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Shivapuri Day Hike – Best 1 Day Hike Near Kathmandu Valley

1 Day Shivapuri Hiking – Best Family Day Trek Near Kathmandu
Shivapuri Day Hike
Shivapuri Day Hike
Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
Maximum Altitude2732 M
ActivitiesDay Trips
Group Size2
Startskathmandu
Endskahtmandu
Best TimeRound of the year

1 Day Shivapuri Hiking – Best Family Day Hike Near Kathmandu

Does this sound like wandering around to find the greatest hiking place near Kathmandu that gives you a fresh mountain air, a forest walk, a magnificent Himalayan landscape, and a slight sense of cultural beauty within a single day? It is an ideal option to choose the 1-day Shivapuri Hiking experience. Being one of the most requested day hikes in Kathmandu, this picturesque tour will make you visit the peaceful wild landscape of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which is only an hour's drive outside of Nepal's capital.

This nature family day hike in Kathmandu is particularly suitable for nature lovers, amateur photographers, or a family that wants a nice outdoor and cool experience. It is a great option for those visitors who do not have a lot of time to spend, but still want to enjoy the most popular hiking territory of Nepal without going to the far East of the Himalaya.

Why Choose Shivapuri Day Hiking?

Shivapuri is one among the numerous day hiking spots in Kathmandu because it is easy to reach, due to its biodiversity and scenic beauty. The hike begins only 45 or 60 minutes outside of the centre of the city, and leads you along peaceful mountain routes that run through beautiful pine, oak, and rhododendron trees. In spring, the flourishing rhododendrons give the slopes a picture postcard quality with their shades of red and pink.

This Kathmandu day walk is an ideal trip suitable for first-timers as well as family members and even for veteran hikers who just seek an enjoyable day trip into the wilderness. The accessible and well-kept trails are all safe and easy enough to be redeeming, but not too taxing.

Explore Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

The exploration of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which includes a trail featuring high biodiversity, can be deemed as one of the greatest attractions of the Shivapuri day hiking tour. Bird lovers would be delighted as they roam through the canopy to see various species of birds flying across the treetops, and some fortunate hikers could see some deer, Langurs, and even Himalayan black bears (at a safe distance). Several rare plants and butterflies are also found in the park, thus making it a favorite among people who are fond of eco-tourism.

One only hears the birds chirping and leaves rustling, and the rest is quiet and lovely, which is just what a person needs when they want to get out of the city madness and get closer to nature.

Panoramic Himalayan Views from Shivapuri Peak

Shivapuri Hill is the third-highest mountain located around Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2,732 meters. The best part of the journey is to attain the summit. On a sunny day, on a hike, hikers enjoy a scenic, marvelous view of the Langtang Himalayan range, extending to the mountain ranges near Tibet, and on to Ganesh Himal. You may also get panoramic views of the whole of the Kathmandu Valley with its terraced hillsides and rooftops of villages. It is a picturesque point of view that many photographers and travellers choose as it allows capturing the beauty of Nepal without being ready to spend days walking in the mountains.

Cultural Encounters Along the Trail

Although 1 Day Shivapuri Hiking is a nature-based trip in the real sense, it also comes with some cultural jewels that sustain the adventure. On the way, you will find ancient Hindu Shrines, quiet Buddhist Monasteries, secret waterfalls, and mini-villages giving a life of the locals around Kathmandu.

Such unforeseen cultural encounters give yourself a profound dimension of your hike and teach you to appreciate the intense spiritual relationship that the people of this region share with the mountains and forests.

Perfect for Families and First-Time Trekkers

Looking to get a family day hike near Kathmandu that is enjoyable, risk-free, and beautiful? Shivapuri day hike ticks all the boxes. It is excellent when there are children or elderly people in a family because the speed is bearable, and the modes were trimmed. This Kathmandu valley hiking tour is perfect even for those who are not keen hikers because it can be experienced without the vigorous preparation needed in such hikes as those in higher altitudes or further districts of Nepal. The Shivapuri day hike is a great alternative to longer hikes such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, or even Poon Hill, even when you are time-starved. Just 5- 7 hours are enough to visit the forest, hills, and cultural places (and for this, you do not need to leave the valley).

A Refreshing Day Trek Near Kathmandu

This is a full day hike, and those who do short treks around Kathmandu or those who do not know how to spend their free day in the city can use this hike to their advantage. It is an excellent escape for solitary tourists, couples, students, or families who want to be as close to nature as possible without going too far.

