Highlights
- Location and Accessibility: Situated 12 kilometers north of Kathmandu, easily reachable by a short drive from the city.
- Size and Terrain: Covers 159 square kilometers with dense forests, waterfalls, and moderately challenging hiking trails.
- Hiking Experience: A perfect day hike suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.
- Scenic Beauty: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley, and lush green landscapes throughout the trail.
- Flora and Fauna: Home to diverse wildlife, including rare birds, butterflies, and small mammals, along with a variety of plant species.
- Cultural and Spiritual Sites: Includes visits to Baghdwar (source of the Bagmati River) and Buddhist monasteries along the route.
- Waterfalls and Streams: Peaceful natural features add to the hike’s charm, offering picturesque resting spots.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are dry and accessible.
- Duration: Typically a 4–6 hour hike, making it an ideal one-day outing from Kathmandu.
Overview
The Shivapuri National Park Day Hike is one of the best short hiking experiences near Kathmandu, offering a perfect escape into nature without leaving the valley for long.
Located on the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri National Park Nepal is a protected forest area known for its rich biodiversity, peaceful trails, monasteries, and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range.
This Kathmandu day hike to Shivapuri Peak (2732m) is ideal for travelers who want a refreshing nature walk, light adventure, and stunning mountain views in a single day.
At Explore Nepal Trekking, we organize a smooth and guided Shivapuri hiking experience from Kathmandu, combining nature, culture, and scenic exploration.
Why Shivapuri National Park is Special
The Shivapuri hiking trail near Kathmandu is famous for its dense forests, peaceful environment, and spiritual landmarks.
This protected area is home to:
- Subtropical and temperate forests
- Rare bird species and wildlife
- Buddhist monasteries like Nagi Gumba
- Sacred water source of Bagmati River
- Panoramic viewpoints of Kathmandu Valley
It is one of the best nature hikes in Kathmandu Nepal for a quick escape from city life.
Shivapuri Day Hike Experience
The Shivapuri National Park hike offers a balanced mix of forest trekking, cultural stops, and mountain viewpoints.
The trail passes through stone steps, pine forests, and quiet ridge lines where nature and spirituality blend together.
Guide Insight:
This hike is not just about reaching the top—it is about the journey through peaceful forest trails, prayer flags, and hidden viewpoints that make Shivapuri hiking in Nepal truly special.
Shivapuri Hike Difficulty
The Shivapuri National Park day hike difficulty is moderate.
It involves continuous uphill trekking and stone steps, but no technical skills are required.
It is suitable for fit beginners, nature lovers, and travelers looking for a short trekking experience near Kathmandu.
Best Time for Shivapuri Day Hike
The best time for Shivapuri hiking in Nepal depends on weather and visibility.
Spring (March – May)
- Clear skies
- Blooming forest trails
- Pleasant hiking weather
Autumn (September – November)
- Best Himalayan views
- Stable weather conditions
- Ideal trekking season
Winter (December – February)
- Crisp mountain visibility
- Cold but peaceful trails
- Fewer hikers
What to Expect on Shivapuri Day Hike
This Kathmandu nature hiking tour includes forest trekking, cultural sites, and scenic viewpoints.
You experience:
- Forest entry at Shivapuri National Park gate
- Short walk to Nagi Gumba monastery
- Ascent through Bhagdwar (Bagmati River source)
- Spiritual encounters with local sadhus
- Reach Shivapuri Peak viewpoint (2732m)
- Himalayan and Kathmandu Valley views
- Scenic descent via Tarebhir trail
Shivapuri Day Hike – A Peaceful Escape Above Kathmandu Valley
Walking through quiet forest trails inside Shivapuri National Park offers a calm and refreshing escape just above Kathmandu Valley.
Prayer flags fluttering near ancient monasteries add a spiritual touch to the peaceful mountain journey.
Breathing in fresh mountain air fills every step of the hike with energy and natural freshness.
Distant Himalayan peaks rising above the horizon create a stunning backdrop throughout the trail.
This is the Shivapuri National Park day hike experience from Kathmandu—peaceful, refreshing, and naturally beautiful.
If you are ready for a Shivapuri hiking adventure near Kathmandu, our team is here to guide your perfect nature escape.
Alternative Tours & Packages
- Nagarkot Sunrise View and Kathmandu Valley Day Hike – 8hr
Begin your morning witnessing a stunning Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot, then set out on a guided hike along serene paths with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. This experience beautifully combines nature’s splendor with an invigorating outdoor adventure. - Kathmandu’s UNESCO Sites – Seven World Heritage Day Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Kathmandu Valley by visiting seven of its most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover ancient temples, historic royal palaces, and revered stupas, all packed into a remarkable day filled with heritage and history.
Included and Excluded
- Packed Launch
- Private Transportation for Kathmandu – Checkpost and Jagdol – Kathmandu
- Experience English-speaking guide
- Entrance Permit fee for trekking
- Travel Insurance
- Rescue service
- Personal and nature expenses, water, beverages, extra food
- Necessary Tips for Guides
- Addition cost due to any political disturbances
- Any additional cost due to natural problematic circumstances
Itinerary
Route Map
Fixed Departure
Day Hike to Shivapuri National Park Availability
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FAQs
Foreigners: One thousand Nepali Rupees (Rs. 1,000) per person, per entry. SAARC countries: For nationalities from SAARC countries, the entry fee is (Rs. 600) per person. Nepali: For citizens of Nepal, the entry fee is 100 Nepali Rupees per person.
The highest altitude for hiking in Shivapuri National Park is 2732m.
Shivapuri National Park is best for hiking in every season, in the rain, or during the winter if the weather is clear. So, if you are familiar with enjoying playing with the snow, planning your trip for the winter is also an ideal one. Of course, autumn and spring seasons are preferred to the cold and rainy ones for the best views and blooms.
Shivapuri Hiking trail is home to 129 Kinds of mushrooms, 177 varieties of birds, 9 vulnerable species, and 102 species of butterflies. Pine, oak, and rhododendron vegetation forests can be seen depending on altitude and aspect. Himalayan Black bears, leopards, jungle cats, and rhesus monkeys have been recorded wildlife in the National Park.
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