Overview
This Bishnudwar hike starts at one of the valley's most striking shrines and ends at a spring deep in the forest. You begin at Budhanilkantha, where a huge stone Vishnu lies asleep on a bed of snakes in a pond, then set off on foot into the wooded foothills of Shivapuri towards Bishnudwar, a holy spring and small waterfall held to be the source of the Bishnumati river. It is a green, shaded walk, easy to reach from the city and a good escape from its noise.
The itinerary
- Hotel pickup in the morning
- Drive to Budhanilkantha, at the foot of the Shivapuri hills, about half an hour from the city
- Visit the Budhanilkantha temple and its great Sleeping Vishnu, carved from a single block of stone
- Set off on the hike into the forest towards Bishnudwar
- Reach Bishnudwar, the spring and small waterfall held to be the source of the Bishnumati river
- Spend time by the water in the shade of the forest
- Carry on down to Dadagaun
- Drive back to your hotel
Things to carry
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Layers and a light jacket
- Sun protection and enough water
- Modest clothing for the temple
- Insect repellent for the forest
Good to know
Budhanilkantha to Bishnudwar, into the forest
North of Kathmandu, where the city runs up against the forested Shivapuri hills, two very different places sit within a short walk of each other: a temple built around a giant sleeping god, and a spring hidden in the trees. This day links them. You start at Budhanilkantha and its famous Sleeping Vishnu, then walk up into the forest to Bishnudwar, a holy spring and waterfall, and back down. It is a gentle, green half-day, and one of the easiest ways to swap the noise of the city for birdsong and running water.
What the Bishnudwar hike covers
The day begins at the Budhanilkantha temple, at the base of the hills about half an hour from the centre. After time at the shrine, you set off on foot into the forest at the lower edge of Shivapuri National Park, following the trail up to Bishnudwar, where a spring and a small waterfall are held to be the source of the Bishnumati river. You rest by the water, then walk down to Dadagaun to meet the vehicle for the drive home. Your guide sets the pace and can shorten the walk for anyone who prefers.
Budhanilkantha and the Sleeping Vishnu
Budhanilkantha is built around one of the most remarkable statues in the country: a five-metre stone figure of Vishnu lying asleep on a bed of coiled snakes, set in a small pond and carved from a single block of stone. It is one of Nepal's most important Vishnu shrines, busy with worshippers, especially on festival days. Visitors are welcome to view the statue from the edge of the pond, while Hindus go down to it for worship. If you would rather pair a stupa with a hike instead, our Boudhanath and Tarebhir viewpoint hike is a similar half-day on the other side of the city.
Into the forest to Bishnudwar
The walk up to Bishnudwar is the reason many people from the city come here. The trail climbs gently through shaded forest, cool even on a warm day, with the sound of the stream never far away. Bishnudwar itself is a spring and a small waterfall, a quiet, green spot considered the source of the Bishnumati river. It is an easy, restful place to spend some time before the walk back down.
Best time to go and what to know
October to April is the most reliable window: clear, dry and pleasant for walking. The monsoon, June to September, turns the forest a deep green but makes the trail muddy and slippery, and leeches can appear after rain. Wear shoes with grip, bring water and sun protection, and dress modestly for the temple. Bishnudwar sits at the edge of Shivapuri National Park, so a small entry fee may apply, paid on the day. For a fuller day of valley heritage instead, our seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites day tour takes in the main sites by vehicle.
