Shivapuri National Park offers a tranquil escape for those seeking solace in nature. Situated just outside the bustling city of Kathmandu, the park’s serene trails wind through lush subtropical forests, providing a perfect backdrop for quiet reflection. As hikers trek from Budanilkantha to Allche, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves replace the cacophony of urban life, allowing for a rejuvenating experience. The panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks further enhance the park’s calming atmosphere, inviting visitors to enjoy the peaceful serenity of this natural sanctuary.
Key Points
- Shivapuri National Park near Kathmandu offers diverse hiking opportunities in a protected environment, providing a peaceful escape from city life.
- The hiking tour from Budanilkantha to Allche features a challenging 11-kilometer trek through dense subtropical forests with panoramic mountain views.
- Overnight stay at the Shivapuri Organic Farm in Allche offers an eco-friendly accommodation with wholesome organic meals, promoting rest and rejuvenation.
- The hiking trail winds through dense forests, providing opportunities to spot various flora and fauna, including vibrant Himalayan bird species.
- The tour includes convenient transportation, professional guides, and a limited group size, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free hiking experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of Shivapuri National Park
- Hiking From Budanilkantha to Allche
- Day 1: Narayanthan Temple and Bagdwar
- Overnight at Shivapuri Organic Farm
- Day 2: Allche to Gurje Bhanjyang
- Transportation and Pickup Locations
- Scenic Views and Wildlife Sightings
- Inclusions, Exclusions, and Pricing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for This Hike?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?
- Are There Any Refund Policies for Cancellations or Changes?
- What Should I Pack for the Hike?
- Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Kathmandu
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Kathmandu
- More Tour Reviews in Kathmandu
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Kathmandu we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park is located nearest to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and offers visitors a diverse array of hiking opportunities within its lush, protected environment.
The park’s hiking tour from Budanilkantha to Allche is a popular activity, priced from €193.50 per person.
Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is valid for 2 days with a group size limited to 10 participants.
Along the hike, visitors can explore the Narayanthan Temple, Nuns Monastery, and the origin of the Bagmati River at Bagdwar, while also enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
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Hiking From Budanilkantha to Allche
The hiking tour from Budanilkantha to Allche takes visitors through Shivapuri National Park, offering a diverse range of natural landscapes and cultural attractions along the way.
The hike starts from the Budanilkantha Temple, where hikers can explore the impressive Narayanthan shrine before entering the national park.
As they ascend, hikers will pass through dense subtropical forests, catching glimpses of the Bagmati River’s origin at Bagdwar.
Along the trail, they’ll stop at the Nuns Monastery for a refreshing tea break.
The challenging 11-kilometer trek with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain and descent ultimately leads to the peaceful Shivapuri Organic Farm and Resort in Allche, where hikers can rest and recharge.
Day 1: Narayanthan Temple and Bagdwar
Visitors begin their Shivapuri National Park hiking tour by exploring the impressive Narayanthan Temple in Budanilkantha, where they can marvel at the colossal statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta. After this, they’ll enter the lush green forests of the national park, trekking towards the origin of the Bagmati River at Bagdwar. Along the way, hikers may spot diverse flora and fauna that call this protected area home. After a tea break at the Nuns Monastery, the group will continue their ascent, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks such as Gaurisankhar, Annapurna, and Manasalu.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Narayanthan Temple | Impressive Hindu temple with colossal statue of Lord Vishnu |
| Bagdwar | Origin of the sacred Bagmati River |
| Nuns Monastery | Scenic tea stop with views of the forest and mountains |
| Flora and Fauna | Diverse plant and animal species within the national park |
| Himalayan Peaks | Stunning vistas of Gaurisankhar, Annapurna, Manasalu, and more |
Overnight at Shivapuri Organic Farm
After a full day of hiking, participants retire at the Shivapuri Organic Farm and Resort, where they can unwind and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
The farm offers cozy, eco-friendly accommodation with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy wholesome, organic meals prepared with fresh produce from the farm’s own gardens.
In the evening, they can relax in the communal areas, swap hiking stories, and take in the peaceful ambiance.
