Trekking · Kathmandu
Sundarijal to Nagi Gompa Walk
A shaded forest hike from Sundarijal's waterfalls up to Nagi Gompa nunnery inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
The Sundarijal to Nagi Gompa walk climbs from the waterfalls of Sundarijal up through the cool forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Nagi Gompa, a hillside Tibetan Buddhist nunnery overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the shadiest and most popular day hikes near the city, on the same trail network used by trekkers heading to Chisapani and Helambu.
The short answer
Drive to Sundarijal (about 15 km northeast of Kathmandu), pay the national park entry fee at the checkpoint, and climb the forest trail beside the waterfalls and reservoir. After a 2 to 3 hour ascent of roughly 4 to 5 km, you reach Nagi Gompa, a peaceful nunnery with sweeping valley views. Return the same way or descend toward Gokarna, allowing 4 to 5 hours round trip.
On the trail
The walk starts in the leafy gorge of Sundarijal, where the water supply reservoir and small hydropower works sit among falls and pools. Concrete steps and forest paths climb steadily into the Shivapuri woods, alive with birdsong. The grade eases as you approach Nagi Gompa, whose terraces and prayer flags look out over the entire valley.
This is the classic first leg of longer treks toward Chisapani, Nagarkot and the Helambu circuit, so you may share the trail with multi-day hikers. For a day walk, Nagi Gompa is the natural turnaround point.
Combine with the other Shivapuri walks
Nagi Gompa can also be reached from the Gokarna to Nagi Gompa walk, making a fine loop if you start at Sundarijal and descend toward Gokarna Mahadev Temple. To climb higher on the same massif, switch to the Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri walk for the forest summit.
Good to know
- Distance & time: ~4–5 km one way; 4–5 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate, a steady forest climb on steps and paths.
- Best time: October–April; expect leeches and mud in monsoon.
- Permit: National park entry fee required at Sundarijal.
- Bring: Water, snacks, cash for the fee, and modest dress for the gompa.
How it fits your trip
This is the easiest way to sample the Shivapuri forest and a working nunnery in a single morning. Find it among the other routes in the sacred hikes of the Kathmandu Valley collection, browse more in the best day hikes near Kathmandu guide, and check getting around Nepal for transport to the Sundarijal trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sundarijal to Nagi Gompa walk?+
From Sundarijal it is roughly a 4 to 5 kilometre climb of about 2 to 3 hours up to Nagi Gompa, gaining several hundred metres through forest. The round trip, with a rest at the gompa, takes around 4 to 5 hours, making it a comfortable day hike from Kathmandu.
What is Sundarijal known for?+
Sundarijal is a green gorge at the northeastern edge of the valley, known for its waterfalls, a reservoir and a small hydropower scheme. It is the most popular gateway into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the starting point for treks toward Chisapani, Nagarkot and the Helambu region.
Do you need a permit for the Sundarijal walk?+
Yes. The route enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park almost immediately above Sundarijal, so a national park entry fee applies. Pay at the entry checkpoint, carry identification and cash, and keep your ticket for any checks along the trail.
How do I get to Sundarijal from Kathmandu?+
Sundarijal is about 15 kilometres northeast of central Kathmandu, around 45 minutes to an hour by taxi or local bus toward the Shivapuri boundary. The trail starts beside the waterfalls and climbs north into the national park forest.
