Escape Kathmandu for a full-day hike into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This guided trek winds through oak and rhododendron forests to ridgelines with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan skyline—ideal for hikers seeking a nature-rich day trip close to the city.
Escape Kathmandu for a full-day hike into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This guided trek winds through oak and rhododendron forests to ridgelines with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan skyline—ideal for hikers seeking a nature-rich day trip close to the city.
You leave Kathmandu’s roar behind and step into cool shade: pine needles cushion your boots, a mountain breeze tugs at your jacket, and the city shrinks into haze below. The trail climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—forest thick with oaks, rhododendron and chirping warblers—toward open ridgelines where the Himalayas cut a jagged horizon.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by CAN Travels · Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
You leave Kathmandu’s roar behind and step into cool shade: pine needles cushion your boots, a mountain breeze tugs at your jacket, and the city shrinks into haze below. The trail climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—forest thick with oaks, rhododendron and chirping warblers—toward open ridgelines where the Himalayas cut a jagged horizon.
The park protects Kathmandu’s northern watershed and several sacred springs, including Baghdwar, historically important as sources of water and pilgrimage. Geologically the route follows the lower Himalayan foothills: folded sedimentary rock, steep gullies and terraces that funnel runoff into the valley below. Local guides point out monastery shrines and small hamlets, reminding you this is both a natural refuge and a lived cultural landscape.
Expect a solid day of hiking: most guided loops cover roughly 8–12 km round-trip with around 700–900 m (2,300–3,000 ft) of cumulative ascent depending on the start point. Trails vary from compact dirt to rocky switchbacks; occasional wet sections and stream crossings appear after rain. Wildlife is subtle—macaques, muntjac and many bird species weave through the understory.
Practical edge: start early to avoid afternoon cloud buildup and Kathmandu heat, carry 2–3 L of water, and layer for rapidly changing temperatures at the ridgeline. The tour usually includes private pickup, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide, but wear sturdy boots, bring snacks and respect park rules: stay on trails, pack out waste and avoid feeding animals.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Suitable for hikers with a reasonable aerobic base who can handle sustained uphill hiking and short steep sections.
Most guided routes are moderate: expect several hours of sustained uphill walking with rocky switchbacks—suitable for people in reasonable fitness; not technical mountaineering.
Entrance fees to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park are typically covered by organized tours; independent hikers should purchase the park entrance at the gate.
Yes — the listed tour includes private hotel pickup and drop-off by car for central Kathmandu locations.
Shivapuri sits below 3,000 m and most visitors don’t experience altitude sickness, but take usual precautions if you’ve recently arrived from much lower elevations.
Shivapuri has long supplied Kathmandu’s northern watershed and contains religious spring sites and small monastic holdings used by local pilgrims.
The park protects critical watershed and forest cover—stay on marked trails, avoid single-use plastics and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
CAN Travels operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You leave Kathmandu’s roar behind and step into cool shade: pine needles cushion your boots, a mountain breeze tugs at your jacket, and the city shrinks into haze below. The trail climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—forest thick with oaks, rhododendron and chirping warblers—toward open ridgelines where the Himalayas cut a jagged horizon.
You leave Kathmandu’s roar behind and step into cool shade: pine needles cushion your boots, a mountain breeze tugs at your jacket, and the city shrinks into haze below. The trail climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—forest thick with oaks, rhododendron and chirping warblers—toward open ridgelines where the Himalayas cut a jagged horizon.
The park protects Kathmandu’s northern watershed and several sacred springs, including Baghdwar, historically important as sources of water and pilgrimage. Geologically the route follows the lower Himalayan foothills: folded sedimentary rock, steep gullies and terraces that funnel runoff into the valley below. Local guides point out monastery shrines and small hamlets, reminding you this is both a natural refuge and a lived cultural landscape.
Expect a solid day of hiking: most guided loops cover roughly 8–12 km round-trip with around 700–900 m (2,300–3,000 ft) of cumulative ascent depending on the start point. Trails vary from compact dirt to rocky switchbacks; occasional wet sections and stream crossings appear after rain. Wildlife is subtle—macaques, muntjac and many bird species weave through the understory.
Practical edge: start early to avoid afternoon cloud buildup and Kathmandu heat, carry 2–3 L of water, and layer for rapidly changing temperatures at the ridgeline. The tour usually includes private pickup, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide, but wear sturdy boots, bring snacks and respect park rules: stay on trails, pack out waste and avoid feeding animals.