Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Day Hike: 1 Day

"Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Day Hiking is a popular hiking route that falls in short day hiking adventure category of Nepal"
Good to Know
  • Duration 1 Day
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max. Altitude 2563m
  • Group Size 2+
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu
  • Trip Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Style Private and Group
  • Activities Hiking
  • Best Season September- June

Highlights

  • Feel the nature along with the beautiful landscapes on a Jungle walk at Shivapuri National Park.
  • Witness the rare and exotic plants and animals inside the national park.
  • Freshly flowing streams of water through the jungle.
  • Meditate and visit Ani (nuns) in the Peaceful monastery of Nangi Gompa.
  • 4 hours of pleasant walking inside nature, which is just 30 minutes’ drive from the city.

Introduction: Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Day Hike

The first part of the adventure is a 45-minute drive to Budhanilkantha Temple, which nestles away in Shivapuri's terrain. This Hindu pilgrimage site, also known as Narayanthan Temple, is home to a gigantic figure of Vishnu who lies sleeping on a pond. The starting point for hiking in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is only a short drive from the temple.

Above the short stone staircase leading to Nagi Gompa in the northeast, the hike is quite simple. From the entrance, the climb to Nagi Gompa takes roughly two hours. On Shivapuri Hill, there is a Buddhist monastery called Nagi Gumba that is dedicated to the nuns we refer to as anni. Both visitors and locals frequently practice meditation here. The monastery can be identified by its wavering prayer flags and the nuns communicating and working nearby. On clear days, the monastery also provides an impressive panorama of Kathmandu and the Langtang Himalayas.
From the monastery, an uphill climb through oak and rhododendron trees begins. As we climb higher, the vegetation gets greener. Given the wide variety of plant and animal life in Shivapuri National Park, we might catch a glimpse of some exotic birds and plants. There are about 177 distinct bird species, and there are a great many rare orchids. In addition, this is one of the valley's last remaining areas of primary forest, and monkeys, leopards, and bears reside there.

While enjoying the numerous landscapes of the towering hills, the hike continues. Nearly 700 meters above the Nagi Monastery, on the way to the Shivapuri Summit, is a location named Baghdwar. Bagh means "tiger" and Dwar means "portal" in Nepali, and it is a sight to behold. A tiny monster in the form of a tiger may be seen in the area of continuous water flow. The sacred Bagmati River, which is one of the holiest flowing rivers in the Kathmandu Valley, originates here. Around here, you can interact with a few yogis and sadhus to learn more about their way of life.

The Shivapuri Hilltop, at a height of 2563 m, is finally located 200 meters from Baghdwar via a hard route. Shivapuri is located to the north of Kathmandu and is the second-highest hill surrounding the valley, after the famous Phulchowki. On a clear day, the hill's peak offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Mt. Langtang Ri, Ganjala Peak, Mt. Gaurishankar, and several more summits. Our goal's summit is a level field where we have our picnic lunch while soaking in the surrounding beauty and fresh air.

Why to select Shivapuri National Park and Nangi Gompa?

Shivapuri National Park is a marvelous trek located inside the Kathmandu Valley, just 45 minutes drive from the Kathmandu Valley. This walk lets you escape from the tension and environment of the city to get yourself fresh. Visit the Nangi Gompa Monastery and meet the nuns Anni and get knowledge and blessings from them.

Travelers and trekkers planning a long trek can visit the place, which will help with acclimatization and physical fitness before starting the trek. It will give trekkers a taste of how trekking in Nepal is going to be.

For whom is the Budhanilkantha nangi gompa hike perfect for?

Shivapuri hill is a short and easy climb near Kathmandu that can be done at any time of year. As a result, walking to Shivapuri can be planned at any time of year. Except for the monsoon season, the hike can be done at any time of the year. It's just a 4- to 5-hour hike for an average hiker, which makes the trail favorable for everyone traveling.

Being a short hike, this walk is favorable for people with low physical fitness. Hikers who have less time and are trying to explore hiking or trekking in Nepal can go for the hike as well. Beginners who want to trek in Nepal can have an experience of how trekking and hiking in Nepal are going to be, and it even provides a glimpse of the trekking rail environments and what to expect and how trekking in Nepal is going to be.

