Getting around · Kathmandu
Getting to the Shivapuri Park Entrance
Reach the Pani Muhan gate above Budhanilkantha — the direct entrance for climbing Shivapuri Peak.
The Shivapuri park entrance at Pani Muhan, just above Budhanilkantha, is the most direct gateway into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the standard start for the climb to Shivapuri Peak. It is reached by taxi from central Kathmandu in around 45 minutes to an hour, or by local bus to Budhanilkantha followed by a short walk or taxi uphill to the gate. From here a forest trail climbs steadily to the park's highest summit.
Where it is
The gate sits on the northern rim of the valley, immediately above the famous reclining-Vishnu temple of Budhanilkantha. This is the western of the park's two main hiker entrances; the Sundarijal trailhead to the east is the other. From Pani Muhan the trail runs up through dense forest to Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist nunnery, and on to Shivapuri Peak at about 2,732 metres.
Getting there by taxi
A taxi to Budhanilkantha is the easiest approach. Ask the driver to continue past the temple to the Pani Muhan gate itself; the road is short and most will oblige. Agree the fare in advance and, because return taxis are scarce at the gate, keep the driver's number or arrange a pick-up. Combining the hike with a visit to the Budhanilkantha temple on the way back makes a satisfying day.
Getting there by bus
For the budget route, take a local bus to Budhanilkantha from around Ratna Park, then walk or grab a short taxi up to the gate. Buses run regularly to the temple but not to the entrance itself, so the final climb is on foot. See public transport to valley trailheads for routes and our general getting around Kathmandu guide for fares.
At the gate
You pay the park entry fee at the checkpoint — see Kathmandu Valley hiking permits for current rates and what to bring. Carry cash and your passport. From the gate the trail climbs through forest rich in birdlife; for the full picture of the protected area read our guide to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Good to know
- Start early for the three-to-four-hour climb and the clearest Langtang views from the summit.
- Bring cash for the fee, water and a packed lunch, as there are no reliable shops past the gate.
- The climb is steep and forested; grippy footwear and a layer for the cool ridge top are worth packing.
- New to valley hiking? Start with the Kathmandu Valley hiking logistics hub.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the main Shivapuri park entrance?+
The principal entrance for hikers is the Pani Muhan gate, just above Budhanilkantha on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. It is the most direct gateway to Shivapuri Peak, the park's highest point. The Sundarijal checkpoint to the east is a second, equally popular way into the same park.
How do you get to the Shivapuri park entrance?+
Take a taxi from the city to Budhanilkantha, then continue the short distance uphill to the Pani Muhan gate; many drivers will take you all the way. By bus, ride to Budhanilkantha from Ratna Park and walk or take a short taxi up to the gate. The drive takes around 45 minutes to an hour from central Kathmandu.
How much is the Shivapuri entrance fee?+
You pay the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee at the gate, with the highest rate for foreign visitors, a reduced rate for SAARC nationals and the lowest for Nepalis. Bring cash and your passport, as the checkpoint does not take cards.
How long is the hike to Shivapuri Peak from the gate?+
From the Pani Muhan gate it is a steady forest climb of about three to four hours to Shivapuri Peak at roughly 2,732 m, and a little less coming down. It is a full but rewarding day, with Langtang and Ganesh Himal views from the top on a clear morning.
