RINA KUMARI MANDAL
If you want to spot the last areas of woodlands adjoining the Kathmandu valley then it has to be Shivapuri. The sprawling forest will get you bowled with the mere look at it.
Located 12 km north of Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri is one of the closest hills surrounding Kathmandu valley, definitely the place for a day’s adventure. With its enticing environment, its surreal flora and fauna, Shivapuri is one of the best hiking adventures that you can easily be a part of.
Here’s a the list of things that you can do in Shivapuri:
Visit iconic Budhanilkantha and offer prayers at one of the most revered Vishnu shrines of the valley. The remarkably intricate artwork that went into sculpting this magnificent 5th century stone image of the sleeping Vishnu is worth a close look.
Add to the thrill of your visit. Go for motor biking or cycling.
Hike up to Baghdwar. Baghdwar is where the Bagmati River begins. There is a small pond surrounding a Shiva statue at its center. The place also consists of other Hindu and Buddhist monuments and stone carvings. It is a good place to make a stop and enjoy the forest greenery.
Trek to the top of Shivapuri Hill. An hour or two trekking can take you to the top of the Shivapuri Hills from where you can get a rewarding view of the lush green valley that you wouldn’t have from anywhere else. The fresh breeze and the chirping of the birds will make sure that you too are part of nature.
Visit Nagi Gompa. A dusty trail, enclosed by the rich green forest leads you up a route that keeps getting steeper and narrower until finally you find yourself in Nagi Gomba.
Decorated with colorful prayer flags and inhabited and maintained by the nuns who live there. It’s also an ideal place to enjoy the valley scenery without the pollution or the buildings obstructing it
Explore unique biodiversity. Shivapuri National park is the closest park within the range of Kathmandu valley and comprises of forests, hills, over 300 species of animals and birds at an elevation starting from 1350 meter all the way up to 2732 meter.
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