This year, Suraj and I are making more of an effort to go hiking around Kathmandu. We often spend time planning large treks, but forget to enjoy small day hikes around our home. So, we have decided to try all the different hiking routes around Shivapuri National Park in Budhanilkantha, Nepal. A lot of these routes can be combined into longer routes as well, but we’ll break them down into smaller hikes for those who just want an easy morning hike. This time, we decided to check out the Panimuhan Hike which was easy and enjoyable!
Panimuhan Trail Map
Note: This map is just to give an idea of the route; it should not be used for navigational purposes.
A Short History of Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park was used as a private hunting ground during the Rana dynasty, which ruled the country from the 1850s to 1950s. The Ranas had declared themselves the Prime Ministers of Nepal and made it a hereditary position. At the same time, the King was reduced to a figurehead. In 1976, Shivapuri was declared a protected area for wildlife and to prevent deforestation. In 2002, it gained National Park status, and in 2009, the park was expanded to include the Nagarjun Forest Reserve. Today, the park is full of fantastic hiking trails just outside the city of Kathmandu, and it’s a great place to escape the city when you want a bit of nature and fresh air.
Who would enjoy the Panimuhan Hike?
I would say that this hike is fairly easy, making it a great hike for beginners and families who want an easy morning activity. For those who want more of a challenge, you can extend this hike to Nagi Gompa to add to the challenge. We decided on the shortest version of the hike since we were going with friends and family just for fun and were not trying to get a proper workout in. We started at Muhan Pokhari, Shivapuri Headquarters and ended in Dandagaun. This route only takes about 2 hours if you go slowly. You can also walk back and return to the same entrance to make the hike longer. Or, you can do the hike in reverse and start in Dandagaun and go all the way to Nagi Gompa and back.
Shivapuri National Park Entrance Fees
Nepali Citizens – 100 rupees
SAARC Citizens – 600 rupees
Foreigners – 1000 rupees per person plus a fee for a required guide which is provided by the park.
*Required Guide – A guide is required for all foreigners entering the park. The guides at the guidepost charge based on the route you take and how long it takes. You will need to ask when you arrive depending on the starting point and where you plan to finish.
How to Get to Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park has a lot of different entrances. You want to go to the Muhan Pokhari, Shivapuri Headquarters entrance in Budhanilkantha. It’s easy to get there by bike taxi or regular taxi. You can use apps like inDrive or Pathao to arrange a driver without much hassle.
How long does the Panimuhan Hike take?
Hiking time will depend on your speed and which route you decide on. The route we took from the Muhan Pokhari entrance to Dandagaun only took about 2 hours. We took a bit longer because we walked slowly, took photos by the waterfalls and stopped for a little picnic we packed with us. It took us about 3 hours total to complete the hike with all the stops. If you decide to go to Dandagaun and back to the starting point, it would probably take a little under 4 hours as the way back is downhill.
How difficult is the Panimuhan Hike?
This hike is fairly easy. The beginning is the toughest part. The first 30 minutes involves walking up a large staircase, which is tiring but it’s in the shade of the trees and you can stop and take breaks. The rest of this hike is almost flat making it extremely enjoyable and very easy once you get over the first large hill. We walked about 7km total going in one direction. Of course, if you decide to go back the way you came, it would be about 14km total. We went with family and teenagers and everyone had a great time.
What to Pack for the Panimuhan Hike
This hike is half in the forest and half in the sun, so I would bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. I would recommend a good bug repellent especially if you are going in the summer. Definitely bring at least 1 liter of water per person and some snacks. There are restaurants in Dandagaun, but nothing is available along the hiking trail. If you’re new to hiking, you might want to bring a trekking pole to help with the first hill.
Best Time to Go to Shivapuri National Park
I would recommend avoiding the weekend since people have off of work and the trails will be more crowded. A guide once told us that sometimes thousands of people visit the park on Saturday. We went on a weekday and only saw about ten other people, so it was nice and quiet. You can do this hike year-round; however, I avoid all hiking during monsoon season (May-October). The waterfalls can become very powerful, landslides can occur, flash floods can happen, and there are leeches.
Panimuhan Hiking Photos
My Top Picks for Hotels in Kathmandu
Budget Hotel
Flock Hostel
Flock Hostel is located in Thamel. Their dorm rooms feature lockers, individual reading lights, conveniently placed outlets, and a privacy curtain. There are plenty of common spaces for hanging out and meeting other travelers.
Comfort Hotel
Hotel Thrive
Located just outside of Thamel, this hotel is a peaceful oasis. With a green courtyard and modern rooms, it feels like a miniature escape from the chaos of Kathmandu. We spent a couple of nights and really enjoyed it here.
Luxury Hotel
The Dwarika’s
Walking into the courtyard feels like you’ve left Kathmandu and entered a private jungle. The rooms are gorgeous and no detail has gone overlooked. The Dwarika’s is by far the most luxurious place to stay in Kathmandu.
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