Every weekend or every day-off comes with a possibility of exploration. Around Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri national park and Nagarjun national park are considered as most convenient destinations for exploration. They are filled with nature, wilderness, and wild animals although they’re so close to the most densely populated city.
Introduction of Bishnudwar
Bishnudwar is basically the origin of Bishnumati River which is one of the most important rivers in Kathmandu. Bishnumati has its religious importance as well. The name gives is literal meaning as the “beloved of Lord Bishnu”. This river is considered holy for both Hindu and Buddhists. Bishnudwar is located at the Shivapuri hill from where Bishnumati originates.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is Located in the Northern part of Kathmandu valley which lies about 12 Kilometer away from the center of capital city. The Shivapuri hill is the second highest hill near Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 2563 m.
It is the origination point of rivers, Bagmati and Bishnumati. Sprawled over 159 Sq.km. with dense forests it is home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushroom. Several surveys have recorded the existence of Indian Leopards, Himalayan Black bears, deer, wild boar and many other precious animals in the park. Shivapuri is also one of the famous bird watching sites around Kathmandu valley, which records over 170 species of the birds.
The hike to Bishnudwar starts from Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. You can take a micro to Budhanilkantha from Kathmandu pretty easily. Budhanilkantha is an interesting place to visit in itself. Budhanilkantha is famous for the Budhanilkantha temple of Lord Vishnu. From Budhanilkantha, a short walk takes you towards the Shivapuri hill from where the Shivapuri National Park starts. After a walk of about half an hour from Budhanilkantha, you can reach to the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. For the entry inside the national park, certain amount needs to be paid at the gate.
As soon as you enter the gate, you can feel the beautiful smell of the nature as you’re surrounded by different sorts of vegetation all around. There are boards that give directions of several hiking routes inside the national park. Hike to Bishnudwar and the hike to Nagi Gumba can be started through the same route, so you can follow the trail.
The hike is complete uphill hike with dense forest. After about two hours of hike, the forests clear up and the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley can be seen. The route consists of pine trees which make the forests look beautiful. After about an hour of hike from there, you can see the boards with signs for the routes to Bagdwar, Bishnudwar, and Shivapuri peak. As we move towards Bishnudwar, we need to hike uphill for about an hour again from there.
As we get closer to Bishnudwar, the music of waterfall through the nature is heard and the humidity is felt all around. Bishnudwar is located in a place that resembles to a cave. There are hollow humid caves all over and the river arises taking the form of beautiful waterfall. It is also great if you are planning for a quick bath in the fresh nature.
There is another hiking trail if you want to go further to Bagdwar, which is the origin of Bagmati river. There is a cave towards the end of water body where there are lots of stones piled up and a sort of holy shrine can be seen out there. This is considered the holy place for Lord Vishnu. While looking above, there are Buddhist prayer flags all over the trees around.
Everything about this place is so fresh and natural. Water bodies are themselves the symbol of creation. This place is the freshest place of any creation that can ever be. Fresh, untouched, and straight out from nature’s womb. While returning back, you can take your way back through Nagi Gumba as well, or you can go downhill straight to the entrance of the national park.
Depending on your speed, a two-or-three hour hike will take you to the view point from where you can get a picturesque view of Kathmandu. Another one and half hours will get you to Bishnudwar. There are many hollow humid caves in the area and the river arises here, taking the form of a beautiful waterfall. Everything about this place is fresh and natural. From Bishnudwar, you have the option of either walking downhill or continuing your hike towards the Shivapuri peak.
More destination from Nepal
Explore Nepal with us – to the deep in those nook and corners of Nepal Himalaya. Suggestions other than Bishnudwar day hiking.
Annapurna Conservation Area (46 Trips)
Nar Phu Valley (3 Trips)
Annapurna Base Camp (5 Trips)
Thorong La pass (8 Trips)
Tilicho Lake (2 Trips)
Shivapuri National Park (6 Trips)
Itinerary
08:00 am: Pick up from Hotel, drive to Budanilkantha
09:00 am: Reach Budailkantha temple then walk (30-45 min) to Shivapuri National Park entrance gate.
09:45 am: Start to Hike from Pani muhan.
12:30 pm: Reach Bishnu Dwar, enjoy some sightseeing, photography, lunch.
01:30 pm: Hike down towards Pani muhan.
04:00 pm: Get on the vehicle and drive back to Hotel.
08:00 am: Pick up from Hotel, drive to Budanilkantha 09:00 am: Reach Budailkantha temple then walk (30-45 min) to Shivapuri National Park entrance gate. 09:45 am: Start to Hike from Pani muhan. 12:30 pm: Reach Bishnu Dwar, enjoy some sightseeing, photography, lunch. 01:30 pm: Hike down towards Pani muhan. 04:00 pm: Get on the vehicle and drive back to Hotel.
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