Shivpuri National Park Adventure: Trails, Wildlife & Himalayan Views
Shivpuri National Park: A Peaceful Escape Just Outside Kathmandu
If you’re searching for a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Kathmandu without traveling too far, Shivpuri National Park is one of the best places you can visit. Located just 12 kilometres north of the city, this beautiful national park offers refreshing forest walks, rich wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and a calm environment that feels completely different from city life.
Whether you love hiking, enjoy birdwatching, or simply want a quiet day surrounded by nature, Shivpuri has something for everyone. Many travellers visit this park as an easy day trip, and adventure lovers enjoy hiking all the way to the summit of Shivpuri Peak, which sits at 2,732 meters and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the park’s trails, wildlife, viewpoints, and what you can expect from a day of exploring nature with Explore Nepal Trekking.
🌲 A Quick Introduction to Shivpuri National Park
Shivpuri National Park is part of the larger Shivpuri–Nagarjun National Park, which covers around 159 square kilometres. This makes it one of the biggest protected areas close to Kathmandu. The area is full of dense forests, small streams, waterfalls, religious sites, and quiet walking paths that feel untouched by the city.
The park is famous for:
- Tall pine and oak forests
- More than 300 species of birds
- Beautiful trails suitable for all fitness levels
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range
- Peaceful picnic spots and natural resting areas
- Popular spiritual sites like Bagh Dwar and Nagi Gompa
Because it offers a mix of natural beauty, spirituality, and mild adventure, the park attracts both tourists and locals all year round.
🚶♂️ Types of Trails You Can Explore
One of the biggest reasons people visit Shivpuri is the variety of walking and hiking trails. You can choose something easy and peaceful or go for a more adventurous, full-day hike.
Here are the most popular routes:
1. The Easy Nature Walks (1–2 hours)
These trails are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a relaxing walk in nature. The paths are wide and shaded with tall pine trees. Birds can be heard everywhere, and the air feels fresh and cool—even on a hot day.
This type of walk is ideal if you just want to unwind, take photos, and enjoy a slow-paced experience.
2. Bagh Dwar Trail – The Sacred Water Source (3–4 hours round trip)
Bagh Dwar is a holy Hindu site where a small spring emerges from a tiger-shaped stone carved into the hill. Many Nepali pilgrims visit here, especially during festivals.
The trail is moderate—some stairs, some forest paths, and plenty of scenic spots. Along the way, you’ll pass through:
- Moss-covered trees
- A peaceful river stream
- Small waterfalls
- Quiet meditation spots
It’s a great choice if you want a mix of culture and nature.
3. Nagi Gompa Trail – Buddhist Monastery With a View (2–3 hours one way)
Nagi Gompa is a beautiful Tibetan monastery located high on the hillside. Nuns from the Kagyu school of Buddhism live here and practice meditation.
The trail starts with a forest walk and slowly climbs uphill, giving you beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley. Once you reach the monastery, you’ll find:
- A peaceful atmosphere
- Colourful prayer flags
- Open terraces with amazing views
- A great place to rest and enjoy tea
For travellers interested in spirituality, this trail is truly uplifting.
4. Hike to Shivpuri Peak – The Big Adventure (5–7 hours round trip)
If you’re in the mood for a full-day adventure, the hike to Shivpuri Peak is the park’s main highlight. This trail is steeper and more challenging than the others, but the reward is huge.
On the way, you’ll walk through:
- Dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests
- Bird-rich areas
- Fresh streams and natural springs
- Quiet trekking paths with almost no crowds
When you reach the top, the panorama is unforgettable. You can see:
- Langtang Range
- Ganesh Himal
- Dorje Lakpa
- And even the faraway peaks of Gauri Shankar on a clear day
If you want a rewarding and refreshing day hike close to the capital, this is the perfect choice. Explore Nepal Trekking offers guided day hikes to the summit with a trained guide, ensuring safety and a smooth experience.
🐦 Wildlife & Birdwatching: A Natural Paradise
Shivpuri is not just about hiking—it’s also one of the best places near Kathmandu for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. Although spotting large animals is rare, the forest is home to many species that live quietly inside the protected area.
You may see or hear:
- Barking deer
- Himalayan monkeys
- Porcupines
- Wild boars
- Squirrels
- Butterflies of many kinds
Birdwatchers especially love this park because it has more than 300 recorded species, including:
- Spotted nutcracker
- Kalij pheasant
- Mountain hawk
- Great barbet
- Eurasian jay
- Black eagle
The peaceful forest environment makes it easy to hear birdsong throughout the day. If you enjoy photography, you will find plenty of subjects here—colourful birds, small streams, old trees, and misty forest scenes.
