Introduction to Shivapuri Hiking
Shivpuri Hiking is the most popular hiking near Kathmandu valley, perfect for bird-watching groups and religious / pilgrim travelers. Apart from bird watching and hiking, this route is also popular for cycling. Located north of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,732 meters, this hill is the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is 25 km. away from the hub of urban life.
This hill is named after the famous great mediator, sage Shivpuri Baba. The area was established as a watershed and wildlife reserve in 1976 AD and was declared a national park in 2003 AD. Shivpuri National Park was spread over an area of 144 sq km in Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk but later 15 sq km of Nagarjuna forest was added and now the total area is 159 km.
It is a protected national park area that is the nearest national park to Kathmandu Valley. Shivpuri Hiking offers an admirable view of the Kathmandu Valley and the eagle eye view around it. This hiking is a natural paradise to spend a day walking near Kathmandu Valley. Shivpuri hike offers you the best valley views, meditation atmosphere, fresh air, and peace. Hiking takes you to typical Nepali villages where you have the opportunity to know about the customs, traditions, and religion of the local people.
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View of Various Mountains from Shivapuri Hill
Hiking on Shivpuri hill is a short and enjoyable trip near the capital Kathmandu, so people of all ages can easily complete it. Shivpuri hiking is the best trip for those who have a short time and cannot go for long and high trekking. This hiking is even better for those who want to travel with small children or suffer from altitude sickness but still want a trekking experience. The water source of the Bagmati River is Bagdwar on the same hill. Langtang and Rowaling, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa etc. From the top of Shivpuri hill, you can see the mountain views of Langtang, Rowaling, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, etc.
After a 30-minute drive from Thamel, you reach the Muhan Pokhari, from where your hike begins. On your way to Shivpuri hiking, you can also visit Budhanilkantha Temple, a holy place for Hindus. After checking the formalities at the Shivpuri entrance, you enter the Shivpuri National Park. Walking through the pine and cherry forest, you reach Nangi Gompa within an hour and a half. Located in a quiet and beautiful place, this magnificent monastery is a holy place for Buddhists.
It is a famous monastery for nuns practicing Buddhism and foreigners for meditation. You can relax for a while in Nangi Gompa to relieve fatigue. The journey then continues for another three hours through the oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forest.
To get back you take a shortcut downhill trail to Kapan. On the way back to Kathmandu, you also visit Kapan Monastery. Since there is no place for lunch during the trek, we take some water and some light food.
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