Nepal — Kathmandu
Escape Kathmandu's bustle on the Shivapuri National Park Trail, a moderate 25km day hike through Nepal's vital watershed. This protected forest offers a diverse landscape of lush vegetation and varied terrain, leading to stunning panoramas. Spot abundant birdlife and monkeys amidst ancient trees on this scenic route, a refreshing natural retreat.
Distance: 25.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1200 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6-8 hours
The Shivapuri National Park Trail offers a refreshing escape from the bustling energy of Kathmandu, providing a vital green lung for the capital city and a popular day hike for locals and visitors alike. This trail winds through the lush, biodiverse Shivapuri National Park, a protected area that serves as a crucial watershed for the Kathmandu Valley. The park is renowned for its rich flora and fauna, including a variety of bird species, monkeys, and even the elusive leopard. The trail culminates at the Shivapuri peak, the highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan ranges on a clear day. It's a journey that combines natural beauty, spiritual significance, and a moderate physical challenge, making it an accessible yet rewarding adventure just a stone's throw from the city centre.
The Shivapuri National Park Trail is a testament to the natural beauty that can thrive even in close proximity to a major metropolitan area. As a designated national park, it plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity and protecting the water sources that sustain the Kathmandu Valley. The trail itself is a well-trodden path, yet it offers a profound sense of immersion in nature. Starting from the base near Budhanilkantha, the initial ascent is gradual, leading walkers through dense rhododendron and oak forests. The air becomes noticeably cooler and fresher as you gain altitude, and the sounds of the city fade, replaced by birdsong and the rustling of leaves.
The park is a haven for wildlife. While sightings of larger mammals like leopards are rare, the presence of langur monkeys is common, and their playful antics often entertain hikers. Birdwatchers will find the park particularly rewarding, with numerous species of resident and migratory birds calling it home. The trail is dotted with small streams and clearings, offering opportunities for rest and reflection. The higher you climb, the more expansive the views become. On a clear day, the summit of Shivapuri offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. To the south, the sprawling expanse of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds, a patchwork of urban development and agricultural land. To the north, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung, often pierce the horizon, providing a stunning backdrop.
The trail is also significant for its spiritual connections. The park is home to the Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati River, a sacred river in Hinduism and Buddhism. This site is a popular pilgrimage destination, and you may encounter devotees offering prayers. The journey to the summit is a moderate challenge, requiring a good level of fitness due to the sustained elevation gain. However, the well-maintained path and the consistent beauty of the surroundings make the effort worthwhile. It's a hike that offers a perfect blend of natural exploration, cultural insight, and physical activity, making it an essential experience for anyone visiting Kathmandu.
Shivapuri National Park, established in 2002, is one of Nepal's youngest national parks. Its designation was a crucial step in protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Kathmandu Valley and ensuring the sustainability of its water resources. Before its gazettement, the area was subject to deforestation and encroachment, threatening its ecological integrity. The park's creation was a collaborative effort involving local communities, conservation organisations, and the Nepalese government, recognising the vital role the forest played in regulating water flow and preventing soil erosion.
The area has a long history of human interaction, particularly with its spiritual sites. The Bagdwar, considered the source of the Bagmati River, has been a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. The Bagmati River is central to the religious life of the Kathmandu Valley, flowing through the heart of the capital and being the site of numerous temples and cremation ghats, most notably Pashupatinath. The presence of this sacred source within the park underscores the deep cultural and spiritual connection Nepalese people have with their natural environment.
The Shivapuri peak itself has also held significance, likely as a vantage point and a place for meditation and contemplation. The trail leading to the summit has been used by locals for generations, serving as a route for accessing resources and for spiritual journeys. The establishment of the national park has helped to preserve not only the natural landscape but also the cultural heritage associated with these sacred sites. The park's history is thus a blend of ecological conservation efforts and the continuation of ancient spiritual practices, all set against the backdrop of the ever-evolving Kathmandu Valley.
The best time to hike the Shivapuri National Park Trail is during the dry seasons, which generally fall between October and November, and again from March to May. These periods offer the most favourable weather conditions for hiking.
Autumn (October-November): This is arguably the prime season. The monsoon rains have subsided, leaving the air clear and crisp. Temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The skies are often clear, providing excellent visibility for panoramic views of the Himalayas from the summit. The forests are vibrant, and the overall atmosphere is serene, making for a truly enjoyable hiking experience.
