- difficulty
Easy
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Trip Style
Group
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Start in
Kathmandu
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end in
Kathmandu
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group size
2-5
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max altitude
2563m
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Best Season
September- June
Overview
What is Shivapuri Day Hike?
The Shivapuri day hike is a rejuvenating one day trekking adventure located just 30 minutes from Kathmandu, offering travelers an escape into pristine nature within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This accessible hiking experience in Nepal combines cultural exploration at Budhanilkantha Temple and Nangi Gompa monastery with breathtaking Himalayan views, making it the perfect introduction to trekking for beginners and a stress-relieving excursion for seasoned travelers.
The Budhanilkantha Shivapuri Nangi Gompa day hike traverses through oak and rhododendron forests, ascending to 2,340m at Nangi Gompa, where Buddhist nuns (Annis) practice meditation in peaceful surroundings. The trail showcases 177 bird species, rare orchids, and diverse wildlife including leopards, bears, and monkeys.
For those seeking professional trekking guidance in Nepal, this hike provides an authentic taste of Himalayan trekking without requiring extended time commitments or advanced fitness levels.
Why Choose Shivapuri Day Hike ?
Physical and Mental Wellness Benefits
The Shivapuri day hike offers exceptional stress relief and mental rejuvenation just 45 minutes from Kathmandu’s urban chaos.
– Immediate nature immersion through primary forest ecosystems
– Meditation opportunities at Nangi Gompa monastery with Buddhist nuns
– Acclimatization preparation for trekkers planning longer Himalayan expeditions
– Physical fitness testing to gauge readiness for multi-day treks
Why Choose Tour Guide in Nepal for This Hike
• Local experts with deep trail knowledge
• Well-planned itineraries with flexible customization
• Focus on safety, nature, and authentic experiences
• Best value short treks around Kathmandu
• Trusted support from booking to trip completion
Trip highlights
– Nangi Gompa Monastery – Visit the peaceful Buddhist nunnery and meditate with Annis.
– Himalayan Panoramas – Stunning views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, and surrounding peaks.
– Oak & Rhododendron Forests – Walk through lush forests filled with vibrant flora and rare orchids.
– Wildlife & Birdwatching – Spot exotic birds (177 species), monkeys, leopards, and other wildlife in Shivapuri National Park.
– See the sacred river originate in the pristine park environment.
– Stress Relief & Nature Immersion
– Easy & Accessible Hike – Only 4–5 hours, making it suitable for beginners and short on-time treks.
– Cultural Experience – Explore Budhanilkantha Temple before starting the hike and experience local religious heritage.
itinerary
- day 1
Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Hiking
06:30 AM – Hotel Pickup Licensed guide from Tour Guide in Nepal collects you from Kathmandu hotels or designated meeting points. Brief orientation on the day’s activities during the 30-45 minute drive.
07:15 AM – Budhanilkantha Temple Visit Explore the stunning Narayanthan Temple complex featuring the 5-meter reclining Vishnu sculpture. Non-Hindus view from the outer courtyard while appreciating intricate stone carvings and morning devotional rituals.
07:45 AM – Panimuhan Entrance Gate Guide completes Shivapuri National Park registration and permit processing. Trail briefing covers:
- Expected wildlife sightings
- Rest stop locations
- Emergency procedures
- Cultural etiquette at Nangi Gompa
08:00 AM – Hike Begins
09:00 AM – Forest Immersion
10:00 AM – Nangi Gompa Arrival
10:15 AM – Monastery Exploration
10:45 AM – Viewpoint and Lunch
12:00 PM – Descent Begins Return journey follows the same forested path, now descending. Downhill walking typically take
s 1.5 hours to park entrance.
01:30 PM – Panimuhan Gate Exit Check out with park authorities and board waiting vehicle.
02:00 PM – Return to Kathmandu Driver navigates back to your hotel with afternoon free for rest or exploration of
Alternative Itinerary Options
Extended Route via Sundarijal
Dawn Departure: Start at 5:00 AM to witness sunrise from Nangi Gompa, returning to Kathmandu by 11:00 AM.
Meditation Focus: Extended stay at Nangi Gompa with guided meditation sessions led by resident nuns.
Professional hiking guides in Nepal customize itineraries based on fitness levels, interests, and time constraints.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
Make your own.Price Included
✅ Licensed and experienced local trekking guide
✅ Private transportation (Kathmandu–Budhanilkantha–Kathmandu)
✅ Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit
✅ Guided visit to Budhanilkantha Temple and Nangi Gompa Monastery
✅ Well-planned day-hike itinerary with flexible pace
✅ Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
✅ All government taxes and service charges
✅ Pre-hike briefing and on-trail assistance
Price Excluded
❌ Meals and drinks during the hike
❌ Personal expenses (snacks, bottled water, donations at monasteries)
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Tips for guide and driver (optional)
❌ Personal hiking gear (shoes, jacket, backpack, trekking poles)
❌ Emergency rescue or evacuation costs
❌ Any services not mentioned in the “Included” section
FAQ
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Is the Budhanilkantha to Nangi Gompa Shivapuri day hike suitable for beginners and first-time hikers?
Yes, the Budhanilkantha to Nangi Gompa Shivapuri day hike is suitable for beginners and first-time hikers. The trail is well-marked, the difficulty level is easy, and the hike takes around 4–5 hours at a comfortable pace, making it ideal for people with basic fitness and limited hiking experience.
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How long does the Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri hike take, and what is the total elevation gain?
