Trekking · Kathmandu
Shivapuri Peak Hike
A strenuous forest climb to Shivapuri Peak, 2,732 m, the valley's second-highest rim summit.
Shivapuri Peak, at 2,732 m (8,963 ft), is the second-highest point on the Kathmandu Valley rim and the headline day hike in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is a strenuous, sustained climb through dense cloud forest from the Pani Muhan gate above Budhanilkantha, rewarded on clear mornings with views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges.
The hike
The standard route starts at the Pani Muhan (Bishnudwar) gate just above the Sleeping Vishnu temple at Budhanilkantha, at around 1,450 m. From there the trail climbs steadily through oak, rhododendron and pine forest, passing the Nagi Gompa nunnery on the way up. The path is wide and well-trodden lower down, narrowing as it gains the ridge. Allow 4 to 6 hours to the summit and 2 to 3 hours back — roughly 1,300 m of ascent in total, so a good level of fitness helps.
The summit itself is a modest clearing with a small shrine. The reward is the view: on a clear post-monsoon or winter morning you can pick out the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and the long white wall of the Langtang range to the north, with the whole Kathmandu Valley spread out to the south.
Getting there and permits
The Pani Muhan gate is reached by taxi from central Kathmandu in about 45 minutes via Budhanilkantha. The peak sits inside a national park, so you pay the entry fee at the gate — carry cash in Nepali rupees. Start at first light, both for the clearest mountain views and to be off the upper ridge before afternoon clouds gather.
What to bring
This is a long hike with little shade on the upper sections and limited water once you leave the lower forest, so carry 2 litres of water, snacks and sun protection. Footing can be slippery after rain, and leeches appear in the forest during the monsoon, so the ideal season is October to April. Although the altitude is modest, the climb is real — see our notes on altitude and going slowly if you are newly arrived in Nepal.
Combine it
Many hikers link the summit with the forest pilgrimage to Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati, which lies on the high northern slopes, or descend a different way toward Sundarijal and Mulkharka. For the full set of trails on the north rim, see our guide to the best day hikes near Kathmandu and the broader Kathmandu hub.
Featured in
More trekking & treks in Kathmandu
Frequently asked questions
How high is Shivapuri Peak?+
Shivapuri Peak rises to 2,732 m (8,963 ft), making it the second-highest point on the Kathmandu Valley rim after Phulchowki to the south. It is the summit of the Shivapuri massif that forms the valley's northern wall.
How long is the Shivapuri Peak hike?+
From the Pani Muhan gate above Budhanilkantha, allow about 4 to 6 hours up and 2 to 3 hours down — a long full-day hike of roughly 1,300 m of ascent. Most people start at sunrise and return by mid-afternoon.
Can you see the Himalayas from Shivapuri Peak?+
On a clear morning, yes. The summit and ridge open up views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang and, in very clear conditions, Dorje Lakpa and distant peaks. Haze builds through the day, so go early, ideally October to April.
Do I need a permit for Shivapuri Peak?+
Yes. The peak is inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, so you pay the entry fee at the Pani Muhan gate above Budhanilkantha. Bring cash in Nepali rupees; foreigners and SAARC nationals pay different rates.
