Nepal · Hiking

1-Day Shivapuri Hike from Kathmandu with Nagi Gompa and Bagdwar

1 Day Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the sacred Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the Sleeping Vishnu
02 Walk through Shivapuri Conservation Area, known for diverse wildlife
03 Pass Nagi Gompa, a peaceful Buddhist monastery on the forest trail
04 See Bagdwar, the sacred source of the Bagmati River
05 Reach the summit of Shivapuri Hill (2,563m) for panoramic valley views
06 Enjoy one of the best bird-watching and nature routes near Kathmandu

The Shivapuri Day Hike is one of the most rewarding one-day nature walks around Kathmandu Valley, combining nature, culture, wildlife, and panoramic mountain views. Located north of the city, Shivapuri Hill (2,563m) is the second-highest hill surrounding the valley and lies within the protected Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. The trail passes through dense forests rich in flora and fauna, stone-paved steps, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, with excellent viewpoints overlooking Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, the summit rewards hikers with stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, and the route is also highly regarded for bird watching.

The trail passes through dense forests rich in flora and fauna, stone-paved steps, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, with excellent viewpoints overlooking Kathmandu Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Shivapuri Hike via Budhanilkantha, Nagi Gompa, and Bagdwar

Drive: Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha (40 minutes)
Your day begins with a short drive from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha, home to the revered Budhanilkantha Temple, which features a massive stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining in a pond.

Hike: Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri Hill (3-4 hours)
After passing the army checkpoint, the trail enters the Shivapuri Conservation Area. The hike follows stone-paved steps through dense forests, offering occasional valley views. En route, you pass Nagi Gompa (2,340m), a serene monastery known for meditation retreats. Continuing uphill, you reach Bagdwar, the sacred source of the Bagmati River, before the final ascent to the summit.

Explore Shivapuri Summit (2,563m)
From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley and distant Himalayan peaks in a peaceful natural setting.

Descent: Shivapuri to Budhanilkantha (2 hours)
The return walk is a comfortable downhill hike through the same scenic forest trail.

Drive: Budhanilkantha to Kathmandu (40 minutes)
After completing the hike, drive back to Kathmandu, concluding a refreshing and spiritually enriching day.

The route