The Shivapuri Peak Day Hike is a 1-day trek in Nepal, reaching a maximum elevation of Shivapuri Peak, 2,732 m (8,963 ft). The package includes group sizes of 1–8 people, not included; packed lunch recommended (bring your own or arrange through view himalaya).
| Max Elevation | Shivapuri Peak, 2,732 m (8,963 ft) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 |
| Meals | Not included; packed lunch recommended (bring your own or arrange through View Himalaya) |
| Group Size | 1–8 people |
How long is the Shivapuri Peak Day Hike?
Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m) rises on the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, just 12 kilometres from Kathmandu's city centre. The summit hike through one of Nepal's most biodiverse protected forests is the finest day hike accessible from the capital - a 5 - 7 hour return walk through subtropical and temperate forest zones with a summit panorama that takes in the full northern Himalayan chain from the Annapurna range to the Kanchenjunga massif, directly above a city of two million people.
The 144-square-kilometre Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the source of the Bagmati River - the sacred river that flows through Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu below. The park's forests protect the watershed that supplies approximately 50% of the Kathmandu Valley's drinking water. Walking here, you cross from the warm subtropical zone at the Budhanilkantha entry gate through rhododendron and oak forest at mid-elevation to the mossy subalpine zone near the summit, passing the Bagmati headwaters spring, the ancient Nagi Gompa monastery, and viewpoints over the valley along the way.
Shivapuri is also one of Nepal's premier birding destinations within easy reach of the capital. The park's altitudinal gradient covers four distinct forest zones and records over 300 bird species including the Spiny Babbler (Nepal's only endemic bird), Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal (Nepal's national bird), and a dozen species of raptor. The park sees a fraction of the visitor numbers that reach Pokhara or Chitwan, giving a genuine wilderness feel despite its proximity to the city.
| Group Size | Price per Person (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller | USD 99 | Private vehicle, guide, national park entry fee |
| 2 - 4 people | USD 85 | Shared private vehicle, guide, park entry fee |
| 5 - 8 people | USD 75 | Minibus, guide, park entry fee |
Add a packed lunch (dal bhat or sandwich box) for USD 8 per person - arrange at booking. The full day begins with pickup from your Kathmandu hotel at 06:30 and returns to Kathmandu by approximately 17:00. No deposit required for same-week bookings; 3 days advance notice preferred.
The Shivapuri day hike is a proper forest climb - not a casual stroll. The trail from the Budhanilkantha entry gate to the summit gains approximately 1,280 vertical metres in 4.5 - 5 hours of hiking, on a clear and well-maintained path that the national park has improved significantly in recent years. The gradient is moderate throughout, with one steeper section on the upper ridge approaching the summit. The forest cover is dense and the trail is shaded almost entirely - an advantage in the summer months, and beautiful in all seasons as the forest composition changes with altitude.
The summit area at 2,732 m is a small clearing with a communications tower, a military post, and the viewing area on the north-facing slope. The panorama here faces directly into the main Himalayan chain: Ganesh Himal I (7,422 m), Ganesh Himal II, Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Lenpo Gang (6,979 m), and the Jugal Himal peaks are all visible on clear days. The view south over the Kathmandu Valley - the city, the valley floor, and the southern rim hills - is equally dramatic. Early October through mid-December mornings offer the most reliable visibility; spring (March - April) is second best.
The descent follows the same route back to the Budhanilkantha gate or an alternative trail via the Nagi Gompa (adding 30 - 45 minutes but passing through the monastery). The Nagi Gompa visit - with the nunnery's prayer hall, the resident community's vegetable gardens, and views back over the valley - is strongly recommended if time allows.
The Shivapuri day hike is suitable for moderately fit travelers who are comfortable with a sustained uphill walk. The 1,280-metre elevation gain is achievable in a single day at the relatively low altitude (maximum 2,732 m) for anyone who exercises regularly. The altitude is well below the threshold for mountain sickness. Not recommended for very young children (under 10) for the full summit route; the lower forest section to Nagi Gompa (1.5 hrs from the gate) is accessible for families with younger children.
The finest season for summit panorama visibility. Post-monsoon clear air from October through November gives the sharpest Himalayan views; the forest is green and the bird activity is active as migrants move through. Temperatures at the summit are cool (12 - 18°C) and comfortable for hiking.
Clear winter air means excellent visibility from the summit. Temperatures at the summit drop to 5 - 10°C in December and January - bring a warm mid-layer. The forest is drier and views through the canopy improve as deciduous trees lose some leaves. Snow occasionally falls at the summit in January, making the hike particularly atmospheric.
The finest season for birding and botanical interest. Rhododendrons bloom on the ridge from March (lower elevation) through April (upper zone), and the magnolias are spectacular in February - March. Spring migrants are active in April. Visibility is good through April; haze builds in May before the monsoon.
The trail remains open during the monsoon but summit views are unreliable. The forest is intensely green and the Bagmati spring is at full flow. Leeches are active on the trail June - August - bring salt or repellent. The hike is enjoyable for forest enthusiasts comfortable in rain gear, but not recommended for a first visit focused on the summit panorama.
| Package | Duration | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagarkot Sunrise Hike | 2 days | 200 km Himalayan panorama at 2,175 m, Changu Narayan UNESCO | Overnight mountain experience from Kathmandu |
| Sarangkot Sunrise Hike | 1 day | Annapurna panorama sunrise above Pokhara | Pokhara equivalent of Shivapuri for mountain mornings |
| Helambu Trek | 6 days | Tharepati Pass 3,640 m, Yolmo Sherpa culture | Multi-day trek extension starting in the same Shivapuri - Sundarijal direction |
| Kathmandu Heritage Tour | 4 days | All 7 UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu Valley | Complementary cultural programme alongside Shivapuri |
Kathmandu to Shivapuri National Park Entrance. Drive to the park entrance to begin the hike.
Ascent to Shivapuri Peak (2,732m). Forest trail climb to the summit above the Kathmandu Valley.
Descend and Return to Kathmandu. Descend back through the park and return to Kathmandu.
Shivapuri Peak Day Hike in one sentence: A single-day forest hike from Kathmandu to the 2,732m Shivapuri Peak within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Shivapuri Peak Day Hike altitude: 2,732 metres (8,963 feet) at the summit.
Shivapuri Peak Day Hike difficulty: Moderate, a genuine forested ascent requiring reasonable fitness but no technical skill.
Shivapuri Peak Day Hike cost: View Himalaya packages start from USD 75 per person, including national park fees, transport, and guide.
Best time for the Shivapuri Peak Day Hike: October to May.
Shivapuri National Park significance: A critical watershed supplying a significant portion of Kathmandu's drinking water, and home to diverse wildlife close to the capital.
A genuinely well organised and memorable trip. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was genuine forest wilderness 12 km from Kathmandu's Thamel tourist district - a striking contrast to the city below and an experience that surprisingly few Nepal visitors take the time to make. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
Could not have asked for a smoother experience. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was bagmati River headwaters spring - a small sacred spring near the summit zone that is the source of the Bagmati, Kathmandu's most sacred river. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.
Could not have asked for a smoother experience. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was bird watching throughout - the park is famous for the Spiny Babbler (Nepal's only endemic species), Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and all three species of Nepal nuthatches. We'd book with View Himalaya again without hesitation.