The hike typically takes 4 to 5 hours in total, including breaks. It starts from Budhanilkantha and reaches a maximum altitude of 2,563 meters at Shivapuri Hill, with an approximate elevation gain of 700–800 meters, depending on the chosen route.
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What is the best time of year to do the Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri day hike?
The best time to do this hike is from September to June. Spring (March–May) offers rhododendron blooms and clear views, while autumn (September–November) provides the best mountain visibility. Winter hikes are also possible, though mornings can be cold. Monsoon season is less ideal due to slippery trails.
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Do I need permits or a guide for the Shivapuri National Park and Nangi Gompa hike?
Yes, an entrance permit for Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is required and can be obtained at the park gate. A guide is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors, as guides help with navigation, park regulations, safety, and provide cultural and natural insights.
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What are the main highlights and viewpoints of the Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri hike?
Key highlights include the peaceful Nangi Gompa monastery, dense forests of oak and rhododendron, wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, freshwater streams, and panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, hikers can also see Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar ranges from higher viewpoints.
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what is the Shivapuri hiking distance from Budhanilkantha
The Shivapuri hike from Budhanilkantha covers roughly 18-20 kilometers round trip, taking about 6-8 hours to complete, ascending through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Shivapuri Peak (2,732m) and back, with popular stops at Nagi Gompa and Baghdwar.
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Is Shivapuri safe for solo female hikers?
It’s Great for Solo Women: The hike is in a national park conservation zone, with established trails and limited presence of park staff, which provides an additional sense of security.
Review
Tom And Heide
18/09/2018
AMAZING NEPAL EXPERIENCE WITH Nepal Tour Guide Team
We had the privilege exploring KTM valley with Kumar. He has a way of showing you all facets of Nepal as nobody else will. Not only does he know his country like no other, he also has a special way of connecting you with his culture , people, customs and more like a real tour guide can only do. He is a humanitarian, a good spirit, with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold, someone who CARES about his country and people. You will love the way he guides you and shows you his country. Anything from local foods, to extensive history or just small talk about politics and social issues, Kumar is happy to discuss all. He showed us a side of Nepal, we would have never experienced with a larger bus group. He customized our program to our liking, the way we wanted it, patiently answered all of our questions always friendly , attentive and genuine. We can highly recommend Kumar as your private guide. I have traveled the world extensively (please see my other reviews on tripadvisor) and know the difference between ‘just a guide’ and a true tour director who LOVES his job and connecting with people from all walks of life. Kumar is great in what he does and his personality will make you like him the day you meet. We are still friends and should we return to Nepal, there is no doubt in our minds that we will see him again, not only as our guide but also to reunite with a great friend and human being.
Adam Szucs
01/01/1970
Memorable 4 Days With Tour Guide
My wife and I had the privilege to enjoy a 4 days long private tour with tourguideinnepal.com. Everything was spot on. We had a private driver and a private tour guide for the entire trip, both extremely polite. I can 100% recommend them to others also. I also found their pricing more than fair. Kumar runs the company, he was very helpful when we put together the custom itinerary. Our tour guide was Suvash, probably the most caring guy I’ve ever met. Thanks for the lifetime experience guys!
Aristofanes Cedeno
01/01/1970
One Week in Nepal With Tour Guide
I recently spent one week in Nepal and Tour Guide Team Trek provided an extraordinary service with an itinerary suited to my needs and interests, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, detailed cultural and historical explanations when visiting different sites in Kathmandu, and above all, a customer and people-oriented approach to all activities, meals, shopping, etc. Kumar Dahal was my tour guide and it was a pleasure for me to have him showing me his native Nepal. Kumar has excellent English speaking skills and he is willing to take the extra mile to help you have the best trip to this beautiful country. I recommend him and Nepal Tour Guide Team Trek wholeheartedly as the best agency to fulfill your expectations.
Brad Wegner
01/01/1970
Two Nights Was Awesome
I only had two nights in Kathmandu and primarily wanted to do a chopper flight around Everest as well as see as much of Kathmandu as possible. Kumar was amazing and looked after me like family. I did a lot of research and Kumar booked the Chopper flight for me and answered any and all questions I had leading up to it. The Everest day was truly one of the best and awe inspiring days of my life. Kumar also took us to all of the must see sights in Kathmandu. He listened to our needs as well as read our body language for what we required. You must have a guide in places like Kathmandu to understand the history and not miss anything and you won’t regret using Kumar – he is the best!!
Two Weeks In Nepal
We came to Nepal for just under two weeks in March 2017. My husband and I decided to bring my mom for her 60th birthday as it was her lifelong dream to visit Nepal. But weren’t sure what to do while we were there! Luckily, we found Nepal Tour Guide Team, and after a few emails to Kumar, he set up the whole trip for us. Our trip was incredible, and Kumar was wonderful. From Kathmandu to Chitwan, Pokhara and back, Kumar showed us the whole country, and his knowledge was second to none. He arranged all the hotels, the car and driver, the things we did, showed us great places to eat and most importantly, provided great friendship and conversation along the way! We laughed the whole trip and had a wonderful time. The mountains were beautiful, Chitwan was amazing, and the lakeside at Pokhara was definitely my mom’s favorite part. We’re still positive we had the best tour guide and the most skilled driver in the entire country. Kumar is an incredible person and we made a lifelong friend. Even after coming home, we continue to keep in touch, chatting and making video calls. We can’t wait to go back!
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