Sundarijal Day Hike Highlights
- Five-hour hike from Budhanilkantha up through Shivapuri National Park to Nagi Gompa, then down to Sundarijal, the closest serious-trail hike to central Kathmandu
- Pine and rhododendron forest, mountain spring streams and a sub-tropical waterfall section near the trailhead
- Optional extension to the army checkpoint at the Shivapuri ridge for the panoramic Himalayan view
- Private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu (45 minutes each way), packed lunch on the trail
- Suitable for first-time Nepal hikers and travellers who want a hill day in the middle of a city stay
- Best in October to March; the forest is genuinely beautiful in February and March when the rhododendrons bloom
Why I built this trek the way I did
I am Shreejan, the founder of The Everest Holiday. The Sundarijal trail is the closest place to Kathmandu where you can walk for five hours and feel like you have left the city. The Shivapuri National Park boundary is 12 kilometres from Thamel as the crow flies, but the air is cleaner, the forest is intact, and on a clear morning you see Langtang and Ganesh Himal from the ridge. This is the day hike I send clients on when they have a free day and the legs to use it.
The trail is a real climb, not a tourist walk. Most operators sell this as a half-day with a vehicle transfer to the upper trail. I run the full route on foot from the Budhanilkantha gate up to Nagi Gompa, which is a real climb rather than a stroll along the top. If you have done the EBC trek or you are about to, this is the right warm-up or cool-down. If you have not, please tell me at booking and we can adjust the start point.
Every booking helps fund the teacher's salary at our Nagarjun Learning Center in Saldum, where 70 children get free education out of my own pocket.
Trip Highlights
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Visit the sacred Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the classic reclining statue of Lord Vishnu from the Lichhavi era
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Hike through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, one of the richest biodiversity zones in the Kathmandu Valley
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Discover Nagi Gompa, a peaceful Tamang Buddhist monastery with panoramic valley views
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Pass by Tarebhir Cliff, a famous rock-climbing destination overlooking the valley
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Spot wildlife including deer, leopards, wild cats, butterflies, and over 300 species of birds
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Witness scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and traditional villages along the trail
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End at Sundarijal, known for its impressive waterfalls and the Kathmandu Valley's main hydroelectric project
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A perfect blend of nature, culture, and spirituality — all within an hour of central Kathmandu
Sundarijal Day Hike at a glance
| Duration | 1 day, from Kathmandu |
|---|---|
| Route | A day hike from Sundarijal on the northern valley rim, in the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park |
| Style | Guided day hike |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best months | October to April |
| Permits | Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park entry NPR 1,000 (NPR 600 for SAARC) and a TIMS card NPR 2,000 (NPR 1,000 for SAARC); we arrange both |
Best time for the Sundarijal Day Hike
| Season | Months | What it is like | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | October to November | Clear, dry and pleasant, the best window | Best overall |
| Spring | March to April | Warm and green | Great |
| Winter | December to February | Cool, clear and quiet | Good |
| Monsoon | June to mid-September | Warm, humid and wet | Fair |
Overview
Looking for a refreshing escape from the bustle of Kathmandu without leaving the valley? The Sundarijal Hiking Tour with The Everest Holiday is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the region — a beautiful blend of natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and gentle adventure all packed into a single day.
Starting from the sacred Budhanilkantha Temple, where pilgrims have worshipped the reclining stone image of Lord Vishnu for over a thousand years, the trail leads you into the lush forests of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park — Kathmandu Valley's largest protected area. As you climb gently through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, you'll be greeted by the calls of birds, the sound of streams, and panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley below.
Midway through your journey, you'll reach Nagi Gompa, a quiet Tamang Buddhist monastery sitting at about 2,100 metres. This peaceful retreat offers wide valley views and a glimpse into the daily life of resident nuns who practice meditation here. The trail continues past the dramatic Tarebhir Cliff, a popular spot for rock climbers, before descending toward Sundarijal, where you'll be welcomed by the sight of waterfalls, big boulders, and the historic water pipeline that supplies Kathmandu.
This hike is suitable for anyone with average fitness — including families, beginner hikers, and nature lovers. Whether you're a bird watcher, a photographer, or simply someone looking for fresh mountain air and a digital detox, the Sundarijal hike is just a short drive from your hotel.
If you want a longer day that goes up to the summit, see our Shivapuri Peak and Nagi Gompa Day Hike.
