Things to remember during Shivapuri Day Hiking
Shivapuri National Park is a very common hiking destination for not just adults but also children. However, it is always important that you keep yourself carefully balanced during your trek. The peak of Shivapuri is somewhat risky for children, so it is always wise to keep the hike limited to the lower parts of the national park to avoid any dangers.
Further, Shivapuri is also one of the most preferable and convenient hiking destinations for anyone in Kathmandu Valley. The day hike usually ranges from 5 to 6 hours depending on how skilled of a hiker you are. However, it is preferable for just anyone to go slow and steady as the trails are not as long and difficult, and the hike can be completed in a span of the given hours without much difficulty.
There are no shops inside the national park. Hence, you should carry along your own food and water during the hike. Since there is a good amount of moisture due to the trees and altitude of the national park, you never know when it is going to rain. So, take along an umbrella or a raincoat just to stay on the safer side. You cannot go to the national park after a certain hour because the entry closes at around 11 a.m. or 12 a.m. while the national park closes by 5 p.m. Entering the national park at 7 a.m. is perfect. Fridays and Saturdays are very often crowded. You are likely to come across monkeys and other birds during your hike.
Best time to go on Shivapuri Day Hiking
The best time to go on Shivapuri day hiking is during the spring and autumn seasons. Summers for hiking are not quite the best, as hikers tend to feel uneasy and hot during this season. Moreover, since hiking requires lots of walking, it is almost impossible to climb the peak without complications, especially if you are a beginner. Likewise, winter is not as favorable either. The Shivapuri peak is likely to get chilly, and sometimes, the conditions of the area just might get to extremes.
On the other hand, Shivapuri day hiking during spring and autumn is perfect. There is no excessive rainfall during this season. You get to experience the beautiful scenario while also dedicating yourself to immersing in the natural beauty along the trail. It is neither too hot nor too cold during either of the seasons.
Shivapuri Day Hiking Cost
If you are in need of a guide during your hike, you will find guides who are fluent in English in the national park itself. For non-Nepalese visitors, the cost of the permit inside the national park is Rs.1000 per head. You will have to pay for a personal vehicle and transportation that is going to pick up and drop you from and to the national park.
Similarly, given that you are going with the help of your traveling agency, the agency will not bear the costs of permits, food, water, bar bills, other such personal expenses, travel insurance, donations, tips for the crew, etc.
Popular Shivapuri Hiking Routes
The most popular hiking routes in Shivapuri are:
Budhanilkantha – Check Post – Nagi Monastry – Shivapuri.
This is possibly the most convenient route that lots of hikers take. You can visit the Nagi monastery from this route. The stairs are present, but taking stairs from this route is not as difficult as those from other routes.
Budhanilkantha – Check Post – Shivapuri
Though this route is a tad bit more difficult than the one above, you will save a whole hour when you go through this route. The trails are quite demanding, though.
Budhanilkantha – Danda Gaun – Bhanjyang
Hiking from this route will not take you to the peak. The trails from this route are longer than that of the ones we have mentioned above. The route was initially a highway. You will go through peaceful Danda gau and finally reach Bhanjyang from this route.
