Trekking · Kathmandu
Suryachaur Meadow Hike
A gentle hike to Suryachaur, a wide green meadow and picnic spot high in Shivapuri.
Suryachaur — the "sun meadow" — is a wide, open grassland high on the Shivapuri ridge inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. After the close forest of most Shivapuri trails, its broad green clearing comes as a surprise, and it has become one of the most popular spots near Kathmandu for picnics, camping and watching sunrise over the valley.
The hike
Suryachaur sits on the high western section of the Shivapuri ridge. You can walk in through woodland on a gentle to moderate trail, or drive most of the way up the rough roads from the Tokha or Kakani side. On foot it is an easy half-day for most walkers — a steady climb through forest that opens suddenly onto the meadow, where grass rolls toward distant ridgelines. The flat ground makes it one of the best camping spots near Kathmandu, with clear skies for stargazing and an open horizon for sunrise.
The view
Because the meadow faces the valley and the northern ranges, it is a fine sunrise spot — see our roundup of the best sunrise spots in Nepal. On clear mornings the light spreads across the grassland with the snow peaks behind, a reward worth the early start.
Getting there and permits
Most hikers reach the trail from the Tokha or Kakani side, on the north-western edge of the valley, with the walk-in growing quieter the higher you climb. However you arrive, you pay the national park entry fee at the gate, so carry cash in Nepali rupees. If you plan to camp overnight, carry all your water and food, bring a warm sleeping bag for the cool high-altitude nights, and pack out absolutely everything you bring in — the meadow stays beautiful only if visitors leave no trace.
Combine it
Suryachaur pairs well with the high forest traverse of the Kakani to Shivapuri ridge hike and the gentle climb to the Nagi Gompa nunnery. The best season is October to April for dry grass and clear views. Start a valley-edge day at the Sleeping Vishnu temple at Budhanilkantha, browse more options in the best day hikes near Kathmandu guide, or plan your trip from the Kathmandu hub.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Suryachaur?+
Suryachaur, sometimes spelled Surya Chaur, is a broad open grassland meadow high on the Shivapuri ridge inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The name means 'sun meadow', and it is a popular spot for picnics, camping and watching sunrise over the valley.
How do you get to Suryachaur?+
It sits on the high western part of the Shivapuri ridge. You can hike in through the forest or drive up rough roads from the Kakani or Tokha side. As a day hike it is a gentle to moderate walk through woodland to the open grassland.
Is Suryachaur good for camping?+
Yes. The flat, open meadow is one of the most popular places near Kathmandu for overnight camping, with space to pitch tents and clear views for sunrise and stargazing on cloudless nights.
Do I need a permit for Suryachaur?+
Yes, it lies inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, so the park entry fee applies at the gate you enter through. Bring cash in Nepali rupees.
