Trekking · Kathmandu
Tokha to Shivapuri Short Hike
A half-day forest climb from the Newar town of Tokha into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
The Tokha to Shivapuri short hike climbs from the old Newar town of Tokha on Kathmandu's northern rim up into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, swapping the city's traffic for oak and pine forest, birdsong and widening valley views — all in a comfortable half day. It is one of the most natural-feeling escapes you can reach from the capital, and a favourite warm-up walk for trekkers acclimatising before heading to the high mountains.
The route
Tokha sits at the foot of the Shivapuri range, and the trail leads north out of town through terraced fields before entering the protected forest. Within an hour the farmland gives way to thick woodland on the lower slopes of the park, where the path climbs steadily on tracks and trails used by local walkers and forest staff. Strong walkers can push on toward Shivapuri Peak (2,732 metres), the highest point on the valley's northern rim, but for a true half-day escape most people turn around at a forest clearing or viewpoint and descend the way they came.
What to expect
- Forest and wildlife: The Shivapuri forest is rich in birds, butterflies and the occasional larger mammal, and the air is noticeably cooler and cleaner than the valley floor.
- Views: On a clear morning the climb opens up views back over the Kathmandu Valley, and from higher up, glimpses of the Himalaya to the north.
- History: Tokha is a historic Newar town once known for its sugarcane molasses (chaku); allow a little time to wander its lanes before or after the walk.
Getting there and permits
Tokha is about 30 to 40 minutes from central Kathmandu by taxi, or reachable by local bus toward the northern suburbs. Once you cross into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park you pay a small entry ticket at the gate, so carry cash and ID. This walk pairs naturally with the eastern approach, the Budhanilkantha to Nagi Gompa hike, and with the Nagarjun short loop hike on the park's western side. It sits within our wider collection of short nature escapes from Kathmandu, and you can combine it with the famous Sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha nearby.
Tips
Start early to beat the afternoon cloud, carry your own water and snacks, and wear shoes with grip — forest trails stay damp in the shade. For more routes around the capital see the best day hikes near Kathmandu, and check our getting around Nepal guide for transport to the trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Tokha to Shivapuri hike?+
From Tokha the walk into the forest and back is a comfortable half-day of roughly three to five hours, depending on how high you climb. Reaching Shivapuri Peak itself makes a longer, fuller day; most short-escape walkers turn back at a forest viewpoint or the park's lower trails.
Where does the Tokha hike start?+
It starts in Tokha, an old Newar settlement on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or local bus from central Kathmandu. From the town you climb north toward the national park boundary.
Do you need a permit for the Tokha to Shivapuri hike?+
Yes, once you enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park you pay a small entry ticket at the gate. Carry cash and your passport or ID. The walk up to the park boundary through Tokha's fields is free.
Is the Tokha to Shivapuri hike difficult?+
It is a steady uphill on forest and farm tracks rather than technical trail, suitable for anyone reasonably fit. Wear proper shoes, start early and carry water, as there are few shops once you leave the town.
