Introduction: Budhanilkantha Nangi Gompa Shivapuri Day Hike
The first part of the adventure is a 45-minute drive to Budhanilkantha Temple, which nestles away in Shivapuri's terrain. This Hindu pilgrimage site, also known as Narayanthan Temple, is home to a gigantic figure of Vishnu who lies sleeping on a pond. The starting point for hiking in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is only a short drive from the temple.
Above the short stone staircase leading to Nagi Gompa in the northeast, the hike is quite simple. From the entrance, the climb to Nagi Gompa takes roughly two hours. On Shivapuri Hill, there is a Buddhist monastery called Nagi Gumba that is dedicated to the nuns we refer to as anni. Both visitors and locals frequently practice meditation here. The monastery can be identified by its wavering prayer flags and the nuns communicating and working nearby. On clear days, the monastery also provides an impressive panorama of Kathmandu and the Langtang Himalayas.
From the monastery, an uphill climb through oak and rhododendron trees begins. As we climb higher, the vegetation gets greener. Given the wide variety of plant and animal life in Shivapuri National Park, we might catch a glimpse of some exotic birds and plants. There are about 177 distinct bird species, and there are a great many rare orchids. In addition, this is one of the valley's last remaining areas of primary forest, and monkeys, leopards, and bears reside there.
While enjoying the numerous landscapes of the towering hills, the hike continues. Nearly 700 meters above the Nagi Monastery, on the way to the Shivapuri Summit, is a location named Baghdwar. Bagh means "tiger" and Dwar means "portal" in Nepali, and it is a sight to behold. A tiny monster in the form of a tiger may be seen in the area of continuous water flow. The sacred Bagmati River, which is one of the holiest flowing rivers in the Kathmandu Valley, originates here. Around here, you can interact with a few yogis and sadhus to learn more about their way of life.
The Shivapuri Hilltop, at a height of 2563 m, is finally located 200 meters from Baghdwar via a hard route. Shivapuri is located to the north of Kathmandu and is the second-highest hill surrounding the valley, after the famous Phulchowki. On a clear day, the hill's peak offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Mt. Langtang Ri, Ganjala Peak, Mt. Gaurishankar, and several more summits. Our goal's summit is a level field where we have our picnic lunch while soaking in the surrounding beauty and fresh air.
Why to select Shivapuri National Park and Nangi Gompa?
Shivapuri National Park is a marvelous trek located inside the Kathmandu Valley, just 45 minutes drive from the Kathmandu Valley. This walk lets you escape from the tension and environment of the city to get yourself fresh. Visit the Nangi Gompa Monastery and meet the nuns Anni and get knowledge and blessings from them.
Travelers and trekkers planning a long trek can visit the place, which will help with acclimatization and physical fitness before starting the trek. It will give trekkers a taste of how trekking in Nepal is going to be.
Shivapuri
Shivapuri is an amazing hiking route situated at an elevation of 2563m north of Kathmandu. It is the second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. 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 height of 2563m and the bird watchers’ paradise. Bagdwar is the source of holy river Bagmati located near Shivapuri. Shivapuri is a world’s closest National park from the Capital city.
Early in the morning, we drove from Kathmandu to Muhan Pokhari for half an hour. After passing through the official procedures at the Shivapuri Park entrance gate, we begun hike through Shivapuri watershed and wildlife area. The good thing about hiking in Shivapuri area is that there are numerous options – whether to hike for just few hours or for a whole day. It is perfect for people visiting Nepal who cannot go for longer treks. Shivapuri Conservation Area is then within 10 minutes of walk. It is a protected forest with over 500 species. Our hike truly started from the south side of the Shivapuri area. A short walk took us to the army check post stationed for the protection of conservation area. Nagi Gompa at 2340m is another charm – this is well-known among foreigners and locals who want to practice Buddhism and meditation.
The trek above is little steep through dense forest. The views of Kathmandu Valley start getting splendid. It takes us about two hours to reach the top while we enjoy relaxing lunch with good view of the landscapes.
The trail down leads us to another interesting area of Sundarijal. Then we drove back to Kathmandu.
Shivapuri National Park has many types of flora like mushroom, floral, vascular and endemic plants as well many wild animal and birds like Himalaya Black bear, Jungle cat, Golden jackal and various varities of birds. From here one can enjoy the beauty of snowy Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung and Dorji. Then we had to take a shortcut downhill to Budhanilkantha and drove back to Kathmandu
Shivapuri Trek is an outstanding choice for those who are looking for a short hike within limited time. Within Shivapuri Trek hikers can enter into popular Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve, Sundarijal-Shivapuri National Park. Shivapuri situated at an altitude of 2563m north of Kathmandu is second highest hill around Kathmandu valley.
Over all, the Shivapuri Trek is not just well valued for its biodiversity and views of Himalayan ranges but the trail paves the way for experiencing cultural diversity of rural village life of Suburb of Kathmandu.
For whom is the Budhanilkantha nangi gompa hike perfect for?
Shivapuri hill is a short and easy climb near Kathmandu that can be done at any time of year. As a result, walking to Shivapuri can be planned at any time of year. Except for the monsoon season, the hike can be done at any time of the year. It's just a 4- to 5-hour hike for an average hiker, which makes the trail favorable for everyone traveling.
Being a short hike, this walk is favorable for people with low physical fitness. Hikers who have less time and are trying to explore hiking or trekking in Nepal can go for the hike as well. Beginners who want to trek in Nepal can have an experience of how trekking and hiking in Nepal are going to be, and it even provides a glimpse of the trekking rail environments and what to expect and how trekking in Nepal is going to be.
The weather and temperatures are pleasant; the scenery is breathtaking, and the skies are mainly clear. Throughout the trekking trail in the Spring (March to May), you will be greeted by rhododendron and other seasonal flower blossoms.
During the rainy months, particularly July and August, you may encounter slick stone steps, but the hike is possible. Winter is also a great time to hike to Shivapuri Hill to experience the snowfall in the Kathmandu Valley.