The weather and temperatures are pleasant; the scenery is breathtaking, and the skies are mainly clear. Throughout the trekking trail in the Spring (March to May), you will be greeted by rhododendron and other seasonal flower blossoms.

During the rainy months, particularly July and August, you may encounter slick stone steps, but the hike is possible. Winter is also a great time to hike to Shivapuri Hill to experience the snowfall in the Kathmandu Valley.

    Itinerary
    Expand All Collapse All

      Morning.
      Our guide will pick you up at your hotel or the pick-up point in the morning, before or after breakfast. Then, we will drive towards Narayanthan Budhanilkantha Temple, located below Shivapuri National Park. The drive is about half an hour depending upon the traffic which covers a distance of 10 km. Upon reaching Budhanilkantha Temple, we will spend a short time making a stroll around the temple as non-Hindus are not allowed to the main temple. After admiring the art and culture there, the drive proceeds to the National Park Entrance Gate, which also goes by the name of Panimuhan. Panimuhan means the origin of water in Nepali.

      Afternoon.

      Upon reaching the entrance gate of Shivapuri National Park, a representative from Trekking Planner Nepal will check in at the counter and purchase all the required permits following the procedure. After all the logistics are settled the hiking to Nangi Gompa begins. The hike lasts for about 2 hours along a tree-lined trail. Make sure to carry enough water and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day. Find a scenic spot along the trail for lunch wherever you feel comfortable or whenever necessary.

      Continue your hike towards Nangi Gompa where you will travel deeper into Shivapuri National Park along the track, which will take you through charming villages, thick forests, and stunning scenery.

      Late Afternoon.

      After reaching Nangi Gompa, we meet the nuns, visit the monastery, and meditate there as well. The monastery offers a spectacular view of the valley in clear weather. We will enjoy the spectacular views of Langtang Mountain if the weather favors us. After spending quality time and having lunch, we will descend back to Budhanilkantha, drive back to the hotel, and say goodbye to the guide and driver.

      Evening and return back.

      After the exploration of Nangi Gompa, the hike descends with a return to the trailhead to reach Kathmandu. You can either take a car back to Kathmandu or continue walking there. You should try to return to the city before it gets too dark, depending on how quickly you hike.

      Enjoy a well-earned dinner at neighborhood restaurants in Kathmandu after a tiring day of hiking. Reliving the highlights of your hiking journey is a terrific idea at this point. Enjoy the adventure and best wishes.

      Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.

      Trip Map
      Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Day Hike: 1 Day Map
      Inclusions
      What's Included
      • Hotel to Starting point of hiking and ending point of hiking to hotel by private vehicle.
      • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
      • Shivapuri Nationla Park Entrance fees.
      • Pack lunch with bottle of water.
      What's Excluded
      • Your Nepal Visa fees.
      • All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu.
      • All meals and accommodaiton in Kathmandu.
      • Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
      • Your Personal expenses.
      • The Tips to the trekking crews and drive.
      Departure Dates
      • This trip departure every day of the year.
      • This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your need, please contact us.
      • This trip is available on both Fixed Departure and Private Group Basis.
      • This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private or with family.
      • Have a big group? We can help as per your needs.
      • We can help you make it fit your budget.
      • We accept instant booking and online payment.
      Essential Info

      Suggested Equipment List

      • Day pack.
      • Trekking shoes or Sports shoes.
      • Sun Hat/cap.
      • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer or Raincoat.
      • Good quality socks.
      • Trekking trousers.
      • Trekking/hiking shirts.
      • Sun glasses.
      • Water bottle.
      • Camera and batteries.
      FAQs
      • This hike can be done throughout the year except when it rains, as this place has very calm weather.

      • Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri is in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park near Kathmandu, Nepal. By car, we go via the Budhanilkantha temple, which is 30-45 minutes away from Kathmandu.

      • The day hike to Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri usually takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the pace and the specific trails trekkers and guides choose.

      • It's considered a moderate hike. Some sections might be steep or challenging, but it's generally manageable for people with a reasonable fitness level. The Nangi Gompa hike is good for getting introduced to Nepal's trekking trails as it involves some muddy places and mostly Nepali flats.

      • Essential items include comfortable hiking shoes, sufficient water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, a raincoat (depending on the season), a first-aid kit, and a camera for capturing scenic views. Carrying a lunch pack and other frequently used stuff from trekking in Nepal is also recommended.

