Shivapuri Hiking from Budhanilkantha via Nangi Gompa

Shivapuri situated at an elevation of 2563m and north of Kathmandu is the second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Bagdwar, the source of the holy river Bagmati, is located near Shivapuri.various species of birds and vegetation are found here. This is the best spot for nature lover. While hiking we enjoy an excellent view of Kathmandu Valley, view of Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhare, Ganesh and Langtang Himal.

Early in the morning, you drive from Kathmandu to Muhan Pokhari for about 30 minutes. After checking the formalities at the Shivapuri entrance gate, you enter Shivapuri watershed and wildlife area. You commence your hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check-post is located. The trail goes along the rugged but drivable road through pine and cherry forest up to Nangi Gompa within one and half hours, where a nunnery monastery is located. Beyond the monastery, the trail goes steeply uphill through the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest for another three hours.

From here you can enjoy the beauty of snowy Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, Dorji Lhakpa and you take a shortcut downhill to Budhanilkantha where we visit 5m long stone image of Vishnu which lies serenely in a pond sleeping on a most unusual bed of the multi-headed snake. We then drive back to Kathmandu.