Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
A protected forest wilderness on Kathmandu's doorstep — home to over 300 bird species, the source of the Bagmati River, and the valley's highest viewpoint.
Trails
6
Best Season
October-May (year-round accessible but monsoon brings leeches and reduced visibility)
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 6°C to 23°C. Perfect forest hiking weather. Clear views from Shivapuri Peak and Jamacho. Birdwatching is excellent. monsoon: avoid, 18°C to 26°C. Leeches prolific in the forest. Trails muddy and slippery. Waterfalls are impressive but hiking is unpleasant. spring: good, 8°C to 25°C. Forest alive with birdsong and blooms. Multiple day-hike options from Kathmandu. Warm but pleasant in the shade. winter: good, 0°C to 17°C. Cool and crisp forest walks. Summit views are clearest. Some frost on upper trails. Peaceful and uncrowded.
Best Time to Visit
Forest alive with birdsong and blooms. Multiple day-hike options from Kathmandu. Warm but pleasant in the shade.
How to Get There
Three main entry gates: Budhanilkantha gate (north, for Shivapuri Peak), Sundarijal gate (northeast, for Baghdwar and Chisapani), and Nagarjun/Raniban gate (west, for Jamacho). All are 30-45 minutes by taxi from central Kathmandu.
Permit Information
National park entry fee required: NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 600 for SAARC nationals, NPR 1,000 for other foreigners. Payable at each gate.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park wraps around the northern and western rim of the Kathmandu Valley, protecting 159 square kilometers of subtropical and temperate forest just minutes from the capital. Established in 2002, the park encompasses two main sections: the Shivapuri range to the north (peaking at 2,732m) and the Nagarjun (Jamacho) hill to the west.
The park is a critical watershed, supplying much of Kathmandu's drinking water. The sacred source of the Bagmati River (Baghdwar) lies within its boundaries. Dense forests of oak, rhododendron, schima, and pine shelter over 300 bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations near any major Asian city. Mammals include leopards (rarely seen), jungle cats, and several deer species.
Multiple trails of varying difficulty radiate from entry gates at Budhanilkantha, Sundarijal, and Nagarjun (Raniban), offering everything from gentle forest walks to challenging summit hikes.
The two to know
★ 01Shivapuri Peak
The highest point on the Kathmandu Valley rim at 2,732m — spectacular views of Langtang, Jugal Himal, and even Everest on clear days.
★ 02Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Traverse
A three-day valley-rim traverse linking Shivapuri's forests to Nagarkot's sunrise ridge — the classic doorstep trek of the Kathmandu Valley.
Full index
- 01Sundarijal to Chisapani11 km—→
- 02Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill)8 km—→
- 03Bishnudwar Forest Trail9 km—→
- ★Sundarijal – Chisapani – Nagarkot Traverse38 km3 days→
- ★Shivapuri Peak12 km—→
- 02Baghdwar — Source of the Bagmati14 km—→