Kathmandu Day Trip: Budhanilkantha and Hike Through Shivapuri National Park

6 Hours

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

English

Language Offered

Overview

Combine visits to two of Nepal's most fascinating Buddhist and Hindu religious sites with a moderate woodlands hike during this 6- to 7- day trip from Kathmandu. Travel to Budhanilkantha, where you'll visit the sacred site of sleeping Hindu deity Vishnu. Then take a moderate hike through the idyllic woodlands of Shivapuri National Park to Nagi Gompa. This Buddhist monastery sits astride a majestic hilltop location, offering magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley below. End your day by checking out a local market in Sundarijal. Your day trip also includes a guide, round-trip local transport fare and admission fees.

Small-group tour limited to 12 people ensures a more personalized experience
Day trip from Kathmandu to two interesting religious sites
Travel aboard a local bus to Budhanilkantha, the site of the sleeping Hindu god Vishnu
Enjoy a moderate hike through Shivapuri National Park with your guide
Follow a hidden path to Nagi Gompa, a hilltop Buddhist monastery offering gorgeous views of the Kathmandu valley
Visit a local bazaar in Sundarijal

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Explore both the deep religious traditions and gorgeous outdoor scenery of Nepal during this 6- to 7-hour day trip from Kathmandu. During the course of your day you'll explore beautiful Hindu and Buddhist religious complexes, while also enjoying a laid-back hike through a nearby national park.Start your trip in the morning, leaving from the courtyard of the Kathmandu Guest House in the city's Thamel district. You'll continue with your guide about 15 minutes by foot to the nearest bus stop, where you'll climb aboard and travel like a local to your day's first stop at Budhanilkantha.This Hindu religious site pays homage to sleeping Vishnu, the religion's god of preservation. Admire the elegantly carved stone statue of Vishnu visible from the outer periphery of the complex's pond (non-Hindus are not permitted inside), a visual trick that makes the god appear to float above the water's surface. Snap a few pictures of this striking religious center while your guide explains the background of this unique Hindu figure.Then lace up your hiking shoes for a 9-mile (15-kilometer) hike into the nearby farmlands, leading into the forest reserve at Shivapuri National Park. Register at the park gate before spending the next 2.5 hours strolling through the gorgeous woods, heading to the Buddhist monastery at Nagi Gompa. Your walk slowly becomes more steep as you proceed uphill for around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to arrive at the Buddhist complex, enjoying beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley below as you climb. The area has earned a reputation as a great spot for bird watching, so keep your eyes peeled as you proceed. You may even be able to spot the snow-covered Himalayas far off in the distance. Take a break for exploring, eating and resting when you reach the monastery. Snacks are available for purchase, or you may bring along your own lunch.After getting your fill of this remarkable Buddhist sanctuary, head back downhill for another hour through the forest, proceeding past some beautiful waterfalls as you head back into the area of Sundarijal, where you'll have time to explore the local market. At the conclusion of your shopping, hop aboard another local bus for the 1-hour trip back to your starting point in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Day Trip: Budhanilkantha and Hike Through Shivapuri National Park

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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