🌄 Stunning Himalayan Views
One of the most magical parts of visiting Shivpuri National Park is the opportunity to see the Himalayas. The higher you hike, the better the views become.
Best viewpoints include:
- Nagi Gompa terrace
- Several viewpoints on the forest trail
- The summit of Shivpuri Peak
You can see famous snow-capped peaks on a clear morning, making this a favourite spot for sunrise lovers and photographers.
🧘♂️ Cultural Sites Inside the Park
Shivpuri is not only natural—it's cultural too. Many Nepali people come here for meditation, religious rituals, and spiritual retreats.
🌟 Nagi Gompa
This monastery is a peaceful Buddhist centre where nuns meditate and offer prayers. Travelers find it calming and inspiring.
🌟 Bagh Dwar
This is one of the sources of the Bagmati River, an important river for Hindu culture. Pilgrims visit to offer prayers and collect holy water.
🌟 Shiv Temple
Near the upper areas of the park, small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva can be found—especially popular during Shivaratri.
These cultural spots add a unique spiritual touch to your adventure.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Shivpuri National Park
The park is open all year, but some seasons offer better weather and clearer views.
Best Seasons:
October to December – clear skies, great mountain views
February to April – blooming rhododendrons, mild weather
Decent Seasons:
May to June – warm but good for shaded forest walks
Avoid if possible:
July to September (monsoon) – muddy trails, leeches, slippery routes
🕒 How Much Time Do You Need?
Short nature walk: 2 hours
Bagh Dwar or Nagi Gompa: 3–4 hours
Shivpuri Peak: 6–7 hours for a full-day trip
With Explore Nepal Trekking, you can choose a guided hike based on your time and fitness level.
🧭 Suggested Itinerary for a Perfect Day Trip
Here’s a sample plan for a meaningful and enjoyable day inside Shivpuri National Park:
7:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel
Meet your guide from Explore Nepal Trekking and drive to Budhanilkantha.
7:30 AM – Entry to Shivpuri National Park
Get the entry permits and start walking inside the fresh, cool forest.
8:00 AM – Start the hike
Choose your preferred trail: Nagi Gompa, Bagh Dwar, or the summit trail.
10:30 AM – Refresh & enjoy the viewpoint
Take photos, enjoy the forest air, and have tea or snacks.
12:30 PM – Reach the summit or final viewpoint
Relax at the top and soak in the panoramic views.
2:00 PM – Hike back down
Descend gently through the peaceful forest.
4:00 PM – Return to Kathmandu
Arrive back with refreshed energy and a calm mind.
🧳 What to Pack for Your Shivpuri Adventure
To enjoy your hike comfortably, make sure to carry:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light jacket (it can be cooler higher up)
- Water bottle
- Snacks or energy bars
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Rain jacket (if visiting in summer)
- Camera or smartphone
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
🛡️ Why Travel with Explore Nepal Trekking?
Exploring Shivpuri on your own is possible but traveling with Explore Nepal Trekking offers a much better and safer experience. Their guides know the forest trails extremely well, understand the wildlife, and help you choose the best route based on your comfort.
Benefits of choosing Explore Nepal Trekking:
- Experienced, friendly guides
- Safety-focused navigation
- Flexible itineraries
- Local knowledge of flora, fauna, and culture
- Hassle-free permits and transport
- Personalized experience for individuals, families, and groups
Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced trekker, they help make your day trip smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
🌼 Why Shivpuri National Park Is Worth Visiting
Here’s why so many travellers fall in love with this place:
- Extremely close to Kathmandu
- Peaceful forest environment
- Great for all age groups
- Many trails' options
- Stunning Himalayan views
- Wildlife and birdwatching
- Cultural and spiritual sites
- A perfect nature escape without long travel
Shivpuri is a refreshing reminder that beautiful nature exists just a short drive away from the busy capital.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Shivpuri National Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by trees, mountains, and the peaceful sounds of nature. Whether you want a short walk, a cultural visit to Nagi Gompa, or a full-day summit adventure to Shivpuri Peak, this national park offers something meaningful for every traveller.
For a smooth, enjoyable, and well-guided experience, Explore Nepal Trekking ensures that your visit is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Their expertise, warm hospitality, and knowledge of the region help you connect with the real beauty of Nepal.
If you’re planning a trip to Kathmandu or looking for the best nature escape near the city, Shivpuri National Park should definitely be on your list.
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