- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:1 Day
- Trip Grade:Easy
Trip Overview
Nagarjuna hill is a part of Shivapuri National Park in Kathmandu and its top stands up over 2100m altitude. Locally known as the Jamaa Cho, it is the most popular among the locals of Kathmandu for the perfect outing, hiking and for the religious pilgrimage. It is easy to access and situated closely to the busy city life towards the northwest side. Far yet so close to the Kathmandu city, located at the peaceful site you can observe the city from afar.
Origin of Kathmandu valley is mythically linked with this hill and popular amongst the locals as they believe that Buddhist Guru Maha Manjushree who drained the water from the ancient lake and formed Kathmandu valley, created city and taught livings to indigenous people, first observed the valley from this hill top. Further, the name of the Nagarjuna hill is said to be originated with the tale that an ancient scholar AcharyaNagarjun had once meditated in the site. Thus, it is also mentioned as the Knowledge Mountain or Bidhya Pith. You can feel the unique aura of spirituality, tranquility and sensation of freedom from evil as you travel closer to the top.
At the top, there is an ancient BouddhaStupa, Chaitya and temples where you can see several monks and priests praying and meditating, singing hymns and performing daily rituals. On Nepali New Year, thousands of pilgrims attend the festival that happens on the hill top, several visitors and tourists visit the place to observe the crowd and their activities. Local Newars, as well as traveling pilgrims come together to form a cluster of garden of diverse caste groups and cultures. The view point is another attraction of the hill. Looking down towards the south, you can have the spectacular view of the city and on to the north and east magnificent Himalayan ranges that covers JugalHimal, Mt. Ganesh and Langtang massif. Entire hill is covered with lush green forest of pine and oak trees making it a good shelter for black bears, leopards, bob cats, foxes, rhesus monkeys etc.
Nagarjun hill, also the part of Shivapuri National park is the nearest hill station in Kathmandu valley. It is hardly 20 minute drive away from the core city area. You can also take the vehicles of your choice in the hill after you have acquired the permission covering all the charges and fees. Cycling is another great option if you do not like walking. However, walking all the way, high upstairs and through the jungle is more fun and adventurous. The climb to the top requires minimum 3 hours of walking from the Fulbari gate from where you will acquire the permit pass
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1
Detail Itinerary
8:00 - Morning greetings, some preparations and off to Fulbari Gate
8:30 - hiking after obtaining permits, name entries at the Shivapuri National Park conservation Army check post
11:30 - Hike through stairs and steep slopes before reaching the plain at the midpoint for some break time – refreshment and recharging and soon after reach the top and observe magnificent views
12:30 - Descend back through the same route as we had followed for going upwards
15:00 - Gather at Army check post and after recounting the participants, drive back to Kathmandu.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.