Shivapuri Day Hiking - 8 hrs

Why Go Shivapuri Day Hiking?

Scenic Mountain Views: Once you reach the summit of Shivapuri Peak, you are showered with blissful, magnificent sights from within the mountains, apart from the Langtang Himal - the Ganesh Himal and some parts of Annapurna ranges. It can attract every photographer for panorama and makes it much easier to take in the beauty that is unique to landscapes with mountains in Nepal.

Rich Biodiversity: Shivapuri National Park is a hotspot for its rich biodiversity. The trek takes you through thick forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, and you are likely to encounter some of the wildlife it harbors- species such as Himalayan Monal (the national bird of Nepal), pheasants, and even macaque monkeys. Who knows, a lucky hike might end up with a sighting of a Himalayan tahr or a deer. 

Cultural and Spiritual Encounter: While hiking, you will meet a small Buddhist monastery known as Nagi Gumba. It is a place of silence and solitude. The monks of Nagi Gumba are friendly and give a good insight into what everyday life looks like for a Nepali person. It could be the time to get in touch with silence and feel the atmosphere all around one with the spiritual environment.

Close to Kathmandu: Shivapuri Day Hiking would be a perfect trip for any excitable hiker wishing to retreat to the wild without straying far for city transit. Either Budhanilkantha or Sundarijal, the two pick points for the hike, can be reached in just 30-45 minutes by car from Kathmandu.

The Prize at the End of the Ascent

After climbing Shivapuri Peak, you'll be amazed by the stunning panoramic views. A clear day will let you see long-range Himalayan ranges, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and parts of the Annapurna Range. Also, the view up from the Kathmandu Valley is wonderful because it shows a huge city with green hills and peaks in the distance. This is the perfect place to just rest a while, take some memory pictures, and enjoy before the trip downward again.

A Day Trip Ideal for the Kathmandu City

Shivapuri Day Hiking comes very close to Kathmandu city. It is a day trip for all of those people who have minimum time but still want to explore the fabulous landscapes of Nepal. Generally, this hike can be completed in a span of 5 to 7 hours within a day. It can prove to be an adventurous and refreshing getaway from the city. The well-marked trails, coupled with peaceful surroundings, are bound to make it an unforgettable memory for any nature lover and for anyone wanting that peaceful holiday in the hills of Nepal.

What to bring for the day trip

• Comfortable Hiking Boots

• Water

• Snacks

• Sun Protection

• Sunglasses

• Light Jacket

• Camera

• Insect Repellent

Getting There 

Your access to the starting places for Shivapuri Day Hiking is easy from Kathmandu: 

By taxi/private vehicle: A taxi or private vehicle for about thirty to forty-five minutes will take you to Budhanilkantha or Sundarijal from Kathmandu. 

By Local Bus: Local buses are heading to Sundarijal or Budhanilkantha. Public transport is the economical way to go, yet it may take some extra time.

Main Hiking Trails and What Lies Ahead

The two main routes to reach the peak of Shivapuri are:

• Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri Peak (via Nagi Gumba).

Distance: Almost 10-12 kilometers in one way.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours.

Route Description: This route is mostly used by trekkers from Budhanilkantha, which is a major pilgrimage site for the local people due to the Sleeping Vishnu statue. From Budhanilkantha, the trail climbs northeast through woods; the path becomes steeper as you come near Nagi Gumba, which is a Buddhist monastery. After this monastery, the trail continued upward to the summit of Shivapuri Peak. The whole distance is marked for moderate hiking, making it suitable for most hikers.

• Sundarijal to Shivapuri Peak

Distance: Approximately 13 km one way.

Duration: 6 to 8 hours.

Route Description: Another possible way some hikers take to reach their destination is to start through Sundarijal. It has become a popular newly opened access for intruding into the Shivapuri National Park but less crowded as compared with Budhanilkantha. The path cuts through dense forests and, on its way to the destination, gives fleeting glimpses of a gurgling waterfall here and a babbling stream there and, mostly, the tranquillity of the national park. To the north would be an ascent from Sundarijal toward Shivapuri Peak that passes by small towns and monasteries.

The Shivapuri Day Hiking works best to get into the natural setting of whether to get away from the city, connect to nature on various levels, or just enjoy a panorama of mountains that seem to go on forever. The experience lingers with you, allowing you to be one with the incredible landscapes and the serenity that is Nepal.