The Shivapuri day hike is an adventurous activity in Kathmandu. Located northwest of the city, Shivapuri Hill offers an excellent day hiking opportunity and stunning views of the Langtang range.
Shivapuri Hill is the second-highest hill near Kathmandu. It stands 2,732 meters above sea level. Depending on your pace, you can complete the Shivapuri hike in 6 to 7 hours.
It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top of the hill and around 2 hours to descend. From Thamel, you can reach the starting point of the Shivapuri hike in around a 40-minute drive and the same while returning.
So, if you start the Shivapuri hiking at around 6:00 AM, you will be done by 2:00 PM. Similarly, you can also start late (at around 8:00 AM) and complete the hike by 4:00 AM. In short Shivapuri day hike is a full day kind of activity.
The starting point of Shivapuri day hiking is Budhanilkantha. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hikers can visit the temple before starting the hike.
One of our professional, friendly hiking guides will accompany you during the Shivapuri day hike. He will make sure you explore all the landmarks. The Shivapuri hiking route is well-marked.
You will slowly ascend through dense forests. On the way, you can see different species of plants, flowers, and birds because the trail is inside Shivapuri National Park. Likewise, you will see beautiful streams along the way.
You will also come across the Nagi Gombu, also known as Nagi Nunnery. The hiking route is accessible to most travelers. If you are reasonably fit and can walk for around 6 hours, you can do the Shivapuri hike.
Shivapuri hiking route
Do you want to see the Himalayan mountains from Kathmandu? A one-day hike is the best option, and the Shivapuri hike is one of the most popular hiking programs near Kathmandu for seeing the Himalayan mountains.
This hike offers breathtaking views of the Langtang Range. If the sky is clear, you will also see stunning views of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma, etc.
From the starting point of the trail, you will walk approximately 2.3 kilometers to reach the top of Shivapuri Hill. As the trail is inside the Shivapuri National Park, hikers have to obtain permits.
The Shivapuri day hike permit costs Nrs 1000 for tourists and Nrs 100 for Nepalese citizens. The first part of the Shivapuri hiking route follows dusty roads within the national park. The trail ascends northeast. Soon, the landscape changes.
You will see more greenery around you. You will reach Nagi Gumba. Take a short break here and explore the nunnery. There is a small tea shop here. You can have a cup of tea or coffee before continuing. From Nagi Gumba, there are two routes.
One route is steep, and the other has a moderate but vertical ascent to Bhagdwar. From here, you will reach the top of Tinchuli Hill and climb some more to reach the top of Shivapuri Peak.
Though the final hike is physically a bit demanding, you will be rewarded with an excellent landscape from the top. Upon reaching the top of the hill, enjoy the views and rest.
Have your packed lunch and later descend to the ending point of the trail. The guide will drop you off at your hotel in a private four-wheeler.
Highlights
- An adventurous and popular day hike near Kathmandu
- Complete the hike in 6 to 7 hours
- The trip includes an opportunity to explore Budhanilkantha Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nepal
- Hike with a professional, friendly hiking guide
- The trail goes through the dense forests of the Shivapuri National Park where you can discover different species of flora and fauna
- Explore beautiful streams on the way
- Visit Nagi Gombu, also known as Nagi Nunnery
- Witness Himalayan mountains like Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma, etc
- Enjoy nature, unwind, and take a break from the chaos of Kathmandu
- Ideal for all ages of travelers
Tips for hikers planning to do the Shivapuri day hike
- Our Shivapuri day hike package doesn't include food and water. Carry a packed lunch and a water bottle.
- Carry a protein bar to munch during hiking. You will need a lot of energy to walk for almost 6 to 7 hours.
- Electrolytes are highly recommended. Pack a few of them to have during the hike. It will help you maintain hydration in your body and also provide an energy boost.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Normal sneakers are not recommended because they are not good for long walking. Make sure you are wearing a used pair of shoes because new shoes will give you blisters and make hiking more challenging.
- Taking frequent breaks is highly recommended. You will not only get to catch your breath but also enjoy nature.
- Do not disturb plants and flowers along the trail. Do not damage the vegetation, and do not leave your trash behind.
- Carry a first aid kit, whistle, map, and power bank. These things will help you in an emergency.
- Do not hike alone unless you are not used to hiking alone and navigating mountainous terrain. Buy a Shivapuri hiking package from a local travel agency like us. We provide a professional, trustworthy guide and a four-wheeler with a skilled driver.
Shivapuri day hiking packing list
Follow the below packing list and pack like a pro for the Shivapuri day hiking.
- Comfortable undergarments
- Hiking trousers/shorts
- Breathable t-shirt
- Windcheater jacket
- Thermal layer (as per the weather)
- Comfortable hiking shoes (do not wear new hiking shoes)
- Socks
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- SPF and lip balm
- Map (optional)
- Packed lunch/snacks
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Mobile, camera, power bank, spare batteries
- Wet wipes
- Tissue
- First-aid kit
- Whistle (great to have)
Shivapuri hike cost and what it includes
Shivapuri hike is an affordable day activity that you can join with us at any time. Pre-booking is not required for Shivapuri hiking. Let us know at least one day before your departure, and we will arrange a guide and a four-wheeler for you.
You organize both groups and private Shivapuri day hiking trips. Whether you are a group of travelers or a solo traveler, feel free to contact us for Shivapuri hiking. Enjoy the best Shivapuri day hiking cost and service with us.
Our Shivapuri hiking cost includes the following things:
- Private four-wheeler and skilled driver to travel to/from the trailhead.
- Professional, friendly, English-speaking hiking guide.
- Shivapuri National Park permit is Nrs 1000 for foreigners and Nrs 100 for Nepalese.
- Hike completion certificate.
- Company's charge.
*Note:
- Tipping the guide and driver is recommended. You can tip them based on your satisfaction level with their service.
- Hikers have to take care of any expense not mentioned above.
The best time to do Shivapuri day hiking
Shivapuri hiking is doable throughout the year. Each season has its perks. For example, spring is the season of flowers. The hill is blossomed with rhododendrons and many other flowers. The weather and climate are also perfect in spring, which makes hiking incredible.
In contrast to spring, summer/monsoon (June to August) has erratic weather and slippery, muddy trails. However, the greenery is fantastic at this time of the year. June to August is the best time of the year to hike to Shivapuri Hill if you like rainy weather and greenery.
Autumn (late September to November) is another best time of the year to enjoy hiking. Pleasant weather, a stable climate, dry trails, and beautiful landscapes make hiking amazing.
Winter (December to February) is another great time of the year to hike to Shivapuri. Though the climate is cold, the scenery is superb. Hiking in the winter season is wonderful from a health point of view.
