Trip Facts

Duration

1 day

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

2,732 m

Group Size

1–10

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Activities

Hiking

Best Time

Feb–Nov

Highlights

  • Explore the nearest national park from Kathmandu, just 11 km away.
  • Walk through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine.
  • Visit the holy site of Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu).
  • Stop at Nagi Gompa, a peaceful Buddhist nunnery.
  • See Baghdwar, the sacred spring that is the source of the Bagmati River.
  • Optional hike to Shivapuri Peak (2,732m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Spot birds, monkeys, deer, and other wildlife inside the park.
  • Perfect short escape: can be done as a day hike or overnight trip.

 

Overview

If you are short on time but still want to experience Nepal’s natural beauty, Shivapuri National Park is your ideal choice. Located just a short drive north of Kathmandu, this protected area covers over 159 square kilometers and is an important water source for the valley.

The park is home to more than 300 species of birds, several species of mammals like Himalayan black bears, leopards, monkeys, and deer, and a wide variety of plants. Besides wildlife, you’ll also discover cultural and spiritual spots like Budhanilkantha Temple, Nagi Gompa, and the holy Baghdwar spring.

A visit to Shivapuri National Park offers the best of both nature and culture. You can do this as a 1-day hike with a return to Kathmandu in the evening, or choose a 2-day plan to spend a night at a simple lodge and enjoy more peaceful time in the forest. The trail is moderate, safe, and suitable for beginners, families, and students.

Itinerary

We start the morning with a short drive from your hotel to Budhanilkantha Temple (1,350m), where you will see the famous Sleeping Vishnu statue lying in a pond. After exploring, we enter Shivapuri National Park through the gate and begin our hike.

The trail slowly climbs through rhododendron, oak, and pine forests filled with birdsong and fresh air. Along the way, we will stop at Nagi Gompa, a quiet Buddhist nunnery, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. Continuing further, we reach Baghdwar, the sacred source of the Bagmati River.

If you have good energy and time, we can hike up to Shivapuri Peak (2,732m) for breathtaking views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. After enjoying the views, we descend back to the entrance and drive to Kathmandu, or if you prefer, stay overnight in a simple lodge inside the park.

Max. Altitude

2,732m (Shivapuri Peak, optional)

Hotel

Hotel in Kathmandu or lodge near park

Dinner

Lunch and Dinner

For those who choose the two-day plan, we begin the day with a short walk through forest trails that are less busy so that you can watch birds and take pictures. We might also go to a nearby Tamang town to learn about the culture and way of life on a farm. We go down and get back to Kathmandu by late afternoon, after a nice walk and a small meal.. After a relaxing walk and light meal, we descend back and return to Kathmandu by late afternoon.

Max. Altitude

Around 1,500–2,000m

Hotel

Hotel in Kathmandu

Dinner

Breakfast and Lunch

Cost Details

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Private vehicle or local transport as per itinerary
  • Shivapuri National Park entry permit
  • Professional English-speaking trekking guide
  • Lunch on Day 1 (and Day 2 if overnight)
  • Dinner and overnight lodge stay (if choosing 2-day option)
  • Government taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Breakfast and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Useful Information

  • Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families
  • Entry Fee (approximate): NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 600 for SAARC nationals, USD 10 for foreigners (subject to change)
  • Mobile signals may be weak inside the park
  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket
  • Respect local culture: remove shoes in temples/monasteries, avoid loud noise in monasteries
  • Don’t litter — carry back your trash and help keep the forest clean

 

FAQs

It’s only about 11 km north of the city, around 30–40 minutes’ drive.

Yes, you need to buy an entry permit at the gate. The cost is different for Nepalis, SAARC nationals, and foreigners.

The full hike to Shivapuri Peak and back takes 6–7 hours, but you can also do shorter routes to Nagi Gompa or Baghdwar in 3–4 hours.

Yes! Many people do it as a day hike, but you can also extend to 2 days if you want to explore more and stay overnight.

Yes, the trail is safe, not too steep, and suitable for beginners. Just wear good shoes and carry enough water.

You may spot monkeys, deer, wild boars, and many birds. Rare animals like leopards and Himalayan black bears also live here but are rarely seen.

We provide lunch (and dinner/breakfast for overnight trips), but it’s good to carry your own snacks and water.

The highest point is Shivapuri Peak at 2,732 meters, which offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges.