Shivapuri Peak
The highest point on the Kathmandu Valley rim at 2,732m — spectacular views of Langtang, Jugal Himal, and even Everest on clear days.
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
6h
Include acclimatization and transport buffers for mountain routes.
Permit status
Permit required
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee required (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.
Shivapuri Peak is the highest point surrounding the Kathmandu Valley and offers the most expansive Himalayan panorama of any valley rim hike. The trail climbs steadily through oak, rhododendron, and mixed broadleaf forest within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, passing the beautiful Nagi Gompa Buddhist nunnery en route.
Over 300 bird species have been recorded in the park, making this an excellent birding hike. The summit provides spectacular views of Langtang, Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, and even Everest on very clear days.
The most popular approach starts from the Budhanilkantha gate on the north side of the valley. The hike can be combined with a visit to the famous Budhanilkantha temple (reclining Vishnu statue) before or after.
Planning this trek? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
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