Explore Two Islands of Forests in Shivapuri National Park

  • Kishwor Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Oct 31, 2023

Here are some of the highlights of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park:

  • Easy access from Kathmandu
  • Spectacular views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Kathmandu valley, etc from the hilltop.
  • Experience cultures of both Hindus and Buddhist locals dwelling around the Shivapuri National Park.
  • Amazing variety of flora and fauna of the National Park.

Table of Contents

Things To Do On Your Visit To The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Trip To The Shivapuri Village

Shivapuri village is the ultimate destination for relaxation and enjoying nature. Lying on the route to the Shivapuri National Park, this village has been successful in maintaining in the true spirit of the Nepalese village experience and also provides the visitors a glimpse of the remoteness. In the Shivapuri Village, you can plan for one one-night stay at the Shivapuri Village Resort which is a destination village resort in Nepal.

Various activities that can be planned on your trip to Shivapuri Village include treks and hikes, ethnic village tours, bird watching, photography or just relaxation. The exciting part of the Shivapuri Village Resort is that it is located beyond the Shivapuri National Park and one has to cross the Park entrance before arriving at Shivapuri Village.

Trip to the Shivapuri Village

Shivapuri National Park Hiking

While in Kathmandu, you can plan for Shivapuri National Park Hiking. This short and easy hike rewards you with the view of Kathmandu and the Langtang Himalayan Mountains as you reach at the top. The Shivapuri National Park hiking starts from the Park’s entrance at the Budhanilkantha. The hike to the top takes about 3-4 hours. Get ready to climb stairs leading you slowly but gently to the peak. The hike takes you through the forest to Bagdwar from Nagi Gompa to the Shivapuri hilltop. The hiking route to the Shivapuri National Park is great for bird watching and the beautiful range of snow-capped Himalayas.

Shivapuri National Park Hiking

Shivapuri To Sundarijal Hiking

Apart from Shivapuri National Park Hiking, you can also include Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hiking. If you have extra days in Kathmandu, you should definitely plan for this hiking trip. This hiking trip is a combination of hike in the serene Shivapuri National park, nature-spotting, tour of Budanilkantha Temple and Nagi Gompa (Buddhist Nunnery); and a rewarding view of the city down below. The trip to the Shivapuri to Sundarijal hiking starts from drive to Budanilkantha from your hotel. Here, you can visit the very famous Budanilkantha temple before starting your hike. Then you can start your walk up-hill about 3km to the Nagi Gompa. From the Gompa we walk on a steep trail to reach Shivapuri Peak via Baghdwar which is believed to be the source of the holy Bagmati River. During the hike we also pass through Shivapuri Conservation Area. Finally, the trek ends after a downhill hike to Sundarijal.

Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hiking

Hike To Jamacho Gumba

Hike to the Jamacho Gumba is a popular day one day hike in Kathmandu valley. You can reach the Jamacho either by foot or by any vehicle, but we highly recommend you to hike in the forest. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park from where you will be able to view the whole of Kathmandu valley. The Jamacho Gumba at the top of the hill along with a viewing tower. Also, from a smaller hill below, you can see Swayambhunath. 

On the hill top of Nagarjuna, you will find the small statue of Nagarjuna Buddha on the beautiful Jamacho Monastery. On the east side of the stupa, there are two rows of Buddhist gods and goddesses. In the first row Mahankala is in meditation pose and third Vasundhara while the second-row includes white Tara, Padmapani green Tara, and Vajrapani.

The Jamacho hike can be done at any time of the year. The best time to visit the Jamacho Gumba is during the Spring and Autumn season as many beautiful flowers bloom during this season.

Hike to Jamacho Gumba

Mountain Biking

The Shivapuri National Park is a paradise for those who love off-road mountain adventure. The beauty of this region can be best experienced on a bike’s seat as you meander through lush green hills and dales and above that the scenario of a mountain peak. The landscape wilderness, the countryside offers an interesting challenge to mountain bikers who can feel the typical culture and traditional and unique lifestyle of Nepalese people.

Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an adventurous sport. If you are fond of rock climbing then you should definitely explore the Nagarjun National Park. You have to climb on a natural rock which gives excitement and thrill at the same time. Kakani is the place where you can do rock climbing which is a 30minutes bus drive from Kathmandu valley.

Rock Climbing

Shivapuri Jungle Safari

If you want to explore the Shivapuri National Park in detail and in a relaxed manner, the Shivapuri Jungle Safari is the best option for you. This is the only jungle safari available in the Hilly region of Nepal. The Shivapuri Jungle Safari allows you to get close to the protected area which is a habitat of wide range of plants, birds, and animals. This jungle safari is one of the best ways to explore the wildlife around Kathmandu valley.

As the Shivapuri National Park houses over 19 species of mammals, 177 species of birds, 129 species of wild mushroom, and over 100 species of Butterflies, this will be an experience of lifetime for bird and animal lovers. Also, if you are lucky enough you might even see endangered animals, birds, and butterflies.

The most fascinating part about this park is that it remains fog-free even in winter. This means you can clearly view all times of the year. This makes the Shivapuri Jungle Safari accessible all time of the year. There are various routes for Shivapuri Jungle Safari-like Changu Narayan to Budhanilkantha and Fulbari to Jamacho.

Hike to Nagarjun Hill

Located at the northwest of Kathmandu valley, the Nagarjun hill is also known as locally as Jama cho – a famous Buddhist shrine Padamasambav is situated at the top of the hill. The major attraction of this hike is the view tower at the top of the Nagarjun hill which offers a magnificent view of Ganesh Himal, Gaurisankar, Manaslu, Dorge lakpa and many Himalayas ranges. The five-hour hike starts from Balaju and also ends from Fulbari Gate near Balaju Bypass.

The Nagarjun forest is famous for two caves. One of which is inside the Raniban forest while another situated outside the gate on the Balaju-Trisuli Road. The cave inside the Raniban forest is said to be made by Nagarjuna to worship Swayambhunath and placed an image of Akshobhya Buddha.
 

Shivapuri National Park Map

The route to Shivapuri National Park is relatively easy to navigate. Geographically, Shivapuri forest is located within 27°45' to 27°52' N latitude and 85°16' to 85°45' E longitude and Nagarjun forest is located within 27°43' to 27°46' N latitude and 85°13' to 85°18' E longitude.

Shivapuri National Park

 

Breeze Adventure, based in Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the leading treks and tours in Nepal that caters various destination in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The company is government-authorized and also associated with TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal). Breeze Adventures provide excellent services to our clients with no hidden costs, making sure that our partners and clients get the highest quality experience with our dedicated and compassionate team. The company also specializes in designing various packages including the package to explore the two islands of forest in Shivapuri National Park. Do contact them if you are planning for Nepal trip soon.

Kishwor Adhikari

Kishwor Adhikari

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