Shivapuri Day Hike

Weather and Best Time to Hike

Seasonal and elevation changes in weather in Shivapuri. The weather is usually pleasant and clear in Autumn (September to December) and Spring (April to June) for a Shivapuri Day Hike. There is generally good visibility in October to November after the monsoon and warmer days with blooming rhododendrons in higher forest areas in March to May.

Clear days have good views, but it is colder during the winter, especially on the higher sections of the trail and in the morning. This time of year (June-September) has frequent rain, wet paths, mud, and decreased mountain visibility. Trails may also be slippery following rain.

The elevation of the park varies from the lower foothill zones to the Shivapuri Peak (2732 m/8963 ft), and the park can get cooler as the elevation increases.

Shivapuri National Park Entry and Permits

An entry fee is necessary for the national park called Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Presently there are different rates set for Nepali citizens, SAARC nationals, and other foreign visitors. According to the official park brochure, the entry fee is NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, NPR 600 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 1,000 for other foreigners per person per entry.

If guests travel with Adventure Walkway, we make the necessary arrangements to enter the park as part of our service. No time needs to be spent understanding the procedure prior to the hike. Your guide will help prepare for entry at the checkpoint.

It is a protected area of the park, and visitors should have entry details available on the walk. Park access and regulations may change; our team will check the rules prior to the hike.

Longer Himalayan treks are not required, as is often the case with other treks. The primary requirement for this Shivapuri National Park hike is the entry permit of the respective National Park.

Trek Difficulty and Trail Conditions

The Shivapuri Day Hike can be done by those who can walk for a few hours and are familiar with walking uphill for a while. This is a non-technical hike, but the trail ascends gradually from the Kathmandu valley making it a physically demanding route.

This trail is in the forest, has stone steps, has rough terrain, and has a continuous incline. The exact surface will depend on the route and the weather conditions more recently. During the rainy season, mud and slippery stones can make the descent more difficult.

It’s more important to walk at a comfortable pace than to walk fast. Your guide will tailor the pace to the group and will take short breaks as needed. Well-fitting shoes with good traction are advised, especially in wet conditions.

It can rise to 2,732 m (8,963 ft) at Shivapuri Peak.

Food and Drinks on the Trail

Meals are simple for the Shivapuri Day Hike due to it being a day hike. Packed lunch may be provided for the walk and consumed at an appropriate step-out site or rest stop during the walk.

Small food items like fruit, nuts, biscuits, or energy bars are helpful to bring along. They can be consumed as a snack break on the higher elevation stretch. Don’t overpack a daypack; a forest trail is easier to hike with a small pack.

It is essential to drink plenty of water during the walk. It is important to be well hydrated in the morning and have an adequate supply of water for the walk. Water supplies within the park cannot be guaranteed, especially in less developed areas of the trail.

If you need to stop for a break or have a drink of water, your guide will let you know when. Adventure Walkway can also assist you with arrangements for food and drink prior to departure.

Health and Safety

With good preparation, Shivapuri Hiking will be safer and more comfortable. Usually it’s tiredness, dehydration, slippery ground, weather, and minor falls that are the main concerns, not technical climbing issues.

It can get wet and slippery in the rain; hikers are advised to be careful and not rush downhill. It is also important to stay in the group, as there are also large forested areas and several connected trails within the park.

If you are feeling tired, dizzy, unwell, or unable to walk comfortably, let your guide know. Drink water frequently – rather than waiting until you are thirsty.

• Use shoes that have good traction.
• Bring an adequate amount of water to drink.
• Take a moderate pace and walk at a comfortable level.
• Take shelter in the case of showers as predicted.
• Remain in the group and with your guide.
• Be extra careful on slippery stone steps.
• Bring essential personal drugs if necessary.
• Inform the guide of any health condition which may impact walking ability.

Visitors to the park are encouraged not to walk in the park from dusk until dawn and to use a nature guide.

What to Pack for the Shivapuri Day Hike

Do not use large backpacks that are needed for multi-day treks. For a Shivapuri Day Hike, a daypack should be comfortable enough to carry and have the essentials for a few hours in the outdoors.

The outfit should be appropriate for the time of year. Lighter clothing suits them well, as the climate can vary as you ascend the mountain. Even if it sounds a bit like a rain jacket for a rainy day, they can come in handy in the rainy season when the morning is not raining.

• Shoes that are comfortable for hiking and have a good grip.
• Small daypack
• Drinking water
• Packed lunch and light snacks will be provided.
• Warm up or wear a light jacket
• Wet jacket or poncho
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Personal medication
• Small first aid kit
• Mobile power bank and cell phone.
• Tissues and personal hygiene products
• Small reusable bag for individual garbage.

Don’t carry extra weight. A lighter bag makes travelling uphill a bit easier and allows for more space for water and weather protection.

Adventure Walkway can recommend the best clothing and equipment for the season and what to expect on the trails.