Spring (March-May): Spring is another excellent time to visit. The weather is warm, with temperatures similar to autumn, though it can start to get hotter towards May. This season is particularly beautiful as the rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom, adding splashes of colour to the forest landscape. The humidity begins to increase as the pre-monsoon period approaches, but it is generally manageable for a day hike.
Summer (June-September): This period coincides with the monsoon season. Expect heavy rainfall, high humidity, and cloudy skies. While the rain can make the forest incredibly lush and vibrant, it significantly reduces visibility, making the summit views unlikely. Trails can become muddy and slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Hiking during the monsoon is generally not recommended unless you are experienced and well-prepared for wet conditions.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Shivapuri are generally mild but can be cold, especially at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures usually range from 5°C to 15°C. Frost is common in the mornings, and there can be occasional light snowfall on the higher peaks, though it rarely accumulates significantly on the trail itself. The skies are often clear, offering good visibility, but the cold can be a factor. It's a good season for hiking if you are prepared for cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Early Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Departure from Kathmandu
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrival at Trailhead and Start of Hike
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ascending Through Forest and Wildlife Spotting
Midday (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Reaching Bagdwar and Lunch Break
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Summit Push and Panoramic Views
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Descent and Return to Trailhead
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Return to Kathmandu
Important Notes:
The Shivapuri National Park Trail is a day hike, meaning no overnight accommodation is required. However, essential preparation is still key to a successful and enjoyable experience. The closest major city and logistical hub is Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can easily arrange transport to the trailhead near Budhanilkantha. Taxis are readily available, and local buses offer a more budget-friendly option. The drive to Budhanilkantha typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, but this can vary significantly depending on traffic congestion, which is a common characteristic of Kathmandu.
It is crucial to obtain your park entry permits before commencing your hike. These can usually be purchased at the park entrance itself or, for greater convenience, from the Kathmandu Forestry Office in advance. Confirming the operating hours of the Forestry Office and the park entrance is advisable. For those planning to drive, limited parking is available at the trailhead, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended. Ensure you have sufficient cash for permits and any local transport, as card facilities may not be widely available at the park entrance.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
To access Shivapuri National Park, visitors are required to obtain an entry permit. These permits are essential for conservation efforts and contribute to the maintenance of the park's infrastructure and wildlife protection programs. The permits can typically be purchased in two main locations:
Permit Fees:
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Shivapuri Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Shivapuri Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
While the Shivapuri National Park Trail is a primary attraction, the surrounding area offers several other points of interest and activities that can complement your visit:
Pre-Hike Checks:
On the Trail:
Specific Hazards:
Emergency Contacts:
Bagdwar (Source of the Bagmati River): Located approximately halfway to the summit, Bagdwar is a significant spiritual site and the revered source of the Bagmati River. This is a tranquil spot where pilgrims often come to offer prayers. The area is marked by small shrines and a natural spring. It's an excellent place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the cultural significance of the landscape. The atmosphere here is often serene, providing a stark contrast to the bustling city below.
Shivapuri Peak Summit (2,732 m): The ultimate destination of the hike. The summit offers a rewarding panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley, stretching out below like a vast tapestry. On clear days, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and even Mount Everest in the far distance, form a breathtaking backdrop. There is often a small stupa or prayer flags at the summit, adding to the spiritual ambiance. It's the perfect spot for a well-deserved rest, a picnic lunch, and ample photo opportunities.
Forest Trails and Wildlife Viewing: While not a specific "side trip," the journey through the diverse forest ecosystems of Shivapuri National Park is an attraction in itself. The park is home to a variety of flora, including rhododendrons, oaks, and pines, as well as a rich birdlife. Keep an eye out for langur monkeys, barking deer, and numerous bird species. The changing vegetation as you ascend provides a dynamic and engaging hiking experience.
Viewpoints along the trail: As you ascend, there are several natural clearings and vantage points that offer glimpses of the valley and the surrounding hills. These spots are ideal for short breaks, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the landscape and the progress you've made.
Shivapuri National Park is a vital natural resource for the Kathmandu Valley, serving as a critical watershed and a sanctuary for biodiversity. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is paramount to preserving this precious environment for future generations. Your actions on the trail have a direct impact on the health of the park.
Your responsibility as a hiker:
By following these principles, you help ensure that Shivapuri National Park remains a beautiful and healthy natural area for everyone to enjoy.
