walk. The landscape available at the top is the large Kathmandu valley and the surrounding hills. On sunny days, the Himalayan mountains of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang and Gaurishankar mountains are visible in the horizon. On top you have your packed lunch and fresh fruits, take some photos, and relax. Wrestling is to be struggling, as the conditions in the mountains are serene.

Evening

You begin down the hill just after lunch, and you get enough rest on the top, but you must still go down the same trail, and that is not any easier than the ascending, and some portion of you must be taken more seriously on the rocks. There are a few scenes, which you have never seen before, as you descend the forest. The serene natural scenery is calming down following the one in the urban city. You might stop a moment or two more at Nagi Gompa, on your way down to the entrance of the park, in the event that time will allow.The afternoon sun would make the forest beautiful in colour. You will get your car to Kathmandu, you will get your car, and it will be just in time that you reached that point of your starting. The ride is not jerky to an extent that one has to rush and think about the adventure of that day. At night when you go back to your hotel, you come with positive memories of nature, culture, and mountains. The most preferable features of the Shivapuri day hike are the combination of exercises, scenic environment, stunning Himalayan scenery and a short distance to Kathmandu.