The hike begins at the park gate above Budhanilkantha temple, at about 1,480 m. A forest track and then stone steps climb for about 2 hours to Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist nunnery perched on the hillside with a terrace overlooking the whole Kathmandu Valley. Take a break here, visit the prayer hall if it is open, and refill water before the steeper upper section.
Above Nagi Gompa, the trail climbs through denser oak and rhododendron forest for another 2–3 hours to the summit at 2,732 m. There is a small shrine and a clearing. On clear mornings, especially from November to February, the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal and Dorje Lakpa appear to the north. From the top you can descend the way you came or continue east to Baghdwar, the source of the Bagmati.
The full return takes 6–7 hours. It is a good acclimatisation hike before a Himalayan trek, since it gains about 1,250 m. There are no shops above Nagi Gompa, so carry lunch and 2 litres of water. Hike with a guide or in a group, and start by 7 am to avoid finishing in the dark in winter.
Good for
- Solo
- Groups
- Couples
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
How long is the Shivapuri hike?
The hike from Budhanilkantha gate to Shivapuri peak (2,732 m) and back takes 6–7 hours, gaining about 1,250 m. Reaching Nagi Gompa alone takes about 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down. It is a steady, forested climb with no technical sections but steep stone steps.
Can I see the Himalaya from Shivapuri peak?
On clear mornings, yes. From November to February you can see the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal and Dorje Lakpa to the north. Trees partly block some angles, and from April onward haze usually hides the peaks. Arriving before 11 am gives the best chance.
Is Shivapuri hike good preparation for a trek?
Yes. Gaining around 1,250 m in a day on stone steps and forest trail is a good test of fitness and boots before Langtang, Everest or Annapurna. It will not acclimatise you to high altitude, but it shows how your legs and knees cope with long climbs and descents.
