Trekking In Nepal

Shivapuri trek (Budhanilkantha - Nagarkot) (4 days)

Shivapuri, popular for the watershed and wild life area, is the second highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu valley rim. This trek is to commence at Budhanilkantha with the purpose to be amazed with pleasant views of the central and eastern mountain ranges, heavenly views of sunrise and sunset and is good introduction to Nepalese rural life. The end point of the trek appears with two options either at Nagarkot or Dhulikhel. It is an excellent trip for those who wish to avoid a long strenuous trek or only have time for a short and easy trek. This trek can be done throughout the year as each season adds beauty and majesty to this trek. The view points at Nagarkot offers a long lasting experience that has many different options to enjoy the magic of mountains. The village of Nagarkot is on the edge of the valley and offers superb views of the mountains as well as Kathmandu valley.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha (Narayanthan) which takes about 25 minutes and trek from Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri Lekh (Bagdwar) and it takes approximately four and half hours. You drive from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha where there is site of a huge monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu, one of the valley's most photographed sites. Budhanilkantha is a remarkable, colossal, statue of the Lord Vishnu, reclining on the coil of the snake King “Seshang”. This fifth century statue is in the middle of small pond and seems to float on water. It is a famous place of pilgrimage, though the reigning King of Nepal may not visit this spot. From here trail ascends into the Shivapuri hills. Shivapuri situated at an elevation of 2563m. north of Kathmandu is the second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Bagdwar, source of holy river Bagmati, is located near Shivapuri. After breakfast at hotel, you trek to Muhan Pani - 10 km north of Kathmandu for about 30 minutes drive. 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 motor-able road through pine and cherry forest up to Nagi Gompa within one and half hours, where a nunnery monastery is located. Beyond the monastery, the trail goes steep uphill through the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest. From the top one can enjoy the sight of snowy mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang - Lirung and Dorje Lakpa.

Day 2
Trek from Shivapuri Lekh to Dhap via Chisapani which takes about five hours. This day you start your trek on plain trail about 1 hour. The mountains greet you from northern side (left side) and you hike slowly to gain the height. On the top of hill the fascinating sight welcome you and offers you delicious lunch with splendid landscape. From here the way through forest and 3 hours flat trail lead you to Chisapani. The route you follow is quite smooth and you can observe the numerous green hills and villages at some distance. Moreover, you head along the path through forests where you can enjoy the chirping of birds. Dhap is an uncultivated field surrounded by beautiful forests.

Day 3
Trek from Dhap to Nagarkot and it takes approximately five and half hours. In the morning you are attracted by the northern mountain views. Your trek starts to Chauki Bhanjag, which takes about 2 and half hours. You continue the charming trails leading you toward Nagarkot. Nagarkot, (2175m) is by far one of the most popular destination. In the clear weather the Himalaya range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty.

An interesting trail takes you to the hill retreat of Nagarkot, perched on a ridge 32 km east of Kathmandu. It commands sweeping views of the Himalayas. Five of the world's ten highest peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Choyu, Makalu and Manaslu are visible from here. Nagarkot is also a popular spot to watch sunrise and sunset. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise. Nagarkot, surrounded by terraced hillsides and picturesque farm houses, the hilltop resort is the epitome of an idyllic escape – with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you. Bird watching is a joy in the forests here.

Day 4
Trek from Nagarkot to Changunarayan which takes approximately three and half hours and drive from Changunarayan to Kathmandu and it takes about one and half hours. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changu Narayan-with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Changunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the valley. After excursion in and around Changunarayan you board the vehicle to get back to Kathmandu.