Are you looking for a day hike?
If yes, we’ll take you to the beautiful Shivapuri hike. Those of you who want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the greenery can join us as we take you along this journey.
How to get to Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park?
The Shivapuri hike begins from Budhanilkhantha, a beautiful city. You may take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Buddhanilkantha. You have to take the road that goes to the Buddhanilkantha temple. To enter the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park area, you need to pay certain entry fee. Rs. 100 is charged for the Nepalese National. For foreigners, the entry fee might be slightly higher. The Shivapuri hike takes a total of approx. 8 to 9 hours depending on the pace of walking.
Recently, I hiked to Shivapuri Hill with an enthusiastic group of female travelers with whom I connected through a Facebook group. We met at the Buddhanilkanta temple and started our hike from there. As we entered the National Park area, we experienced the serene atmosphere and walking was more fun. It was a relief to go away from the bustling city and experience the calmness and beauty of nature.
I often wonder the people these days are always stressed. So, it’s always important to take a day out for yourself and relax. I believe your mind also needs rest in order to function fully. And most importantly, such hikes help you to clear your mind and reflect on your day-to-day activities. In this way, we can practice gratitude and improve our efficiency.
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What to expect from Shivapuri Hike?
Shivapuri Hike offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley. The trail is quite clear as there are arrows and information boards placed in certain spots. But if you find it confusing you can always wait for other hikers passing by and ask for the path. The trail starts with a gravel road followed by lots of steps. After climbing certain steps you’ll pass through dense forest where the trail is much easier to walk.
After walking for 3 and half hours you’ll reach a point called Bagdwar, where you can find Bagdwar Kunda. Bagdwar Kunda is known to be the origin of the Bagmati River and it holds great cultural and religious significance for Hindus. As we reached there, we were quite hungry. So, we shared our home-packed snacks and enjoyed the calmness of the jungle.
We passed by an uncle who was selling plums in doko which is a Nepali bamboo basket used to carry things. We bought fresh plums and enjoyed the seasonal fruit with the beauty of nature. After hiking for almost an hour we reached Shivapuri hill which is the major highlight of the hike. The view from the top is to die for as we felt a sense of accomplishment from the top. In addition to that, The weather suddenly changes from the top. The weather gets chilly so it is recommended to not stay longer at the top as you have to estimate the time to return back.
We too stayed at the top for 20 minutes and decided to head back. It feels rewarding to enjoy the view and return with fresh energy and positive vibes.
Though it is a day hike, I recommend the upcoming hikers to not compromise on shoes as you have to walk continuously for eight hours. Wear comfortable footwear to avoid blisters and if you are hiking in the rainy season it is recommended to carry a raincoat.
The Shivapuri hike is one of my best places to go on weekends. I try to hike to Shivapuri at least once a year. Though Shivapuri Hill can be hiked throughout the year, hiking in the rainy season (June-Aug) can be quite daunting.
So anyone interested in hiking can opt for Shivapuri Hike as it offers top-notch natural beauty and one can immerse oneself spiritually. It is always rewarding to stay detached from technology for a day and live in peace. You can also meditate at the top and practice mindfulness exercises. This way you can get relieved from the stress and enjoy the beautiful gift of nature.
So, where are you hiking next?
Also Read: Langtang Valley