Shivapuri Hiking is an exhilarating one-day trek from Kathmandu, often referred to as a jungle walk, offering stunning mountain views amidst the tranquility of nature, accompanied by its soothing sounds. Immerse yourself in this peaceful environment to refresh from the chaos of daily life. After extensive experience with Sherpa Nomad Trek Pvt. Ltd., we have crafted this Shivapuri Hiking package, ensuring excellent service at a reasonable price. You will receive comprehensive information about the hike, which is essential to know before embarking on your journey. Here is a guide to the Shivapuri Hike that provides detailed information about the hike, including costs, permits, itinerary, trail conditions, and the best times to visit, among other details.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and its rich Flora and Fauna
Established in 2002, Shivapuri Nagarjun is the ninth National Park in Nepal, encompassing an area of 259 square kilometers. The park's elevation ranges from 1350 meters to 2732 meters and is positioned in the mid-hills on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, named after the Shivapuri and Nagarjuna peaks.
The national park is characterized by dense forests of Oak, Rhododendron, and Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, situated within the lower and upper subtropical bioclimatic zones, which are primarily dominated by Schima-Castanopsis associations. Additionally, chir pine stands are found on the southern dry ridges, while associations of alder, wild Himalayan cherry, Engelhardia, and ring-cupped oak thrive along the streams. In the lower temperate bioclimatic zone, Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests predominantly feature broadleaf evergreen species from the oak and laurel families, interspersed with rhododendron on the northern slopes. At higher elevations, a diverse array of medicinal herbs flourishes. Botanists have documented 129 species of mushrooms and 2,122 floral species, of which 449 are vascular and 16 are endemic plants.
A field study conducted from July 2003 to July 2004 identified various species including the Indian leopard, jungle cat, large Indian civet, golden jackal, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, small Indian mongoose, Himalayan goral, Indian muntjac, wild boar, rhesus monkey, Hanuman langur, Chinese pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, Royle's pika, Indian hare, orange-bellied Himalayan squirrel, fawn-colored mouse, Hodgson's brown-toothed shrew, and black rat. In 2010, camera traps captured images of the clouded leopard, leopard cat, masked palm civet, crab-eating mongoose, Indian pangolin, rhesus macaque, and yellow-throated marten. In the western region of the park, herpetologists discovered the monocled cobra, Himalayan keelback, olive Oriental slender snake, yellow-bellied worm-eating snake, variegated mountain lizard, Oriental garden lizard, many-keeled grass skink, Sikkim skink, black-spined toad, long-legged cricket frog, and horned frog during the summer of 2009.
Ornithologists recorded a total of 318 bird species, including the Eurasian eagle-owl, slender-billed scimitar-babbler, white-gorgeted flycatcher, barred cuckoo-dove, and golden-throated barbet. The Shivapuri hike presents an opportunity to experience the rich flora and fauna, as well as the diverse biodiversity of the area. It is also renowned for its birdwatching tours.
Shivapuri Hike distance and difficulty
The Shivapuri hike spans approximately 15 to 20 km, depending on your starting and ending points. If you begin at Pani Muhan and conclude at Kapan Monastery, the total distance is about 20 km, making it ideal for a full-day hike immersed in breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity. This journey typically takes around 7 to 8 hours. For those with limited time, summiting Shivapuri Peak and returning to Pani Muhan via the same route covers about 10 to 15 km and takes roughly 5 hours. The hike is moderately challenging due to an elevation gain of around 1400 m, with the same elevation to descend. The trail features a steady ascent and descent, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. It is suitable for both novice and experienced travelers looking to escape into Nagarjuna National Park. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is not a concern due to the lower elevation, making it a motivating and refreshing experience. The Shivapuri hike is accessible to individuals aged 15 to 70, provided they possess reasonable fitness levels.
Shivapuri Hike requires permits and costs.
