Things to do · Nepal
Sundarijal and Shivapuri
A waterfall gorge and forest climb on Kathmandu's northern rim — the easiest walk into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Sundarijal and Shivapuri together make one of the closest and greenest weekend escapes from Kathmandu — a waterfall gorge that climbs straight into the forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on the valley's northern rim. Barely an hour from the city, the cascading stream at Sundarijal and the wooded hills above it offer cool air, birdsong and a real walk in nature without leaving the valley. It earns its place in our weekend getaways from Kathmandu collection as the easiest forest-and-water day out near the capital.
The Sundarijal gorge
The walk begins at Sundarijal, where a stream tumbles down a rocky gorge in a series of small waterfalls and pools. A stepped path climbs alongside the water, threading past intake structures and pipelines that are part of the valley's old water supply, before the trees close in. The lower section is busy with day-trippers and picnicking families at weekends, especially around the most photogenic falls, but it thins out quickly as you climb.
Into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Above the gorge, the trail passes the entrance to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, where an entry fee is paid. Beyond the gate the path enters dense broadleaf and pine forest alive with birds — the park has recorded more than three hundred species — and, more rarely, larger wildlife. From here you can continue up through Mulkharka village toward Shivapuri Peak (around 2,732 metres), or turn back for a satisfying half-day. The same trailhead is also the classic starting point for the longer Helambu and Gosaikunda treks, so Sundarijal doubles as a gateway to the high country.
Sacred water
Shivapuri is more than a recreation forest. The hills hold the sacred source pools of the Bagmati and Bishnumati, the rivers that flow through the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, and the park protects the green watershed that feeds the city. Walking here is as much about that quiet, forested watershed as it is about the views, with a Buddhist nunnery, Nagi Gompa, on one of the higher routes.
Pairing it with the region
Sundarijal pairs well with the valley's other forest and garden escapes. Birders often combine it with the Phulchowki day trip above Godawari on the southern rim, while families add the gentle Godawari Botanical Garden for a planted, low-effort half-day. For the full picture of the park, read our guide to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and for more routes see the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Good to know
- Carry cash for the national-park entry fee and a passport for the checkpoint.
- Wear proper footwear — the stepped gorge path is steep and can be slippery when wet.
- Start early to enjoy the forest before midday cloud and weekend crowds.
- Avoid the monsoon for the upper trails, when leeches and mud make the forest hard going.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sundarijal?+
Sundarijal is a small settlement at the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about an hour by road from the city centre. It sits at the foot of a forested gorge where a stream tumbles down from the Shivapuri hills, and it is the main trailhead for walks into Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and the start of the Helambu and Gosaikunda treks.
What is the Sundarijal waterfall walk like?+
From Sundarijal a stepped path climbs alongside the cascading stream, past small waterfalls, water pipes and pools, before entering the forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is a short, steep but rewarding walk that most people do as a half-day; continuing higher leads toward Mulkharka village and Shivapuri Peak.
Do you need a permit for Sundarijal and Shivapuri?+
Yes. Once you pass the national-park entrance above Sundarijal you must pay the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee, with higher rates for foreign visitors and lower rates for SAARC and Nepali nationals. Carry cash and a passport for the checkpoint.
How do you get to Sundarijal from Kathmandu?+
Sundarijal is reached by taxi or local bus from the city, roughly an hour from central Kathmandu via Boudha and Jorpati. A taxi is the easiest option for a day trip; local buses are cheaper but slower and less frequent.
