Nagarjun forest, the western section of the park, rises right behind Balaju on the edge of Kathmandu. The hike starts at the Phulbari gate, where you pay the entry fee, and follows a forest trail and parts of a winding park road up to Jamacho, the summit, at about 2,100 m. It takes around 3 hours to climb and 2 hours to return.
Buddhists associate the hill with Nagarjuna, the Indian philosopher-sage, who is said to have meditated in a cave here. At the top stands a white stupa surrounded by prayer flags and a viewing tower. On clear mornings from October to February you see the whole Kathmandu Valley spread below and a line of peaks from the Annapurnas and Manaslu to Langtang on the northern horizon.
The forest is quieter than Shivapuri, with pine, oak and chestnut, and good birdlife. Rhesus macaques gather near the gate and the stupa; keep food out of sight. Hike with a guide or in a group. The road means some vehicles reach the top, so this is also an option for those who prefer to drive up and walk down.
Good for
- Families
- Photographers
- Groups
- Solo
Questions travellers ask
How high is Nagarjun hill?
The summit, Jamacho, is at about 2,100 m, roughly 700 m above central Kathmandu. A stupa and viewing tower stand at the top. The hike from Phulbari gate takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours down, through pine and oak forest.
Can I drive to the top of Nagarjun?
A park road winds up to Jamacho, and private vehicles have been allowed with a fee, though access rules and opening times change. Many visitors drive up and walk down, which takes about 2 hours. Check current status before you travel, as the road can close for maintenance.
What can you see from the Jamacho stupa?
On clear days the whole Kathmandu Valley lies below, with Swayambhu and the city spread out. To the north, a line of Himalayan peaks from the Annapurnas and Manaslu to Ganesh Himal and Langtang can be visible, especially from October to February.