      • This hike is for beginners; a reasonable fitness level can complete it. It's advisable to take breaks as needed and go at a comfortable pace as it helps trekkers and hikers get stretched before the hike, so anyone can join and do this in-day hike.

      • Entrance fees might apply, especially if the hike passes through protected areas like the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Permits are necessary and compulsory for entering Shivapuri National Park and are obtained at the park entrance. Trekking Planner has an option for the clients to pay for the licenses from the company's side, which will not be time-consuming; however, manually taking the permit at a time of necessity can be time-consuming in some cases.

      • Having a guide is not compulsory in Kathmandu, but inside the national park, having a guide with a knowledge of the route and who has basic knowledge of rangers can help a lot as there are many wildlife and rare floras which might be disturbed both intentionally and unintentionally by the hikers.

      • The hike offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley, encounters with diverse flora and fauna, a visit to the Nangi Gompa (monastery), where female nuns are only allowed to sit as monks, and an opportunity to experience the serenity of nature with meditation.

      • There are some basic rest stops or tea houses along the trail where hikers can find refreshments or use restroom facilities at the Nangi Gompa trail at Shivapuri National Park.

      • Carry a fully charged phone and, if available, an emergency whistle or signaling device. In case of emergencies, try to reach the nearest rest stop or locals if you don't have a guide and ask to call the representatives of Trekking Planner Nepal, and our representatives will reach out to the hikers.

      • Yes, you can usually take a public bus or hire a taxi from Kathmandu to reach the hike's starting point. Buses or taxis might go up to the entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, from where the walk begins.

      • The elevation gain can vary depending on the specific route taken, but typically, the hike involves an ascent of around 700-800 meters (2,300-2,600 feet) from the starting point to the destination.

      • Respect for local customs and traditions is important. At the Nangi Gompa (monastery), it's advisable to dress modestly and maintain silence or appropriate behavior in areas of worship. Don't take pictures inside the monastery without permission.

      • Usually, this hike is completed within a day, and overnight stays might not be necessary, are not available, and are hard to find. However, if desired, arrangements with the locals in the surrounding areas might be arranged for an overnight stay.

      • Children who are accustomed to hiking and have the necessary stamina can undertake the hike with proper supervision. It is safe for children; however, pets are not allowed inside the Shivapuri National Park.

      • The trails might not have markings or signposts, but carrying a map or a guide/ranger is recommended to avoid getting lost, especially in areas with multiple trails.

      • Weather conditions can vary significantly. Spring and autumn generally offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters might bring cold temperatures and snow at higher elevations.

      • Carrying sufficient cash is advisable, as no ATMs are along the Shivapuri trail. Shops or tea houses accept cash only.

      • Generally, photography is allowed, but it's respectful to ask for permission from the locals before taking pictures of locals, religious sites, or private properties.

      Client Reviews
      • rating star

        A great walk with Avi in Shivapuri National park

        I met Dipak and Avi today at short notice so I didn’t give them much time to prepare. I’m trekking shortly toward Everest base camp and dipak suggested I take a day trip to Shivapuri National Park. It’s only a short drive from Central Kathmandu But it is a world away from the hustle and bustle. Avi was the guide and he was fantastic. A great training walk. Avi was experienced knowledgeable supportive and very helpful. Dipak was extremely knowledgeable and I could see that Trekking Planner is a very well-run professional organization. Dipak has had a lot of contact with Australians and understands Aussies very well. highly recommended

        TripAdvisor
        D
        David MAustralia,May 17, 2023
      • rating star

        Beginner Trekking trip

        "4 day package. 1st in Kathmandu. Following days trekking in Shivapuri national park, Very friendly and serviceminded company. The trip was customized for us and they accommodated all our needs. The help us with equipmemt and guided us for the trip.
        First day in Kathmamdu was with a knowledgeable guide who showed us all interesting sites downtown. The trekking trip were a family trip - 2 kids (10,12) and were done in their pace. The guides were very helful and skilled. I would recommemd this company."

         

        TripAdvisor
        J
        Jacob BQatar,Nov 06, 2016
      Add-ons Trips

      Send Inquiry

      Spring Offer! 2024

      Save up to 10% above US$1000 trip booking, applicable only on cart payment.

      Coupon code: spring@2024Valid till March 31, 2024