Transportation to and From Shivapuri

Transportation from Thamel hotel to the Shivapuri area is provided. The drive usually goes north through Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha before arriving at the park entrance. The travel time varies with traffic, but is relatively short compared to the hikes further away from Kathmandu.

Adventure Walkway provides the vehicle and makes arrangements for the hike. During the trip, your guide will be with you and assist you with the entry process when you reach your destination.

Once the trek is finished, the car will pick you up close to the starting point for the trail. The road makes the transition from the foothills, covered in trees, into the city on its way to Thamel.

The exact pick-up time and the location of entry may be subject to change depending on the hiking route, park conditions, and traffic. This information will be verified prior to leaving to ensure a smooth day.

Forest, Wildlife and Birdwatching

The forest is also an integral part of the Shivapuri National Park Hike. The park consists of various forest types, varying in elevation, such as pine forests and broadleaf forests at the lower elevations and mixed forests with oak and rhododendron at the higher elevations.

Wildlife sightings are possible but should never be guaranteed. Langurs, barking deer, wild boar, jungle cats, leopards, and other mammal species can be found in the park. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation also includes the park on its list of habitats for several less common species.

Another reason to take a slow stroll and observe the forest is bird watching. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park, and many butterfly species too.

Birds can be heard first, before they are seen. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements; you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife without causing it to be disturbed.

Views, Photography and Visibility

The beauty of Shivapuri Hiking is the transition from the outskirts of the city to the forested hills. Open areas can offer a view of Kathmandu Valley, and from higher altitude areas, a view of mountain ranges to the north when weather conditions are favorable.

A lot of factors affect how well you can see from the mountains, including the seasons, cloud cover, haze, and recent rain. Distant mountains may be hidden by the monsoon clouds or by clear mornings in autumn and winter.

The ideal thing for photography is to have a phone or a lightweight camera that is easy to access. No need for big machinery on a day hike.

• Take photos of forest trails and the changing vegetation.
• Find as much open space as possible and photograph it.
• For the best results, use early light (if available).
• Make sure cameras don’t get wet.
• Avoid getting too close to wildlife for a photograph.
• Please seek permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
• Minimize taking photographs while in the walking phase on steep sections.

According to the official information of the park, on the northern side the park offers a view towards the higher Himalayas and on the southern slopes it offers a view towards the Kathmandu valley.

Water, Toilets and Rest Facilities

Inside the forest, facilities are fewer than in Kathmandu. For this reason, hikers should do their preparation before they start hiking, and don’t rely on the fact that they will find a regular shop or toilet or restaurant at every section of the hiking trail.

Take sufficient drinking water for the intended walking period. Your guide will know how to plan the journey and where appropriate and necessary to stop. Bring your own water rather than relying on a safe water source within the park.

The availability of toilets may also vary based upon the route. Take advantage of facilities before starting the main ascent and listen to your guide’s recommendations on rest places.

The Shivapuri Day hike is not a tourist circuit where facilities are provided at every point; it is a nature hike as such. One of the reasons why it is essential to bring personal necessities with you.

Do not litter with tissues, food wrapping, bottles, or other trash on the trail.

Mobile Network and Connectivity

Mobile connectivity may differ during the Shivapuri National Park Hike. The trail leaves the Kathmandu city limits and ventures out into the forest, which may cause fluctuations in the signal depending upon the location and network provider.

Never rely on your cell phone solely for navigation or communication. Your guide will take care of the route and keep the group together, which is especially helpful at places where a number of forest tracks converge.

Leave your phone charged before you leave the hotel. If you’re shooting photos during the day, a small power bank can come in handy.

Not having a good signal in some areas can also be a breath of fresh air from the city. You don’t have to constantly check your phone to enjoy the forest, walking, and listening to the birds.

If you must make an important phone call, notify your guide. They can let you know of appropriate checkpoints along the way where connectivity might be more favorable.

Park Rules and Responsible Hiking

The park is a protected area, which means that visitors must abide by the conservation and safety rules of the park. Responsible behavior can help preserve the forest, wildlife, water resources, and cultural sites for future visitors.

The park’s rules for visitors mention prohibiting firearms or harmful substances and request the respect for cultural and religious sites. It also recommends that visitors not travel on their own and to use a nature guide.

• Stay on designated trails.
• Never feed or come close to wild animals.
• Avoid picking flowers, plants, or other natural objects.
• Take all trash back with you.
• Keep noise to a minimum and refrain from unnecessary loud music.
• Respect places of worship and religious observance.
• Please refrain from photographing birds or other wildlife.
• Follow instructions from your guide and park staff.
• Do not walk in the park at night.
• Wherever possible, use water bottles that are washable.

The Shivapuri Day Hike is not just a trek towards a viewpoint. It also includes returning the forest to its original state and letting other forest users and wildlife enjoy the area in peace.