With its serene setting and sustainable practices, the Shivapuri Organic Farm provides the perfect haven for hikers to rest and rejuvenate before tackling the next leg of the Shivapuri National Park trek.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 2: Allche to Gurje Bhanjyang
On the second day, hikers embark on a journey from Allche to Gurje Bhanjyang, covering a distance of approximately 11 kilometers with an ascent of around 600 meters and a descent of roughly 500 meters, which takes about 5-6 hours to complete.
The trail winds through dense forest, offering scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains, including Gaurisankhar, Annapurna, Gnesh Himal, Manasalu Himal, and Buddha Himal.
Hikers can spot various species of flora and fauna along the way, as Shivapuri National Park is an important wildlife protected area.
The hike culminates at the Gurje Bhanjyang viewpoint, where participants can take in the breathtaking panorama before heading back to Kathmandu, completing the two-day Shivapuri National Park hiking experience.
Transportation and Pickup Locations
How does the tour handle transportation and pickup locations for this Shivapuri National Park hiking experience? The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off services from select locations in the Kathmandu valley. Travelers can choose to be picked up from their hotel in Bhaktapur, Boudhha, or Thamel, and will be dropped off in Thamel, Bhaktapur, or Boudhha at the end of the hike.
| Pick-Up | Drop-Off |
|---|---|
| Bhaktapur | Thamel |
| Boudhha | Bhaktapur |
| Thamel | Boudhha |
This convenient transportation makes it easy for travelers to access the start and end points of the hiking tour without the hassle of arranging their own rides. The tour takes care of all the logistics, allowing hikers to focus on enjoying the natural beauty of Shivapuri National Park.
Scenic Views and Wildlife Sightings
Shivapuri National Park: Peaceful and Silent Hiking
This hiking tour through Shivapuri National Park offers hikers the opportunity to witness a variety of scenic vistas and potentially spot diverse wildlife inhabitants of the protected area.
The trail takes trekkers through dense subtropical forest, providing panoramic views of several major Himalayan peaks, including Gaurisankhar, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manasalu Himal, and Buddha Himal.
Atop the ridges, hikers can soak in the majestic mountain scenery and observe the vibrant birdlife, including the colorful Himalayan bird species that make this national park their home.
With its pristine natural environment and tranquil atmosphere, this hiking adventure offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Kathmandu.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Pricing
The hiking tour through Shivapuri National Park includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, transportation, a professional guide, and the entrance fee to the protected area, as well as bottled water and other drinks throughout the day.
However, the tour doesn’t cover certain expenses like BBQ meals, tips, porter services, medical expenses, or trip extensions.
Hikers can expect to pay the following:
-
Tour price from €193.50 per person
-
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Limited group size of 10 participants
-
2-day tour validity
-
Pickup and drop-off options in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Boudha
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for This Hike?
There are no strict age or fitness requirements for this hike, but it’s recommended that participants have a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike covers around 22km over two days with significant ascents and descents.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?
Yes, hikers can bring their own food and drinks on the hike. The tour includes meals, but hikers are welcome to supplement with their own provisions if desired. Bringing extra snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended.
Are There Any Refund Policies for Cancellations or Changes?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for any changes or cancellations within the specified time frame.
What Should I Pack for the Hike?
For this hike, you’ll want to pack comfortable hiking boots, lightweight layers, a rain jacket, sun protection, snacks, plenty of water, and any necessary medications. The guide can provide additional recommendations based on the weather and trail conditions.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the Shivapuri National Park hiking tour can be booked for a private group. The tour is limited to 10 participants, so you can easily arrange a private group hike with your friends or family. Just contact the tour operator to discuss the details.
Shivapuri National Park: Peaceful and Silent Hiking
Recap
Shivapuri National Park offers a serene hiking experience, with tranquil trails winding through lush forests.
Trekkers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, panoramic Himalayan views, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating escape from the city.
The hike from Budanilkantha to Allche provides a chance to take in nature and find inner calm amidst the park’s calming ambiance.
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