Shivapuri Peak Hike

Your adventure begins right from your accommodation in Kathmandu. Our guide will meet you in the lobby, ready to brief you on the day ahead. A private vehicle will then transport us toward the northern edge of the valley.

At the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entrance, we handle all the necessary permits and check-in procedures. The crisp morning air immediately sets a refreshing tone for the journey ahead.

The actual footwork starts here on a wide, gradually inclining dirt path. As we leave the sounds of the city behind, the dense canopy of pine and oak trees offers wonderful natural shade. We ascend steadily, acclimatizing our bodies to the uphill terrain while listening to the lively calls of various bird species native to this protected forest.

Perched on a serene hillside, this Buddhist nunnery provides a perfect spot for our first major rest. You can observe the peaceful daily routines of the resident nuns, spin the prayer wheels, and take in the beautiful aerial perspective of the Kathmandu Valley below. We will take a brief moment to hydrate and snack before the steeper trails begin.

Leaving the monastery, the trail narrows and transforms into a series of steep stone steps. This section demands more physical effort but rewards you with deeply shaded forests of rhododendron. The air turns cooler and much fresher as we push higher into the pristine wilderness.

We reach the sacred origins of the Bagmati River. A small tiger-shaped stone spout channels the holy water, creating a tranquil environment perfect for a much-needed break. Yogis and holy men often meditate in the small caves nearby, adding a deep spiritual essence to this lush enclave.

The final leg to the summit is short but steep and rigorous. We navigate through the thickest part of the forest, where the stone steps zigzag upwards. Every step brings us closer to the top, and the anticipation builds as the sky opens up through the tree canopy.

Congratulations on reaching the highest point of our trek at 2,732 meters! A flat, grassy clearing greets us, complete with a statue of the revered Shivapuri Baba. On a clear day, the northern horizon reveals the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Langtang, Ganesh, and Jugal Himalayan ranges. We unpack our lunch here, savoring a well-deserved meal accompanied by breathtaking alpine scenery.

With energized bodies, we begin the downward journey retracing our route back through the forest. The descent requires careful footing on the stone stairs, but it is noticeably faster and less taxing on the lungs. The afternoon light casts entirely different shadows and colors across the woods, offering a fresh perspective on the trail.

Our group arrives back at the national park gate, officially completing the physical portion of the hike. After signing out at the army checkpoint, our private vehicle will be waiting for the return drive to the city.

The journey concludes right back where it started. You return to your accommodation with tired legs but a mind full of incredible memories from the highest hill in the valley.