Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Trek around Kathmandu
Shivapuri trek is the best short trek from Kathmandu that is as equally scenic and rewarding as any other treks in the Himalayan foothills. The trekking route climbs to the northern valley rim and then follow the ridge through the Tamang villages into the subtropical forest of Shivapuri national park.
Route : Kakani - Shivapuri - Chisopani - Nagarkot
Duration: 3 - 4 days trek
Grade: Moderate trek
Mode of Trekking : Lodge / Resorts
Himalayas : Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal
Day 01: Drive through Nagarjun to kakani (45 mints / 2,066 m) from where we will start trekking. We will enter into National park and follow dirt road to get to Gurje Bhanjyang (1,800 m).
Day 02: Hike to Shivapuri (2,732 m) and trek to Chisapani (2,194 m).
Day 03: Trek along the ridge to Nagarkot (2,100 m).
Day 04: You can either trek to Changunarayan for four hrs or drive back to Kathmandu.
This trek could be continued to Dhulikhel, Namo Buddha and Balthali.
Shivapuri trek Inquiry >
Shivapuri Day Hike (2,732m)
The hike starts from the base of Shivapri Hill near Budanilkhanta. We will drive till the national park entrance. The trail climbs past monastery through the forest to Bagdwar with shrines and hermitages. From there another 40 mints climb takes us to the Shivapuri hill top with panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal and Manaslu Range. Shivapuri hiking will take about 8 hrs and we will climb about 900 m in the rim of Kathmandu.
Shivapuri day hike inquiry > | Read Hiking Blog
Nagarkot - Changunarayan hiking
Day hiking inquiry >
Inspired by this I had always wanted to attempt something a little more adventurous.
Towards the end of 2017, I made the decision to attempt a short trek in Nepal, basing myself in Kathmandu.
I began sleuthing trekking companies on the internet and came upon a recommendation for iTour Nepal and two other tour groups.
Because Rabi was consistently prompt in his replies to my questions, it seemed logical to select a tour with the company he represented.
The trek selected was of three days duration, billed as ‘easy to moderate’ in scale of difficulty, at medium altitude, highest point 2,700 metres.
In order to prepare, I ‘power walked’ around the local village for months, 50 minutes on each occasion, attended yoga classes and walked for miles at every opportunity.
On arrival in Kathmandu, Rabi and crew were quick to present at Hotel Nepalaya, my home away from home for several days.
I was assisted to settle in, locate essentials like ATM and SIM card and later introduced to my faithful guide/porter. Their service could not be faulted.
While thoroughly enjoying the trek, the company of my guide, the serenity, and the heavenly scenery around and below, I must say we Aussies and Nepali nationals might not agree on the meaning of ‘moderate’. Unprepared for such lengthy, steep stretches on such uneven ground, I must say I found some of the going tough, and expressed so, often, to my ever-patient, ever- encouraging guide who as a born and bred Nepali could climb to the ends of the earth I swear.
Discussing this ‘moderate’ assessment later with Rabi, he commented that some European trekkers had commented they too found classifications of difficulty differed when compared with those of Europe.
But that aside, I am safely home and can happily recommend iTour Nepal for service, reliability and attention to detail. I especially appreciated Rabi’s regular phone-ins during the trek and making the time to walk in and meet us during the final leg.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
- At easy access from Kathmandu
- Treks and hikes from day to week along the Kathmandu valley rim.
- Easy treks and hike from Kathmandu.
- Options of teahouse, resorts and campting trek.
- View of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal Himal and Rolwaling
- Cultural encounter of both Hindu and Buddhist practices.