Shivapuri Hiking offers a rejuvenating day hike in the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, located near Kathmandu. This trail allows visitors to explore the untouched beauty of the National Park, with opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna. The hike takes you through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, bamboo, and pine, where you can spot various bird species, including pheasants. If you're lucky, you may even encounter rare wildlife like leopards, deer, and wild pigs. The Shivapuri Hiking tour is perfect for those looking to escape the city hustle, have limited time in Nepal, and prefer a day hike with stunning views of the Himalayan ranges such as Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, etc. The moderate-level trail requires around 6-7 hours of walking and a 1.3km elevation gain to reach the top of Shivapuri Hill at 2732m above sea level. People of all ages, including students, airline staff, volunteers, beginners, and seasoned hikers, can join this unforgettable hiking experience in Kathmandu. Enjoy the natural beauty of Shivapuri Hiking and make the most of your day in nature. The Shivapuri Day Hiking Tour is a must-do experience when visiting the Kathmandu Valley and seeking a break from bustling city life. hiking adventure offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, breathe in fresh air, and witness stunning mountain views. The hike is of moderate difficulty and will lead you to the awe-inspiring Shivapuri Ridge, situated at an impressive elevation of 2,732 m (8,963 ft). Starting from Pani Muhan, you will trek through dense forests, reach the summit, and then return to the starting point. Along the way, you will also have the chance to explore Nagi Gomba, a peaceful nunnery monastery. Join our team of knowledgeable local guides and embark on this serene day hike, covering a distance of approximately 18 to 20 km. The Shivapuri hiking tour in the Kathmandu Valley promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Located within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, this tour takes you through a lush forest teeming with diverse plant species, including bamboo, Indian chestnut, fetterbush, bayberry, wild Himalayan pear, Himalayan cherry, Nepali hog plum, silver birch, and rhododendron. Established in 2002, the park spans a total area of 159 sq km, with Shivapuri occupying 144 sq km and Nagarjuna occupying 15 sq km.
Highlights of the Shivapuri Hiking Tour:
- Experience a thrilling one-day adventure-level hiking tour in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, located in Kathmandu.
- Immerse yourself in the dense forests of the park, where you can encounter a diverse range of birds, wild animals such as leopards, and vibrant flowering plants and grasslands.
- Marvel at the breathtaking snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Number, as you hike through the park.
- Take in the panoramic views from the majestic Shivapuri Peak, offering a stunning vista of the surrounding landscapes.
- Explore the cultural and spiritual sites of Baghwar, the starting point of the Bagmati River, and Nagi Gomba, a serene nunnery gompa, adding a touch of tranquility to your adventure.
- Discover the wonders of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
- Experience the diverse and vibrant flora and fauna of the area
- Immerse yourself in the captivating world of birdwatching
- Marvel at the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan ranges
- Embark on a thrilling hike through a dense forest to reach the summit of Shivapuri Peak at 2732m
- Explore the enchanting and remarkable Nunnery monastery
- Engage in a memorable adventure amidst the natural beauty of Shivapuri
- Encounter a wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural habitat
- Capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscapes and wildlife
- Enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere while exploring this remarkable hiking destination.
The National Park is home to an impressive array of biodiversity, including 1250 species of vascular plants, 129 species of mushrooms, four types of forests, and 318 species of birds. Additionally, the park provides a sanctuary for 24 types of mammals, 9 threatened species of herpetofauna, and 106 species of moths and butterflies.
For nature lovers seeking a challenging uphill walk to burn calories, this hiking tour is the perfect choice. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the fresh mountain air. The journey begins with a short drive to Budanilkhantha, where you will obtain the necessary National Park permit. From there, you will embark on a hike towards Shivapuri Peaks (2732m), navigating steep stone stairs and lush forests along the way.
During the hike, you will have the chance to observe a variety of pheasants, deer, and birds while also taking in breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Number Mountain ranges. At the summit of Shivapuri Peak (2732m), you will come across the statue of Shivapuri Baba, a highly respected individual renowned for his meditation practices in the region. The hike covers a total distance of 20km and involves ascending and descending an elevation of 1330m, making it suitable for individuals with reasonable fitness levels. This hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty.
As the hike concludes, you will descend towards Baghdwar, the starting point of the Bagmati River, before making your way to Nagi Gompa. From there, you will be driven back to your hotel in Kathmandu with memories of a truly unforgettable hiking experience.
Shivapuri Hiking Best Season
Shivapuri is a highly sought-after and rewarding hiking spot within the Kathmandu Valley. If you find yourself with an additional day in Kathmandu and are in search of a nature walk, make sure to consider this hiking destination. The best part about Shivapuri hiking is that it can be enjoyed at any time of the year, without the need for a specific season or timing. Even on a clear day during the rainy or winter season, you can still relish the experience of hiking here. However, if you have a fondness for playing in fresh snow, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit during the winter. Of course, for breathtaking views and vibrant blossoms, the spring and autumn seasons surpass the rainy and winter seasons.
Shivapuri National Park Permits and Costs:
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, located near Katmandu City, is the nearest national park to the city. To embark on a hike or gain entry into the park, visitors are required to pay entrance fees. The fees vary depending on the category of visitors.
- For Nepali citizens, the entrance fee is NPR. 100.
- while SAARC citizens are required to pay NPR 600.
- Motorbike owners are charged NPR. 30.
- whereas minibus, bus, and truck owners need to pay NPR. 500.
- Car, Jeep, taxi, and van owners are charged NPR 300.
- while bike owners are required to pay NPR. 100.
- Foreigners visiting the park are subject to an entrance fee of NPR 1,000.
Shivapuri Hiking Tour Cost:
The Shivapuri Day Hiking Package provides a well-structured schedule that encompasses the expertise of a skilled guide, a delectable packed lunch, entrance fees to the National Park, administrative charges, and convenient transportation via a private vehicle that is customized to accommodate the group's size. The cost of the Shivapuri hiking experience varies depending on the number of individuals in the group and the level of service provided, ranging from USD 35 to USD 90 per person. We are pleased to offer this exceptional opportunity at an incredibly affordable rate, tailored to suit the specific requirements of each group size.
- For solo hikers, the cost is USD 90 for a single-day hike.
- For groups of 2 to 6 people, the cost is USD 60 per person.
- For groups of 7 to 9 people, the cost is USD 50 per person.
- For larger groups of 10 to 20 individuals, the cost is USD 40 per person.
Note: It is important to mention that the Shivapuri Hiking Tour comes highly recommended for airline staff, volunteers, as well as trekkers and climbers who are getting ready for high altitudes. This tour provides an exceptional opportunity to prepare oneself before undertaking more demanding expeditions.
