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Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hike

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44 reviews in Google

The 4-5-hour Shivapuri to Sundarijal Nature Hike in one day near Kathmandu is one of the easiest family- and beginner-friendly hiking routes that offers magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley, walking through fresh green nature with the sounds of birds and cicadas, and costs 40-80 USD per person depending on the number of hikers in a group that includes private transport and a hiking guide.

Trip Facts
Duration
5 Hours
Trip Grade
Easy
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
1,350 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Group Size
1-10
Activities
Nature Hike
Best Time
September to May

A Quick Glimpse

  • Trip Duration: 5 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Elevation: 1,960 meters (6,430 feet)
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Best Seasons: September to May
  • Key Highlights: Lush Forests, Kathmandu valley views, traditional village, wildlife, and more

The Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hike is one of the easiest one-day nature walks around Kathmandu. It is a perfect hiking destination for beginners to escape into untouched nature. If you are looking for the best trail to take your family and kids to nature, where you can breathe fresh air and walk to the melodious sounds of birds, the Shivapuri to Sundarijal walk can be the best option.

Hiking from Shivapuri to Sundarijal is easier than some other trails near Kathmandu. The trail ascends gradually for about an hour to Nagi Gumba, then remains flat for most of the rest of the way. You will descend at the end for half an hour through Sundarijal Dam before you end the hike.

While walking on the trail from Shivapuri to Sundarijal, you have magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley, Hindu and Buddhist Shrines, traditional villages, local lifestyle, lots of birds, green hills, and more.

If you love experiencing fresh nature on an easy walk while visiting Nepal with family and kids, the Shivapuri to Sundarijal trail can be one of the best choices for you. It is also beneficial for trekking practice before going on any adventure mountain trek in Nepal.

Best Time to Hike from Shivapuri to Sundarijal

You can go on hikes from Shivapuri to Sundarijal year-round. Still, there are some ideal seasons when you can enjoy more. September to February offer crystal-clear visibility, so you can enjoy majestic views of the Kathmandu Valley, bright surroundings, and perfect walking weather.

March and April are typically dry months, with hazy days. You cannot see clearly at this time; however, walking through the forest, hearing spring birdsong, and feeling the real spring are phenomenal. You can see blooming flowers, including the Nepali National Flower, the Rhododendron, in spring.

You find lots of raspberries and bayberries while walking from Shivapuri to Sundarijal in May, so you can pick fresh berries from the trees and have them. You will enjoy hiking this trail in May, and the surroundings will be clear after some rain.

From June to August, there will be many rainy days. You might not enjoy walking in the rain, but still, it is doable. But you must have rain gear before you go on a hike along the Shivapuri-Sundarijal trail during the monsoon.

Restrictions to Take to Shivapuri National Park

There are some things you should not take with you while hiking from Shivapuri to Sundarijal because you must follow Shivapuri National Park’s rules and regulations. Take things that are prohibited inside the national park. The Army will take them, which you can not collect back because you finish the hike at a different destination.

You will be walking through the forest during the hike from Shivapuri to Sundarijal, so you cannot take lighters, matches, or cigarettes to protect the jungle from fire. You also cannot use speakers or sound boxes to play loud music, which can disturb wildlife.

You should bring some snacks and a lunch box for the hike. Please do not take meat and eggs with you! It is not allowed because the national park is a sacred area and also to protect the wildlife from illegal hunting.

Do not forget to bring drinking water, as you won’t be able to buy any for the first two hours. For the second part, you can purchase water or refill your bottle in Tarebhir.

What to Wear for the Hike?

Hiking culture in Nepal is popular, but many people do not care about wearing it on nature hikes. We suggest wearing light and comfortable trekking pants and a breathable shirt while hiking. Please refrain from wearing jeans, as they can scratch when you sweat and will not be comfortable for walking.

We suggest bringing rain gear or an umbrella if you are hiking during the monsoon. Also, wear a sun hat and use sun lotion while walking.

The Most Important Thing to Consider While Hiking

Please do not leave the waste on the hiking trail. You might be taking some snacks and cold drinks for the hike. Please keep the waste in your bag and bring it to the designated place rather than disposing of it in nature. I don’t think that others can throw anywhere; why can't I? Keeping the environment clean must begin with you.

Book Your Hike from Shivapuri to Sundarijal with Frolic Adventure

Frolic Adventure operates hikes from Shivapuri to Sundarijal every day. We provide experienced nature guides and private transport at the best cost. Solo travelers, families, and seniors can book this nature trip with us. We offer special discounts for group bookings.

Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hike Itinerary

Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Day 1

shivapuri to sundarijal hike itinerary

You can start walking from Budhanilakantha (Narayanthan) if you take public transport and walk for half an hour to the Army Post. Here, you must issue the national park entry permit, which costs one hundred Nepalese Rupees for a Nepalese Citizen and one thousand for a foreign hiker. You must list everything you are taking with you and show the bag to the Army before entering the national park. Alternatively, you can hire private transport, which is easier and takes you to the hiking starting point.

You will walk in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park for about 5 hours, reach Sundarijal, and then drive back to the hotel or home by private or public transportation.

Max Altitude: 1,960m (6,430ft)
Altitude Gain: 610
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 13 KM
Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Jeep/Van

You can start walking from Budhanilakantha (Narayanthan) if you take public transport and walk for half an hour to the Army Post. Here, you must issue the national park entry permit, which costs one hundred Nepalese Rupees for a Nepalese Citizen and one thousand for a foreign hiker. You must list everything you are taking with you and show the bag to the Army before entering the national park. Alternatively, you can hire private transport, which is easier and takes you to the hiking starting point.

You will walk inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park for about 5 hours, reach Sundarijal, and then drive back to the hotel or home by private or public transportation.

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Route Map & Altitude Chart

Shivapuri to Sundarijal Hike

Trip Cost Details

  • Hiking Guide
  • Private transport to Sivapuri and from Sundarijal
  • Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit for Guide

Private Trip

Essential Information

How many hours does it take to walk from Shivapuri to Sundarijal?

Walking hours depend on the hikers' fitness. It may take 5-6 hours for beginners and around four hours for regular hikers. Also, if you are walking in the season when you find raspberries and bayberries in these forests and spend time picking them, it may take a few hours more.

Shivapuri to Sundarijal Walking Distance

The actual walking distance from Shivapuri to Sundarijal is around 15km. The distance is suitable for an easier trail, but you can make it longer by taking the other route through Baghdwar if you are a regular hiker and prefer a more adventurous experience. However, we suggest the regular 15km distance for beginners, families with children, and older people.

Price Per Person
US$40
  • 1 paxUS$80
  • 2 - 4 paxUS$50
  • 5 - 10 paxUS$40
Talk to Our Travel Experts
Rajesh Thapaliya
Nepal Travel Consultant
Rajesh Thapaliya
+977 9851043624
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Santosh Thapa
+65 90471348
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