1 Day Shivapuri Hiking package offers not only transportation and relevant permits but a guided, memorable tour through one of the most captivating nature reserves of Nepal. It can be easily included in your itinerary, even though you are staying in Kathmandu or nearby places such as Bhaktapur or Lalitpur.

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Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

6:00 AM: Departure from Kathmandu

Start your day early with a departure from Kathmandu. Arrange for transportation to take you to the starting point of the hike at Budhanilkantha Temple, located approximately 9 kilometers from the city center.

7:00 AM: Arrival at Budhanilkantha Temple

Reach Budhanilkantha Temple, a sacred Hindu site known for its colossal statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a serpent. Take some time to explore the temple complex and admire the intricate craftsmanship of the statue before beginning your hike.

7:30 AM: Start of the Hike

Begin your ascent of Shivapuri Hill from Budhanilkantha Temple. Follow the well-marked hiking trails that wind through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Enjoy the refreshing sights and sounds of nature as you trek along the scenic route.

10:00 AM: Midway Break

Take a break midway through the hike to rest and refuel. Find a picturesque spot along the trail to enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, surrounded by the tranquility of the Shivapuri forest.

11:00 AM: Continue Hiking

Resume your hike towards the summit of Shivapuri Hill. As you ascend, keep an eye out for colorful butterflies, singing birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the area. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings and pace yourself according to your fitness level.

1:00 PM: Summit of Shivapuri Hill

Reach the summit of Shivapuri Hill and celebrate your achievement. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley below and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. Spend some time relaxing and enjoying the serene ambiance of the summit before beginning your descent.

2:00 PM: Descent from Summit

Begin your descent from the summit of Shivapuri Hill, retracing your steps along the hiking trail back to Budhanilkantha Temple. Enjoy the downhill trek and take advantage of the opportunity to appreciate the scenery from a different perspective.

4:00 PM: Return to Budhanilkantha Temple

Arrive back at Budhanilkantha Temple, completing your day hiking adventure. Take a moment to rest and reflect on the experiences of the day before preparing for the journey back to Kathmandu.

5:00 PM: Departure for Kathmandu

Board your transportation and embark on the journey back to Kathmandu, reminiscing about the stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and sense of accomplishment gained from your Shivapuri Day Hike.

6:00 PM: Arrival in Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu and conclude your day hiking trip. Reflect on the memories made and the beauty of Nepal's natural landscapes as you prepare to rest and recharge after an unforgettable adventure.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Transportation: Arrange for transportation from Kathmandu to the starting point of the hike at Budhanilkantha Temple, and back to Kathmandu at the end of the day.
  • Guided Tour: A knowledgeable guide to lead the hike and provide insights into the surroundings, including the history and significance of Budhanilkantha Temple and Shivapuri Hill.
  • Breakfast: Enjoy a packed breakfast during the midway break along the hiking trail, allowing you to refuel and recharge for the remainder of the hike.
  • Assistance: Assistance with preparing for the hike, including ensuring readiness with hiking gear, applying sunscreen, and providing any necessary information about the route and safety precautions.
Excluded
  • Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred during the hike, such as snacks, additional meals, or souvenirs, are not included in the package.
  • Hiking Gear: Participants are responsible for bringing their own hiking gear, including appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen, and any other personal items.
  • Tips: Tips or gratuities for the guide and any other service providers are not included and are at the discretion of the participants.
  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance coverage for unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage is not included and should be arranged separately.
  • Any other expenses not specifically mentioned as included.
FAQs

The hike to Shivapuri Top typically takes 4 to 6 hours depending on your pace, starting from the entrance at Budhanilkantha. The duration may vary based on the route you choose and how long you rest along the way.

The entrance fee to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is approximately NPR 100 for Nepali citizens and NPR 1,500 to NPR 2,000 for foreign tourists. Fees may vary, so it's recommended to check updated pricing before your visit.

Shivapuri is famous for its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and the sacred Shivapuri Peak. It’s a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks, offering visitors a peaceful retreat just outside Kathmandu.

The Shivapuri Top stands at an elevation of 2,563 meters (8,343 feet), making it one of the highest points in the Kathmandu Valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, leopards, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds, such as the Himalayan griffon and pheasants.

The park hosts a rich diversity of plants, including oak, pine, rhododendron, and various medicinal herbs. Its varied ecosystems support both temperate and subtropical flora, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.