Getting around · Kathmandu
Getting to the Sundarijal Trailhead
Taxi or local bus via Boudha to the Sundarijal trailhead — Kathmandu's most popular valley hiking start.
The Sundarijal trailhead is the most popular start for hiking the Kathmandu Valley's northern rim, and it is easy to reach: a taxi from central Kathmandu takes about an hour via Boudha and Jorpati, dropping you at the road-end in Sundarijal village where the trail begins. From there a stepped path climbs straight into the waterfall gorge and on into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is the launch point for the Sundarijal and Shivapuri walk and for the longer Helambu and Gosaikunda treks.
Where it is
Sundarijal lies on the northeastern edge of the valley, below the forested Shivapuri hills. The settlement marks the end of the motorable road; beyond it lies only trail. The stream here feeds part of the old Kathmandu water supply, which is why you pass intake structures and pipes on the lower path.
Getting there by taxi
A taxi from Thamel is the simplest option for a day hike. Agree the fare before you leave, and ask the driver to take you all the way to the trail-end at Sundarijal rather than the lower village. The route runs out past Boudhanath and Jorpati, so traffic is heaviest leaving the city — set off early. Return taxis are scarce at the trailhead, so either keep your driver's number or arrange a pick-up time.
Getting there by local bus
The budget route is a local bus or microbus toward Sundarijal, picked up around Ratna Park or transferred at Jorpati. It is cheap but slower and less frequent than a taxi, and the last stretch can involve a short walk to the trailhead. See our guide to public transport to valley trailheads for the practical detail, and the broader getting around Kathmandu guide for fares and apps.
At the trailhead
The stepped concrete path starts at the road-end and climbs beside the waterfalls. Within fifteen minutes or so you reach the national-park checkpoint, where you pay the Kathmandu Valley hiking permit fee. Carry cash and a passport. From here you can do a short half-day to the falls, continue to Mulkharka and Shivapuri Peak, or push on toward Helambu.
Good to know
- Start early — both for the drive out and to beat weekend crowds and midday cloud.
- Bring cash for the park fee and a passport for the checkpoint.
- Wear grippy footwear; the stepped gorge path is steep and slick when wet.
- For more route ideas across the rim, see the Kathmandu Valley hiking logistics hub and the national best day hikes near Kathmandu.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Sundarijal from Kathmandu?+
Sundarijal sits at the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, roughly 15 km from central Thamel and about an hour by road via Boudha and Jorpati. Traffic through the city can stretch this, so an early start helps both for the drive and for walking before the midday cloud builds.
How do you get to the Sundarijal trailhead?+
The easiest way is a taxi straight from your hotel, which can drop you at the end of the road where the stepped trail begins. The cheaper option is a local bus or microbus toward Sundarijal from Ratna Park or Jorpati. A taxi back is sensible, as return transport from the trailhead is limited.
Where exactly does the Sundarijal trail start?+
The road ends at Sundarijal village, where a stepped concrete path climbs alongside the stream and its small waterfalls. From there the trail enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park within about fifteen minutes, so this is also where you reach the park checkpoint and pay the entry fee.
Is there a park fee at Sundarijal?+
Yes. A short way up the gorge you reach the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park checkpoint, where you pay the entry fee — higher for foreign visitors, lower for SAARC nationals and Nepalis. Carry cash and your passport, as cards are not accepted at the gate.
