The Nagi Gompa hike is the easiest adventure that leads you to the serenity of the uphill near Kathmandu and gives you a tranquil experience of a Buddhist monastery.
The Nagi Gompa Hike
Trip Durations
01 Day
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Nagi Gompa Hike overview
The Nagi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery Nestled in the lap of green hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. This location has gained popularity as a good hiking destination. Nagi Gompa Hike begins at the entrance of Shivapuri National Park and takes you through luscious oak and rhododendron forests.
Whether you have limited time or you want an acclimatization hike before going on a trek, this destination is for you. Shivapuri Height is also a good bird-watching destination, specifically during the migratory season, as birds pass through the rhododendron forests of the Shivapuri Dada.
After hiking for approximately 2 hours, you will reach Nagi Gompa, where you can rest for a few hours. The monastery is actually dedicated to nuns who practice Buddhist Philosophy, rituals, and meditation. The nunnery also has a retreat facility for visitors, where you can stay and practice meditation.
Nagi Gompa Hike highlights
- Budhanilkantha Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage with a sleeping statue of Lord Statue in the water body.
- Captivating view of the mountain ranges, including Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, etc., from the top of Shivapuri Hill.
- Bird Watching from the Shivapuri Height. A chance to see more than 177 species of birds.
- Rich biodiversity of the Shivapuri National Park, including unique types of orchids.
- Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist Monastery offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the mountain peaks.
Nagi Gompa Hike Itinerary
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Day01
Activity 1: Drive to the entrance gate of Shivapuri National Park
Our hike to Nagi Gompa begins early in the morning with a ride to the Budhanilkantha area. The Budhanilkantha Temple is a popular pilgrimage site in the region. It houses the statue of the sleeping Lord Bishnu on a bed of snakes in the middle of the pond.
Built during the Lichchhavi period in Nepal, the 5-meter-long granite statue is supposed to be carved out of a single rock. The legends have it that a farmer found this statue while plowing and unearthed it, and since then, people have worshipped it.
We will take a stroll around the temple and learn a little about its history before continuing to the National Park entrance gate. The cost of entering is Rs. 1000 for foreigners and Rs. 600 for SAARC countries.
Day01
Activity 2: Hike to Nagi Gompa and Explore Baghdwar
After collecting our permits, we will continue on foot to the Nagi Monastery. The hike to our destination will take approximately two hours. Walking the trails through rhododendron forests and oak trees, you will reach the tranquil atmosphere of Nagi Monastery. You will see a perfect harmony of nature and spirituality in this atmosphere.
In addition to the monastery’s architectural grandeur, the view of the surrounding hills is another major attraction of Nagi Gompa. The ambiance here is fit for true nature lovers and the best destination for meditation to release all the stress.
Just 700 meters above the monastery, there is another popular destination called Baghdwar, which translates to “tiger portal.” Here, you will see a tiger-shaped gargoyle where water constantly flows. People say that this point is where the holy Bagmati river originates.
After completing the exploration, we will have lunch with the monks of the monastery and have a short rest break before continuing to hike down.
Day01
Activity 3: Descend to Kapan and Visit Kopan Monastery
Wrapping up the spirituality of the Nagi Monastery and Shivapuri Hill, we will descend down to Kapan, where we will visit the Kopan Monastery. Established in 1970, this monastery, this monastery belongs to the Gelukpa, also called the Yellow Hat order of Tibetan Buddhism. You will see a massive statue of Tsnokhapa inside this monastery.
Day01
Activity 4: Ride Back to Your Hotel
Finally, we will leave the Kopan Monastery premises to conclude the one-day journey. Your ride will be waiting for you in Kapan before you get down. You will then be dropped off at your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day.
Nagi Gompa Hike Cost Includes
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- All necessary permits for the national park
- Pack Lunch on the hiking trail/If possible simple lunch with Nuns from the Monastery
- Local English Speaking guide throughout the trip
- First-aid treatment in case of any emergencies.
Nagi Gompa Hike Cost Excludes
- Any snacks or food items other than the lunch.
- Bottled water or any beverage.
- Travel insurance and the emergency evacuation service charges.
- Personal expenses, including personal gear or equipment.
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver
Nagi Gompa Hike date and time
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Nagi Gompa Hike Map
Nagi Gompa Hike FAQs
Expand AllWhere is Shivapuri National Park located?
Shivapuri National Park is located in the Budhanilkantha Municipality of Kathmandu. It is partly spread out across Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk.
What is Shivapuri National Park famous for?
Shivapuri National Park is home to more than 177 species of birds, including nine endangered species, 150 species of butterflies, 19 species of mammals, and more than 2000 plant species. In addition to hiking and a Buddhist monastery, the national park is famous for bird-watching.
How far is Shivapuri National Park from Kathmandu?