The Shivapuri hike is situated within Shivapuri National Park, showcasing rich biodiversity along with breathtaking mountain views, gentle streams, calming sounds, and a tranquil atmosphere that allows you to savor joyful moments. Shivapuri Peak, which rises to 2732 meters, is the second-highest in Kathmandu, following Phulchowki Peak (2762m). However, the mountain views, natural diversity, and stunning surroundings of the Shivapuri Peak route make it the best hiking destination in Kathmandu. To explore Shivapuri National Park, a permit is required based on nationality; the fees collected are used to maintain the trails and conserve the natural environment, including its flora and fauna. The fees vary according to nationality as follows:
- Foreigners: NPR 1,000 per person per entry.
- SAARC Citizens: NPR 600 per person per entry.
- Nepali Citizens: NPR 100 per person per entry.
- Children (Under 10): Free.
Shivapuri Birdwatching Tour Cost
Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park is renowned for its bird-watching tours, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to hire a birdwatching guide who can provide insights on how to spot various species and the optimal times for birdwatching. Exploring Shivapuri allows you to discover a wide variety of birds, as the national park is home to over 300 different species. The Shivapuri bird-watching tour is a delightful nature activity located near Kathmandu, Nepal. Typically, the tour commences early in the morning, guiding visitors through the serene forests and trails of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. With the assistance of an experienced guide, participants can observe an array of stunning birds, including pheasants, woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, sunbirds, and eagles. Additionally, the tour provides fresh mountain air, picturesque views, and excellent opportunities for photography. A standard guided day tour is priced between US$90 and US$150 per person, depending on the size of the group. This fee includes transportation, a guide, park entry fees, and a packed lunch. For more information, please contact us at Sherpa Nomad Trek Pvt. Ltd and join us for the Shivapuri Nagarjuna bird-watching tour.
Shivapuri Hiking: Transportation and Cost
Shivapuri hiking, often referred to as the Shivapuri peak hike, begins at Pani Muhan, where you will find the army checkpoint and the entrance to the national park. To reach the starting point of the trek, you will need to drive for approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the Shper Nomad Trek Pvt. Ltd. office located in Thamel. Our package includes transportation by car to the trailhead, which costs between $10 and $20. Additionally, after the hike concludes and you return to your hotel near Thamel, the cost for this return trip will also be in the range of $10 to $20.
The Shivapuri hiking package includes lunch.
Indeed, our one-day hiking excursion to Shivapuri Peak encompasses not just 6 to 8 hours of trekking; we also take the time to savor the experience at our own rhythm, venturing deep into the jungle. We will find a pleasant spot to pause for lunch, akin to a picnic. Our package provides a packed lunch for the day hike, allowing you to relish your meal in a beautiful setting. The lunch will consist of fruit, juice, and either a burger or a sandwich.
Shivapuri Hiking Guide and Cost
The Shivapuri day hiking package includes a professional local trekking and hiking guide. This package covers the guide's salary, meals, insurance, and gear. The cost for the guide is approximately $30 for the day. If you are solely in need of a hiking guide, we offer guides for hire. Please ensure that your guide delivers an exceptional experience during your day hike to Shivapuri Peak.
Best Time for Shivapuri Hike
The Shivapuri hike can be undertaken throughout the year; however, the most favorable times for this trek are when visibility is at its best and the experience is pleasant. The optimal seasons for hiking to Shivapuri Peak are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these peak times, you can expect breathtaking views, stable weather conditions, and enchanting landscapes. Winter (December to February) is also an option, but it may come with challenges such as reduced visibility and the possibility of not being able to see the mountains due to adverse weather. The rainy season (June to August) is another period to consider, but be prepared for rain, slippery trails, and cloudiness. Overall, while you can participate in the Shivapuri hike at any time, for the best experience, it is recommended to choose the autumn and spring seasons.
Why choose Sherpa Nomad Trek Pvt. Ltd?
The Shivapuri hiking day tour is regarded as an accessible hiking route that can be completed in a single day, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers looking to enjoy trekking and hiking in Kathmandu. Sherpa Nomad Trek Pvt. Ltd stands out as a premier organizer, expertly managing trips to ensure authenticity while providing professional local guides. We handle permits and offer competitive pricing. We have successfully organized trips for both solo travelers and large groups with precision. For flexibility, responsibility, expert guidance, and exceptional customer service, you are welcome to join our agency and experience the finest service and impeccable hospitality.
