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.
