Overview

Shivapuri – Second Highest Hill in the Kathmandu Valley

Shivapuri hiking usually starts in Budhalkantha and detours through Nagigumpa. Shivapuri stands at a height of 2563 meters and is located to the north of Kathmandu. It is one of the highest hills in the Kathmandu Valley. The entire Shivapuri area is known as a protected area that is home to a vast amount of endangered bird and animal species; included in these rare species are leopards, jungle cats and Himalayan Black Bears. Hikers can also look forward to seeing a large variety of mushroom species, approximately 127 bird species and 102 different species of butterflies. The two major rivers in the Shivapuri region are the Bisnumati and Bagmati rivers.

Driving Distance: 9 kilometers North from Kathmandu, takes 20 minutes drive to Budhanilkantha by private transport

Hiking Consists: 6 - 7 hours walk

Details Hiking Itinerary - Early in the morning, you drive from Kathmandu to Muhan Pokhari for about 30 minutes. After checking the formalities at the Shivapuri entrance gate, you enter Shivapuri watershed and wildlife area. You commence your hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check-post is located. The trail goes along the rugged motor-able road through pine and cherry forest up to Nangi Gompa within one and half hours, where a nunnery monastery is located. Beyond the monastery, the trail goes steep uphill through the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest for another three hours. From here one can enjoy the beauty of snowy Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, Dorji Lhakpa and you take a shortcut downhill to Budhanilkantha in about two and half hours and drive back to Kathmandu.