The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park hike begins with the sound of nature beneath your feet
I stepped on a bark the sound travelled to my right,
I looked around, stairs in front of me, the forest stretches with my sight
To the left, there is a huge rock, which I climb to see the pearly mountains’ might
I hear the sounds of birds chirping, and beetles and insects buzzing,
Its a hot summer day yet it is remarkable among the trees, hitting on my face is the breeze
The ground, the water, the air, everything so calming
And when I realise I am in Shivapuri, I rush for the top and I am seeking the light ||

How We Started Our Shivapuri Hike

We entered Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park via the Budhanilkantha gate, starting from the sacred Budhanilkantha Temple. Located on the edge of Kathmandu, the park offers a peaceful escape into nature. With elevations between 1,350 and 2,732 meters, it’s ideal for a short but rewarding hike.

At the entrance, we purchased tickets and underwent a quick bag check, speakers, alcohol, and lighters are not allowed. Just inside, volunteers from the Clean Shivapuri Campaign invited us to join their cleanup effort, and we happily accepted with sacks and gloves in hand.

Bishnudwar or Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?

The trail starts with a motorable road that makes the initial walk comfortable. We soon reached a trail diversion  one road led to Bishnudwar, a small waterfall around a 2-hour walk away, and the other pointed to Shivapuri Peak and Bagdwar. Though Bishnudwar is beautiful, we had our sights set on the peak.

Journey to Bagdwar and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

As we moved uphill, nature slowly revealed its wonders dense trees, trickling waterfalls, birds, butterflies, and hidden shrines. We made two main stops during the climb: the first was at a sun-drenched grassland, perfect for a short break. The second was at Bagdwar, a sacred site with small shrines and a statue of Lord Shiva.

From Bagdwar, it took about 30 more minutes to reach Shivapuri Peak. Once at the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Langtang Range and other eastern mountain ranges. The snowy peaks in the distance were absolutely breathtaking.

The sensation when I fell on my back after the long hike from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to drown in the incredible beauty of the place was unexplainable.

Resting at the Shivapuri Peak Summit

After the long Shivapuri Hike, I lay down on the ground and stared at the clear sky. Though the peak had other hikers too, the place still felt serene. I felt at peace. The atmosphere of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park was calm, the breeze refreshing, and the moment  unforgettable. We had some dry snacks and soaked in the stunning view of snow-capped mountains, basking in the warm winter sun.

We also discovered what seemed to be a memorial site near the summit, another interesting point to explore if you’re visiting.

Our Contribution to Clean Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

On our way down, we filled our sacks with garbage we found, especially around the peak. Sadly, many hikers leave behind snack wrappers and plastic bottles, which harms the beauty and balance of this natural space. We hope people become more mindful in the future. Once we exited the gate, we were given gifts for our effort, two metal water bottles and some campaign badges. A small gesture, but it felt good to contribute to the preservation of such an important ecosystem.

According to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a protected area rich in biodiversity and plays a vital role in maintaining the water supply and ecological balance of the Kathmandu Valley, a responsibility that makes every cleanup effort truly meaningful.

The Golden Return from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

As we descended back into Kathmandu, the golden evening light lit up the smoggy sky. The contrast between the city and the pristine forest made the hike feel even more special. The full-day hike to Shivapuri Peak via Budhanilkantha had come to an end, and what an experience it was! A blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and spiritual calm.

Quick Tips for Shivapuri Hike

• 🚶‍♀️ Route: Budhanilkantha → Shivapuri Gate → Bagdwar → Shivapuri Peak

• ⛰ Altitude: ~2,732m at the summit

• 🕘 Total Duration: ~6-7 hours round trip

• 🛑 Carry: Water, dry snacks, ID, and trash bags

• 🚫 Don’t bring: Lighters, alcohol, or speakers

• 🧤 Join clean-up campaigns when possible

More snaps of the hike:

Learn more about Nepal’s protected areas, wildlife conservation efforts, and national park regulations from the official Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), the government body responsible for preserving Nepal’s natural heritage.