Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Lunch With Nuns—Monastery

• Birding in Kathmandu: Birdwatching Tour in Kathmandu Valley

• Popular 1-Day Hiking Options From Kathmandu

• A Day Hike From Kathmandu to Bagadwaar

• Private Day Hike to Shivapuri

Admission prices to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park vary depending on your country of origin and the activities you want to enjoy in the park. Admission costs 100 Nepali rupees for Nepali citizens, 600 Nepali rupees for SAARC country citizens (including Indians), and 1,000 Nepali rupees per day for other foreign nationals. There are additional fees for entering the park by vehicle, as well as for mountain biking and rock climbing.

Yes, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're staying in Kathmandu and want an easy escape from the city into nature. You can take fairly easy hikes that offer great views facing south over the Kathmandu Valley, or plan longer hikes that connect this national park to other mountain areas to the north, such as Langtang National Park.

Per one customer who booked the Birding in Kathmandu: Birdwatching Tour in Kathmandu Valley, "Had a great time birding. Saw hundreds of birds and many species. Spent a good six hours, not including driving. The forest is thick and the views from (the) mountain top (are) superior."

Located just seven miles (12 kilometers) north of the capital, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a lush nature reserve situated on the forested slopes of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s famous for its pristine rivers, stunning hilly scenery, and trekking routes. The national park is also a hub for bird conservation.

Visitors will find numerous hiking trails that crisscross Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, while nature-lovers can also soak up the scenery while camping or bird-watching. A few popular day treks include panoramic Shivapura peak, which starts in Budhanilkantha, the Chisapani route beginning in Sundarijal, and Nagarjuna, also a pilgrimage trail.

Expect to cross through forests of Rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) and misty jungle scenery. The national park is home to mammals, such as the Himalayan black bear and jungle cat, plus almost 200 varieties of birds. Aspiring mycologists, rejoice: You’ll find 129 kinds of mushroom here as well.

While Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park’s biggest draw tends to be the stunning natural setting, Shivapuri—as the name would suggest—is also significant to Hindus and is home to several temples and Buddhist monasteries. Anyone looking to learn more about Nepal’s traditional faith systems can attend a festival or book a meditation retreat.

Visitors won’t find any direct public transport links, but it is very easy to hire a taxi from Kathmandu to the gates of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—or nearby Sundarijal or Nagarkot, where lodges, homestays, and hotels are located. You can also take a local bus to Budhanilkantha and hike from there.

It’s not exactly a hidden gem, as the spot is very popular with locals, but Bagdwar is both a spiritual and picturesque location in the valley. The source of the Bagmati River, it’s considered sacred by Nepalis, who come here to bathe in the holy waters. Getting there requires a short forest hike.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Kathmandu:

• Thamel

• Pashupatinath

• Boudhanath

• Swayambhunath

• Kathmandu Durbar Square

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Kathmandu.