A full-day ridge hike from Kathmandu to Kakani and through Shivapuri National Park. Expect strawberry farms, Tamang villages, Himalayan panoramas and mixed forest trails on a 5–6 hour loop.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Kathmandu as the city thins and the road climbs toward Kakani, a windswept ridge at about 2,060 m where pines and terraced farms open to raw northern sky. Morning light picks out the jagged teeth of the high Himalaya to the north while the trail slips into Shivapuri National Park, trading village sounds for bird calls and the creak of oak limbs.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness who can manage sustained walking, uneven terrain, and short climbs.
Wildlife
History
Jagat served as a small trading hub before modern roads; local Tamang communities have farmed this ridge for generations.
Conservation
Shivapuri National Park protects Kathmandu’s northern watersheds; stay on trails, pack out trash and avoid disturbing farms and wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Kakani Shivapuri Full Day Hiking today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start at First Light
Begin early to improve your chances of clear Himalayan views and cooler hiking conditions on the exposed ridge.
Bring Water and Snacks
Village stalls are sporadic; pack at least 1.5–2 L water and high-energy snacks for the day.
Layer for Ridge Wind
Temperatures can drop quickly on the 2,060 m Kakani ridge—carry a windproof layer even if it’s warm in Kathmandu.
Respect Local Farms
Stick to trails through farmland, ask before photographing close-up farm activity, and avoid trampling strawberry beds.
Sturdy trail shoes
Support and traction for rooty, sometimes muddy forest tracks and farm paths.
Water bottle or hydration bladder (1.5–2 L)
Keeps you hydrated on exposed ridgelines and during midday sun.
summer
Light insulated jacket/wind shell
Wind and chill at 2,060 m can arrive suddenly—useful year-round for ridge exposure.
spring
Daypack with rain cover
Protects layers and electronics during sudden showers or unpredictable mountain weather.
monsoon