Trekking · Kathmandu
Budhanilkantha to Nagi Gompa Hike
A short forest climb from the Sleeping Vishnu temple to a hillside Tibetan nunnery in Shivapuri.
The Budhanilkantha to Nagi Gompa hike is a short, rewarding climb from the Sleeping Vishnu temple at the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley up into the forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, finishing at Nagi Gompa, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist nunnery wrapped in prayer flags on a hillside terrace. It is one of the gentlest ways to combine a famous pilgrimage site, deep forest and a working monastery in a single morning escape from the capital.
The route
The walk begins at Budhanilkantha, home to the 5th-century reclining Vishnu carving in its water tank. From the temple area you head to the Shivapuri park gate and climb north on a forest trail. The path rises steadily through oak and pine for roughly an hour to ninety minutes before reaching Nagi Gompa, perched on a shelf of the hillside with views opening out across the whole valley. Fitter walkers can continue higher toward Shivapuri Peak, but Nagi Gompa itself makes a satisfying half-day turnaround point.
Nagi Gompa
Nagi Gompa is an active nunnery and meditation centre with a long association with Tibetan Buddhist teachers. Visitors are welcome to wander the quiet grounds, but it is a place of practice — keep noise down, dress modestly, walk clockwise around shrines and ask before photographing people. The combination of forest silence, the murmur of prayer and the valley laid out below gives the spot a contemplative feel quite unlike the city you left an hour earlier.
Getting there and permits
Budhanilkantha is about 30 to 45 minutes north of central Kathmandu by taxi. Once on the forest trail you enter the national park and pay a small entry ticket at the gate, so bring cash and ID. The hike connects easily with the Bishnudwar hike deeper in the same forest, and shares trailhead country with the Tokha to Shivapuri short hike on the western side. It is part of our collection of short nature escapes from Kathmandu.
Tips
Start early for the clearest views and coolest forest, carry water and snacks, and wear shoes with grip for the climb. For other valley-rim routes see the best day hikes near Kathmandu, and use our getting around Nepal guide to reach the Budhanilkantha trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Budhanilkantha to Nagi Gompa hike?+
It is a short, steady climb of roughly one to two hours up to Nagi Gompa, and the same back down, making a relaxed half-day walk. Some walkers continue higher into Shivapuri toward the peak for a fuller day.
What is Nagi Gompa?+
Nagi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery set on a forested hillside inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, above Budhanilkantha. It is a quiet, active monastery with prayer flags and sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley.
Do you need a permit for the Nagi Gompa hike?+
Yes. The trail enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, so you pay a small entry ticket at the gate above Budhanilkantha. Carry cash and ID, and dress modestly as you are visiting a working monastery.
Where does the hike to Nagi Gompa start?+
It starts at Budhanilkantha, beside the famous Sleeping Vishnu temple at the northern edge of the valley, about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi from central Kathmandu. The forest trail climbs north from the park gate.
