Hiking Trails In & Around Kathmandu Valley - Part II
Brisk weather coupled with a scenic ambience is the perfect setting to indulge in a beautiful hike. The Kathmandu valley has numerous destinations featuring such chemistry, where one can rekindle their spirit in nature and experience serenity. These hikes range between three to six hours and can be coupled with your existing itinerary to enhance the experience.
In part II of this article, we explore the scenic routes of Shivapuri National Park, and Sankhu to Bajrayogini Hike.
Shivapuri National Park
Altitude: 2563 metres
Duration: 5 hours to Shivapuri Hill ( Hiking from Budanilkanta) or a 25-minute drive to Nagi Gumba and 2-hour hike to Shivapuri Hill
Highlights: Lantang Himalayan Range, Bagdwar (Origin of Bagmati), Nagi Gumba, water bodies, flora and fauna.
One of the closest national parks to the capital, Shivapuri National Park offers a natural trail filled with water bodies, flora and fauna at proximity to an urban area.
The most popular route of this region begins from Budanilkanta temple, 8 kilometres north of Kathmandu. The temple features a sleeping statue of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single stone, according to legends. This temple holds great religious significance for citizens of Kathmandu valley and followers of Hinduism. After viewing the temple premises and receiving blessings; one may begin his/her journey. A fair trial of 2 to 3 hours shall lead you to Nagi Gumba: a Buddhist monastery. 2 hours further into the trail you, shall reach the highest viewpoint of the park. Panoramic views of Kathmandu with the Himalayan range in the background towards the north make this destination worth the hike.
With a total trek time of 5 hours, Shivapuri hill hike averages as a day hike. Hikers are requested to equip themselves with essentials such as bottled water, snacks, energy bars, raincoat and a first aid kit. The trail can be rated average with a few challenges such as steep inclines, steps and narrow paths.
The itinerary can also include Sundarijal, which brings the total duration of the hike to 6 hours from Budanilkanta. ‘Sundari’ translates to beautiful and ‘Jal’ water from Nepali to English. Sundarijal, a village located in Gokarneshwar Municipality: is a true oasis in an urban jungle.
An escape to Sundarijal features tantalizing encounters with waterfalls, water bodies and native wildlife. The river Bagmati originates from this region and holds great social, communal and religious significance to the citizens of the valley. It is also a prime source of drinking water for the valley of Kathmandu.
Fifteen kilometres (9 miles) north-east of Kathmandu, Sundarijal falls west of Gagalphedi; east of Nayapati and Baluwa and north of Aalapot. The northern portion of Sundarijal falls within Shivapuri National Park.
Sundarijal’s biodiversity consists mostly of pine, oak and rhododendron. The region maintains an average temperature of 25.5º C in summer and 0º C during the winter. Wildlife such as Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat and rhesus monkeys are sighted. It is also home to 177 species of birds amongst which nine endangered. One hundred two species of butterflies also call this region home.
Sankhu to Bajrayogini Hike
Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Newari Culture, Bajrayogini temple, Milarepa Meditation Caves
Sankhu is a historic Newar settlement that over time has managed to keep its ancient roots alive. The town is 16 kilometres from Kathmandu and was one of many checkpoints in the old trade route to Tibet (Lhasa).
The hike begins from Sankhu, which is an hours drive from Kathmandu. Unlike other trails mentioned in this article, this one is cultural rather than natural. The trail features panoramic views of hills and farmscape but, the highlights are the ancient Newari architecture, monuments and temples.
The duration of the trail depends upon how you choose to spend the day at Sakhnu. Generally, the hike from Sankhu village to Bajrayogini temple is around 45 minutes one is always free to wander and experience the township of Sankhu and its offerings.