Popular Trekking Routes in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) is located in the north side of Kathmandu valley. The park headquarters is found in Panimuhan town of ChapaliBhadrakati VDC of Kathmandu district. The hq are at 12 kilometers away from Kathmandu downtown. SNNP has three sector office buildings viz. Manichur, Dhakalchaur, andNagarjun. SNNP was established in 2002 AD. The park is demarcated by stone and brick wall.

SNNP has two islands of jungles namely Shivapuri and Nagarjun. The park area is surrounded by heavy sub-urban population. Geographically Shivapuri natrual enviroment located within 27°45′ to 27°52′ N latitude and 85°16′ to 85°45′ At the longitude and Nagarjun woodland is located within 27°43′ to 27°46′ N latitude and 85°13′ to 85°18′ E longitude. It promises part of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Sindhupalchowk areas of Nepal. The level range is 1350 meters to 2732 meters

This wonderful national park has many hiking trails across but out of all of those there are four hiking routes that are famous among the trekkers.

Shivapuri Bagdwar hike

Shivapuri Bagdwar hike begins from Budhanilkantha. Budhanilkantha is about 20 minutes drive from the Kathmandu ring road. A private hire could take you right to the entrance of the National park gate where you will have to buy tickets to get entry to the national park. The trail leads to Nagi Gumba. It is a nuns monastery. The traill will then continue to Deurali Bhanjhyang. It is a beautiful place to eat your lunch if you have packed it for the way. There are no prominent tea shops in the trail where you would get a decent lunch. The trail will then lead you to Bag Dwar where you will be able to see water pouring down from the mouth of a sculpted stone tiger head. If you want you can walk for another 30-45 minutes to reach the Shivapuri peak . The whole trek could cost you 6-7 hours up and down.

Shivapuri chisapani trek

Chisapani trek begins from the Sundarijal end of the national park which will take you 45mins-1hr to reach from the Ring Road depending upon the traffic. It is a uphill hike from Sundarijal from then on. You will have to again get tickets to enter the national park and also register your names for safety purposes. After you begin to hike along the route you will pass through a beautiful village called Mulkharka. You will have to walk through the lush green forest of brown oaks and Rhododendron. After crossing the top of the hill you will have to decent towards the Nuwakot side of the National Park for an hour to reach Chisapani. From there you will have gorgeous views of the Himalayan range. There is also another route from Chisapani to Nagarkot if you want to extend your hike further.

Bishnu Dwar hike

Bishnudwar is the origin of bishnumati river which flows through the heart of Kathmandu. This hike also begins from Buddhanilkantha. However the nationalpark entrance used for this hike is further away from the one used to enter for bagdwar hike. A 30mins hike from Buddhanilkantha temple is required to reach to this entrance. After you pay your entry fees. Your official trip begins. You will be able to hear the music of the waterfall along the trail. You shall see watersheds along the pathway if you are in the right season. This is a casual trek and won’t require a lot of energy.

Nagarjuna Hike

Nagarjun is another hill in the same national park which is located in the north_east of Kathmandu. It is 15 minutes away from the Ring Road. Your hike will start from the Nagarjuna Gate near the bypass at Balaju. This hill is also a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. This hill consists of caves where it is believed many people including Nagarjuna meditated. You will witness several buddha stupas along this trail which will finally take you to Jamacho view point (2128m) from where you will have incredible views of Ganesh Himal, Jugal and Langtang. Views is kathmandu valley along with Swayambhu is seen from here.