Shivapuri Peak Day Hike

Kathmandu Valley · 1 Day

Shivapuri Peak Day Hike

· Moderate · Max altitude 2,732m (8,963 ft) at Shivapuri Peak · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

1 Day

Max Altitude

2,732m (8,963 ft)

at Shivapuri Peak

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

None (day trip)

Overview

The Shivapuri Peak Day Hike is the most demanding single-day walk you can do from inside Kathmandu Valley. At 2,732m, Shivapuri is the second-highest point on the valley rim and a serious 16-18 km out-and-back with a sacred Buddhist monastery, a waterfall pilgrimage spot and a hilltop Hindu shrine to the Shivapuri Baba.

It is the right pick for fit hikers wanting a real workout, photographers chasing Langtang views, and trekkers using Kathmandu as a base for acclimatisation before a Himalayan trek.

Highlights

  • Highest accessible peak on the Kathmandu Valley rim (2,732m)
  • Nagi Gompa - a peaceful white nunnery on the way up
  • Baghdwar - the sacred source of the Bagmati River
  • Shivapuri Baba shrine on the summit
  • Long views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal on clear days
  • Inside the protected Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
  • Rich birdlife and chance of forest wildlife
  • Strong half-day workout for hikers acclimatising
  • Loop option available (Budhanilkantha up, Sundarijal down)
  • Spiritual and natural combined

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu - Budhanilkantha - Nagi Gompa - Shivapuri Peak - Kathmandu

↔ 16-18 km 🍽 Not included (packed lunch recommended)

- **Hiking:** 7-8 hours 7:00 AM pickup. Drive to the Budhanilkantha park gate. Buy permit (included). Walk an hour up the unpaved road to Nagi Gompa for a short monastery visit. From here climb steeply through forest, passing Baghdwar, to the Shivapuri Baba shrine on the summit (2,732m). Lunch and rest. Descend on the same trail or via an alternative route to a different exit gate. Return drive to your Kathmandu hotel by late afternoon.

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What's included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit
  • English-speaking hiking guide

Not included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not listed under inclusions

Trek guide

A Real Day Hike Inside the City Limits

Shivapuri is the high point of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park - 144 km square of protected broadleaf forest that supplies much of Kathmandu's drinking water and is one of the most accessible biodiversity zones in Nepal.

Geography

The classic route starts at the Budhanilkantha entrance gate at roughly 1,400m and climbs through forest, past Nagi Gompa monastery (around 1,950m) to Baghdwar (around 2,500m) and the Shivapuri Baba shrine on the summit at 2,732m. Total distance is 16-18 km round trip with around 1,300m of elevation gain.

What You See

  • Nagi Gompa - a Tibetan-tradition nunnery with stupas and prayer wheels
  • Baghdwar - a small spring and shrine that marks the source of the Bagmati
  • Shivapuri Baba statue at the summit
  • Forest dense with rhododendron, oak and orchid
  • Long view of Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Ganesh Himal and the central Himalayas on clear mornings
  • A vast forest right above the city

Permits

  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit (included)

Altitude

Highest point 2,732m. No altitude sickness risk for fit hikers.

Best Season

  • September to May for clearest views and dry trails
  • Avoid June-August monsoon - leeches and very muddy paths

Fitness

Moderate. The climb is steep in the middle section. Expect 7-8 hours of total activity. Best for hikers who walk regularly or who want acclimatisation before a Himalayan trek.

Trail Description

7:00 AM pickup. Drive to the Budhanilkantha gate. The first hour is on unpaved road climbing gradually to Nagi Gompa. Stop 15-20 minutes for the monastery. From here the trail steepens through forest, passing Baghdwar, then climbing the last 200m to the summit shrine. Lunch and break at the top. Descent either back via the same path or via an alternative trail to a different exit gate - your guide will recommend based on conditions.

Packing list

Clothing: Light hiking trousers, breathable shirt, fleece, light insulating layer (top is colder), light rain shell, sun hat

Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with grip

Accessories: 30L daypack, 2-2.5L water, sunglasses, sunscreen, energy snacks, packed lunch, trekking poles recommended, headlamp (in case of late finish)

Documents: Passport copy, Nepali rupees for monastery donation or tea

Medical: Personal medication, small first-aid kit, blister tape

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this hike?
The hardest day-hike option from inside Kathmandu. Continuous climbing for several hours.

Good warm-up for Everest or Annapurna?
Yes - this is one of the best one-day legs-and-lungs tests you can do at the start of a Nepal trip.

Will I see mountains?
On clear mornings yes - Langtang and Ganesh Himal are visible from the upper part of the trail and summit.

Are children allowed?
Yes, but only fit teenagers used to long days out. Not suitable for young children.

What is the altitude?
2,732m - no altitude sickness risk.

Is there water on the trail?
Yes, small spring sources and the spring at Baghdwar (treat or boil). Better to carry your own.

What time do we get back?
Late afternoon, typically 5:00-6:00 PM at your hotel.

Can the route be done as a loop?
Yes - Budhanilkantha up, Sundarijal down, with transport coordination. Ask in advance.

Is there a chance of seeing wildlife?
Monkeys are common. Leopard and deer live in the park but are rarely seen.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $55

per person

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