Shivapuri National Park is on the northern fringe of Kathmandu, 12 kilometers from the city center. The entrance gate is usually reached in 45 minutes.
What is the area of Shivapuri National Park?
The Shivapuri National Park covers an area of 195 square kilometers, or 61 square miles, in the mid-hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. It extends to three districts of Bagmati, i.e., Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk.
When was Shivapuri National Park established?
Shivapuri National Park was established in 2002. To be precise, it was initially established in 1976 as Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve, but later, in 20023, it was declared a national park. It is the ninth national park in Nepal.
How to get to Shivapuri National Park from Kathmandu?
Shivapuri National Park is 45 minutes’ drive from Kathmandu. Public vehicles can take you to the park’s entrance gate. From there, you will have to hike to explore the park and reach the Shivapuri hill.
Do I get personal driver for this trip
Yes, you will drive from your hotel in a private vehicle which will drop you back to the hotel in the end.
Do I have my guide?
yes, your guide will accompany you from the start of your trip till the end
Should I tip my guide and driver?
Tipping is not mandatory but if you receive exceptional service, tipping to your guide and driver is recommended.
Are there any entrance fees for Shivapuri National Park?
Yes, other foreigners must pay NPR 1,000, SAARC citizen must pay NPR 600 and Nepali must pay NPR 100 at the park entrance to enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Are there monasteries or nunneries on the trail?
There is Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist nunnery where nuns reside and meditate inside the National park.
Are there rest stops or water sources along the trail?
Some of the trails pass through Baghdwar, a spring source of the Bagmati River. Please carry sufficient water and supplies with you.
Can I combine the Nagi Gompa hike with Shivapuri Peak?
Yes. Many trekkers pass the Nagi Gompa and climb toward Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m), for a longer and more challenging hike offering panoramic views.
Can I visit Nagi Gompa without a guide?
A licensed guide is strongly recommended but travelling without them is also possible. This makes your tour safer and navigable and supports the local economy.
Do I need a permit to visit Nagi Gompa?
Yes. you need to have an entry permit for the Shivapuri National Park permit costing NPR
How do I get to Nagi Gompa from Kathmandu?
Driving from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha (45 minutes) and starting to hike begins through the park to reach Nagi Gompa.
How long does it take to hike to Nagi Gompa?
After a 45 minutes drive to Budhanilkantha, hike about 2 hours to reach the Nagi Gompa and return within about 4–6 hours depending on pace and route.
Is Nagi Gompa open to tourists?
Yes, the Nagi Gompa is open to visitors for meditation, cultural exploration, and reflection.
Is photography allowed at Nagi Gompa?
You can get photographs and videographs of the surroundings except the core praying hall. Ask for permission and show respect when photographing monks, nuns, or religious artifacts.
Is the hike safe for solo travelers?
Trek to Nagi gompa is a safer trek but as you are walking through the wilderness, be prepared and do not trek alone. Get permits, have a camera and phone, walk in a group with a guide to avoid hassle and enjoy the trip.
Is the hike suitable for beginners?
The trail to Nagi Gompa is an easy and moderate trail, suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness.
What are the cultural norms to follow while visiting?
As you are hiking to a monastic zone to the Nagi Monastery, you need to dress modestly, ask before photographing praying zones, nuns, priests, speak softly and observe meditation quietly during meditation sessions.
What are the highlights of the trail?
The highlights of the Nagi Gompa trek are
a.Budhanilkantha Temple
b.Trail along the forest of oak, rhododendron, and pine
c.meditation and spiritual environment in the Nagi Gompa
d.Panoramic views of the mountains and Kathmandu valley.
e.Observing rare birds, flora (177 species),red panda, monkeys, and may see bears or leopard.
f. Extended hike to Baghdwar and Shivapuri Peak.
What is Nagi Gompa?
Nagi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery perched in Shivapuri National Park, dedicated to meditation and spiritual practice by resident nuns.
What should I pack for a day hike?
You need to have some basic packings of water, snacks, rain poncho, layered clothing, camera and binoculars, some cash, and a physical map.
Where is Nagi Gompa located?
The Nagi Gompa is situated inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, about 12 km north of central Kathmandu passing via the famous Budhanilkantha.
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What makes this trip different ?
Environment-Friendly Initiative
- Awesome Holidays Nepal believes in contributing to the wellness of the environment while promoting adventure and tourist destinations in Nepal.
- For every visitor who books a trip or trek with us, we plant a fruit tree in barren lands in collaboration with community forests.
Giving Back to the Community
- Awesome Holidays believes that the native residents know any destination better than an outsider. Thus, the guides, porters, and travel companions who will serve you through the trek or tours are local residents of that particular region.
- As a part of our communal service, Awesome Holidays is also contributing to the welfare of street dogs by feeding them every week.
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