Baghdwar — Source of the Bagmati
A pilgrim's forest trail up Shivapuri to the sacred cave-spring where the Bagmati River is born.
Know before you go
Trip readiness
Best timing
October-December, March-May
Treat this as the first planning window, then verify local trail and weather conditions.
Time needed
7h
Include acclimatization and transport buffers for mountain routes.
Permit status
Permit required
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry (NPR 1,000 for foreigners)
Difficulty
Challenging
Kathmandu route. Match this to fitness, altitude experience, and daily walking hours.
Live conditions
Trail weather available
Use the weather card before starting, especially during monsoon and winter windows.
Baghdwar ('tiger's gate') is a small limestone spring high on the southern flank of Shivapuri — revered by Hindus and Buddhists as the true source of the holy Bagmati River. Water emerges from a stone tiger-shaped spout and a weathered shrine, then tumbles down the mountain to flow through the entire Kathmandu Valley.
The route starts at Sundarijal gate, climbs past the reservoir and Tamang villages, then branches off the main Chisapani path onto a quieter forest track. The final section ascends through dense oak–rhododendron forest to the spring at roughly 2,490m. The atmosphere is hushed and pilgrim-like; monkeys and Himalayan birds are often more present than other hikers.
The hike is physically demanding — a 1,000m+ climb with a steep final pitch — but deeply rewarding. It can be combined with Shivapuri Peak or the Bishnudwar spring for a full day in the park.
Planning this trek? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
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