In the morning for Shivapuri hiking, you will be picked up at your hotel by your driver and guide. After 20 minutes of driving, you will arrive at the Budhanilkantha Temple, 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Kathmandu. This temple is famous for the pond with a large statue of the reclining Vishnu.
From Budhanilkantha, drive uphill to reach the gates of the Shivapuri National Park. This area is a government-protected forest where more than 500 species of animals are found.
Start your hike from the southern boundary of the area. Be ready to climb stairs, as part of the trail consists of stone steps, leading you slowly but gently to the peak. On the way, pass Nagi Gumpa, the only monastery where nuns can practice Buddhism, and a place that foreigners often visit for meditation.
It is a steep uphill hike along narrow trails that gradually lead up to Shivapuri. Continue on to pass by the starting point of the Bagmati River, and your surroundings will beckon you to rest and enjoy the beauty of the forest.
Finally, you will reachthe peak, located at an altitude of 8,963 feet (2,732 meters). From here, you can look out over toward the Langtang Mountain Range and enjoy lunch. Stroll around for a short time before taking a shortcut downhill and returning to Kathmandu.
Product description
Take a full-day hike in Shivapuri National Park, located near Kathmandu. On this trip, you will observe the beauty of the area’s lush surroundings as you hike to the top of the Shivapuri peak.The Shivapuri National park is located in the northern and north western part of Kathmandu. It is the second highest hill near the Kathmandu valley at altitude of 2563m. and a paradise for bird watchers. The good thing about hiking in Shivapuri area is that there are multiple options – whether to hike for just 2, 3 hours or for an entire day – there are choices. It is ideal for people visiting Nepal who doesn’t have time or interest to go for longer treks.
About Us
At Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition, we put our efforts to create and operate trips to various parts of Nepal. We have a great team of skilled guides and porters to assist travelers. Thus, we provide our finest people and services to cater to your needs. Also, we allow you to easily change the itineraries as per your liking.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
It is mandatory to enter Shivapuri hiking as this trip is inside the national park. The fee is fixed NPR 1500 per person for foreigners and NPR 500 per person for SAARC citizens. You are required a passport copy to obtain it. You can pay directly at Budanilkantha check post. We have included it in the package.
Clothing gears checklist
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year, and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
Lightweight hiking boots or sports shoes “walked” them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters or sports shoes.
Lightweight pants
T-shirts.
Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
Sun hat – sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
Water bottle – 2 liters.
Sunglasses and strap
Sunscreen, sun bock, sun-tan lotion.
Small daypack – 25 liters.
Rain jacket – poncho style to cover backpack during monsoon.
Warm jacket during winter.
Meals
During hiking, We provide lunch on the top of Shivapuri hill.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Shivapur hiking is an easy level but long hike, suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours with a light day bag pack. As we will get the highest elevation 2743 meters, you won’t have to worry about acute mountain sickness ( AMS) though you are preferred excellent health with average physical fitness then we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal of alternative treks before booking the hike.
Climate and weather
Shipauri hiking is mostly 2-3 hours but it can also be done for an entire day the choice is yours. Similarly, for hiking in Shipauri you can hike it throughout the year. It is open to anyone at any time of the day. Mostly, for hiking here summer and spring seasons are best. But, it can also be done in the winters.
Safety and security
Shipauri hike is a short hike. So carrying everything is not necessary. Therefore, carrying a lot of items is not required and the things you carry are protected by the authorities all the time. So, you can enjoy your time there without worrying about anything.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is this hike safe for tourists?
Yes, Shivapuri hike is safe for tourists. This area has not been affected by the earthquake in 2015. Also, there is no burst of epidemics or viral diseases or covid-19. We also recommend you keep yourself updated with the local news.
The government and other respective bodies are continuously are trying to facilitate accessible communication, comfortable and safe internal travel, proper healthcare facility, and services of restaurants en route for tourists.
What are the physical fitness and other criteria required for this hike ?
Although it is an easy and short hike, the trails pass through the steep climb uphill and downhill that can be demanding and tiresome, so it is beneficial for all hikers to exercise daily from a month before their trip. This helps the body get accustomed to the physical work required during the journey.
Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek and are advised to seek medical advice or consent from their doctors before the hike.
When is the best season for this hiking ?
The best season to hike Shivapuri is during autumn (September to November) as the weather is stable, dry, and clear. Also, the atmosphere is merry during these seasons, as autumn is the major festive season of the country. Another favorable season for trekking is during spring (March to May) as the trails become more vibrant and pleasing with the blooming of different wildflowers and Rhododendrons. The days are clear and perfect for hiking.
December to February is the coldest time of the year. From June to August, the region experiences the summer season. Humidity increases along with the temperature. Hence, the monsoon starts, which makes the skies cloudy, and the roads muddy and slippery. There are chances of flooding and landslides throughout the country as well.
Do you have other dates available that match my timing?
Even though Shivapuri hiking packages have pre-fixed group departure dates, we can tailor them to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. Please review our designated departure dates, and if they do not suit your timeframe, let us know your preferred timing so that we can manage your itinerary accordingly. We organize this hike as per your wishes and convenience.
As a single trekker, may I join fixed departure group ?
Our group hiking packages are designed in such a way that they suit single travelers too. It is a great way to get to know new people with similar interests, and most people find that group dynamics are very friendly and comforting.
What kind of food will be provided during this hike ?
This hiking package includes packed lunch. We will take your order list in the evening and carry it with us to have it on the top of the Shivapuri hill.
How can drinking water be managed ?
We provide bottled plastic water along the hike. However, we recommend you carry your own water bottles. You can fill them up with water and can carry them with you so that you can drink whenever you are thirsty.
How long will we have to hike ?
Approximately around 6 hours of hiking, including breaks for meals as needed. The distance is 10 km kilometers.
Along the way, you will have many chances for photography and other personal interests such as bird watching and discovering local areas of interest like villages, local people, and even exploring flora and fauna.
What are the documents that we need to bring for this hike ?
You need to submit the following documents that should be sent via email :
A copy of passport,
Can we hire hiking gears in Kathmandu?
Yes, there are plenty of shops around Thamel that sell as well as rent all the necessary gear for hiking. These shops have great varieties of goods ranging based on their brand as well as price. We will help you with buying or hiring all the necessary equipment.
What is the weather and temperature like we can expect during the hike ?
The temperature could range around and above 30 degrees Celsius in summers and decrease below -5 degrees Celsius in winters. During autumn and spring, the temperature ranges around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for hiking purposes.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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