From Kathmandu: Sundarijal to Dhap Dam Guided Hike

Discover the quieter side of Kathmandu Valley on a guided hike from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam. Learn about the forest's role in protecting water sources and enjoy a locally prepared Nepali picnic.
Begin your adventure at Sundarijal, an important natural and cultural area on the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley. The area has a long connection with water, with the surrounding Shivapuri watershed historically playing an important role in supplying water to Kathmandu.

Leave the city behind and follow the trail into the forest. As you climb, the sounds of Kathmandu gradually disappear and are replaced by birdsong, flowing water, and the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.

Enter the landscape of Shivapuri–Nagarjun National Park, a protected area of approximately 159 square kilometers immediately north of Kathmandu. The area was originally protected because of the importance of its forests and watershed before Shivapuri National Park was established in 2002. Today, the park protects an exceptional combination of forests, water resources, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

During the hike, your guide will help you understand the landscape—not simply walk through it. Learn how the forest protects water sources, how streams flow toward the Kathmandu Valley, and why conservation of Shivapuri is important for both nature and local communities.

The park is home to hundreds of bird species and numerous mammals, as well as orchids, butterflies, and other Himalayan foothill flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies, unusual plants, and signs of wildlife along the trail.

Along the route, pass through the mountain settlement of Mulkharka and experience a glimpse of rural life just outside Kathmandu. Depending on the itinerary, take a break for local tea or traditional Nepali snacks, learn about village life and agriculture, and meet local people. This community element offers a more personal experience than a standard point-to-point hike.

Shivapuri is also a sacred cultural landscape shared by Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The wider national park contains important religious sites including Bagdwar, Vishnudwar, Nagi Gumba, Jamacho, and other temples, shrines, and sacred places. Your guide can explain how mountains, forests, and water are connected with local spiritual traditions and why certain springs and forest areas are considered sacred.

After continuing through the forest and mountain landscape, arrive at Dhap Dam at approximately 2,067 meters. Surrounded by hills and forest, the reservoir provides a peaceful setting far removed from Kathmandu's busy streets. Take time to enjoy the views, photograph the landscape, watch for birds, or simply relax beside the water.

For an extra memorable experience, enjoy a locally prepared Nepali picnic or take part in a short "silent moment" beside the reservoir—put away your phones, stop talking, and simply listen to the wind, birds, and water.

Om de beschikbaarheid te garanderen, dient u zo snel mogelijk te reserveren. Vroegboekkorting is het overwegen waard, vooral als u de reis plant tijdens het hoogseizoen, zoals op feestdagen of in het weekend.

Deze excursie kunt u kosteloos annuleren tot: annuleringstijd voor aanvang van de reis. Bij annulering na: annulering na: annuleringstijd of niet aanwezig zijn op de excursie wordt de volledige prijs van de activiteit alsnog in rekening gebracht. Te laat komen bij het ophalen of vertrekken wordt beschouwd als niet komen opdagen.