The 4 four peaks are located inside the Kathmandu Valley. You can ascend by foot, take in the magnificent mountain views, and descend by foot.
The 4 peaks
Nagarjun
Nagarjun is located on the western side of Kathmandu Valley and it also falls under the 4 four peaks. The hill is surrounded by views of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2128m. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Lanterns, and more. It is named after Mahasiddhi who meditated on the mountain for long hours. A Mahasiddhi is an individual who has directly realized the Buddha’s teachings during his lifetime. The historic meditation cave still stands today in the dense forest. At the top of the hill is a Buddhist gompa open to visitors interested in learning how to meditate and pray.
Nagarjun is close to the Kathmandu Valley but mostly uninhabited. The trail passes through the forest canopy so you can expect a cool, peaceful walk surrounded by nature and wildlife. The forest is incorporated into Shivapuri National Park, collectively forming Nagarjun National Park. The national park area is heavily guarded and should be walked lightly and adhered to established regulations. Nagarjun Forest is also a popular bird-watching destination. Chances are you’ll spot pheasants, deer, and even a few monkeys during the long 3-4 hour hike up the hill. Trekking Hill Meditation Time
Shivapuri
It is the second highest in the valley, is 2563 meters above sea level, and overlooks the northern tip of Kathmandu. Shivapuri was declared a private hunting ground of Rana, but in 1976 the area has declared a sanctuary because natural spring water flows through this area, it was designated as a basin in 1976. It wasn’t officially declared a national park until mid-2002.
Sloth bears, leopards, civets, pangolins, wild boars, langurs, and porcupines, rare throughout the trail, are the natural inhabitants of the forest. It is also home to 177 species of birds (9 of which are endangered), 150 species of butterflies (both rare and endemic), and 19 species of mammals. As you begin your trek slowly, you will notice prayer flags leading to Nagi Gompa. Nagi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery/nunnery where Buddhist nuns from all over the country gather to advocate for the realization of the Buddha’s teachings. Nagi Gompa is also a resting point for trekkers up Shivapuri Hill. Further up the hill, we come across a shrine dedicated to the monk Shivapuri his Baba. A 20-minute drive to Budhanilkantha begins the trek through Shivapuri National Park. The forest is rich in temperate and subtropical tree species such as pine and oak. As you explore the area, you may come across various medicinal herbs.
Phulchowki
The name Pulchowki literally means “hill of flowers”, and the whole hill blooms in rich colors as spring approaches. Blooming with rhododendrons, magnolias, yellow jasmine, and wild roses, the Pulchowki Forest is a mirage of colorful flora and fauna that astonishes visitors with its beauty.
Historically named one of the most breathtaking sights in the Kathmandu Valley, Pulchowki is a very popular destination for hikers and casual visitors, one of the highest peaks among the 4 peaks. It is the highest point in the valley at 2,782 m above sea level and offers majestic views of the rolling hills of the Annapurna range, Everest Peak, and the Mahabharata range. 14 km south of Kathmandu is the starting point of the trek, Godawari Botanical Gardens. It is a leisurely 4-5 hour hike from there.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is one of the turning points in the history of Nepal. King Prithvi Narayan Shah decided to unite all kingdoms existing in the Nepal region, standing on a hill with an altitude of 2551 m. Overlooking the valley ruled by King Malla, he imagined a sovereign state sharing the wealth of his three cities equally. Chandragiri is coved around 7 km with dense forests and temperate wilderness. At the top of the hill is the temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev, believed to be one of the most powerful gods in the valley, granting wishes to devoted pilgrims.
Hiking is still very popular in the area, but the grueling trails, which take up to eight hours to climb, aren’t for even the most intrepid. However, cable cars are the most convenient means of transportation to and from these days. The 20-minute gentle climb offers spectacular views of the valley and the Himalayas in the distance. Besides these attractions, Chandragiri offers a wide range of leisure activities such as ziplining, amusement parks, and eco-friendly boutique resorts.
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