Trekking · Kathmandu
Shivapuri Watershed Nature Walk
Shaded national-park trails above Sundarijal through the forest catchment that supplies Kathmandu's water.
The Shivapuri watershed nature walk follows shaded forest trails above Sundarijal, climbing through the protected catchment of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park that captures the rainfall feeding Kathmandu's water supply. It is one of the valley's richest nature walks — streams, a small dam, dense birdsong-filled forest and the option to push on toward Shivapuri peak or the sacred source of the Bagmati at Bagdwar.
The short answer
Drive about an hour northeast of the city to Sundarijal, pay the national-park entry fee in rupees at the gate, and follow the trail up past the water intake and reservoir into the forest. A short loop to the dam and lower woods is easy; continuing toward Shivapuri peak or Bagdwar makes a longer half to full day. Go early for birdsong, wildlife and clear air.
What the walk is like
The route begins at the Sundarijal water intake, where the catchment's streams are gathered for the city, then climbs into thick, well-watered forest. Because the watershed is strictly protected, the woodland here is dense and green, alive with birds and the sound of running water. Stone steps and forest paths lead higher to viewpoints, and the same trailhead serves the start of the longer Helambu and Gosaikunda treks, so the route can be as gentle or as committing as you like. Higher up lie Shivapuri peak and Bagdwar, the revered source of the Bagmati river.
Good to know
- Getting there: About an hour by taxi northeast of the city to Sundarijal.
- Entry: National-park fee at the Sundarijal gate; bring rupees in cash.
- Effort: Easy to the dam; moderate to long toward Shivapuri peak or Bagdwar.
- Best time: Dry season, October to April; mornings for birds and clarity.
- Bring: Water, snacks, sun protection and good shoes for stone steps.
How it fits your trip
This walk is for travellers who want a deeper forest immersion than the valley-floor strolls offer, with the flexibility to turn it into a real climb. It shares its national park with the Nagarjun forest hike to the west and complements a visit to the sacred springs of Budhanilkantha nearby. For the practical detail on the route and the area, see the guide to Sundarijal and Shivapuri and the broader overview of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is part of the wider forest and nature walks around Kathmandu collection for the whole valley.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shivapuri watershed nature walk?+
It is a forest walk through the upper catchment of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, usually starting from Sundarijal on the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. The trails climb through the protected watershed forest that captures rainfall feeding the city's water supply, passing streams, a small dam and viewpoints.
Where does the walk start?+
The usual starting point is Sundarijal, about an hour northeast of central Kathmandu by road. From there the trail climbs past the water intake and reservoir into the forest, with options to continue up toward Shivapuri peak or the Bagdwar source of the Bagmati river.
Is there an entry fee?+
Yes. The walk is inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which charges an entry fee at the gate near Sundarijal. Carry Nepali rupees in cash, keep your ticket, and note that this is also the trailhead for the longer Helambu and Gosaikunda treks.
How demanding is the Shivapuri watershed walk?+
It ranges from gentle to moderate. A short walk to the dam and lower forest is easy, while climbing higher toward Shivapuri peak or Bagdwar is a longer, steeper half to full day. Choose your turnaround point to match your fitness and the time you have.
