Nagarjun and Jamacho Gumba Hike

Nagarjuna Hilltop, 2095 meters is also known for Jamacho Gompa in the local language because of the monastery that lies on top of the National Park.  One of the best hikes around Kathmandu is Jamacho Gompa Hike. This hike will offer townies and foreigners to explore the pure nature not going too far from the city life. During the weekend you will find many hikers on the trail. Nagarjun Hill is also popular for rock climbing and cycling too. There is an off-road from the left of the hill that leads to the top where the view tower is built to witness the overall view of Kathmandu valley and Himalayas in the northern direction. The name of Nagarjun National Park came from the Buddhist philosopher named Nagarjuna whose meditation cave is located there. In Tibetan, Nagarjuna is called Gonpo Ludup. In the past, this was a separate forest and later in 2009 Nagarjun and Shivapuri are combined and became Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. 

There is a story behind Nagarjun Peak why this holy site is important for all Buddhist devotees.  A long time ago philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna was meditating there in a cave and a buffalo herder came across the cave and met him. Every day the young herder passes by the Nagarjuna’s cave when he was grassing his buffalos in the forest.  The young boy frequently offers milk and curd to Nagarjuna and they had conversations with each other.  One day the boy invited Nagarjuna to his home town and the Master refused. Nagarjuna told the boy to stay there and meditate. The boy accepted and meditated there in a cave by visualizing the image of Buffalo because he was always obsessed with his job looking after the buffalos as instructed by Master. Later after a while of meditating, the young boy became a real buffalo and the horn struck on the ceiling of the cave. We can see the hole on the rock known as horn tracks. Then the Nagarjuna told the boy to calm down and relax. By doing what the master instruct him, he came back to his own physical form. Since then the boys’ became sharp and clever. Finally, he received initiation from his master. Local says that he gets through the roof of the cave and sets off to heaven. 

Reasons to Visit Jamacho Gumba/ Nagarjuna

1. This place is a holy site of Buddhists where every year hundreds of devotees visit and pay homage to Guru Rinpoche and Acharya Nagarjuna.  
2. Nagarjuna National Park is a perfect weekend hiking destination for all those hikers and nature lovers. 

How to get Nagarjuna Hill/ Jamacho Gumba?
Macha Pokhari is the best meeting location which is just next to Gongabu Bus station and the easiest and nearest way to get to Nagarjun. From there you can reach Fulbari Gate, a gateway to the National Park within 15-20 minutes by walk and you can also take local buses which leave to Kakani and Nuwakot through the Pasang Lhamu Highway toward Rasuwagadhi. When you reach Nagarjun Fulbari gate there you will see the army standing on the left side of the road. The prices for entrance tickets are written on the wall of the cash counter. 

Nagarjun Hiking Route:
(Macha Pokhari – Fulbari Gate – Raniban – Jamacho Gumba- Retrace to Fulbari Gate)

Everyone who is willing to reach Nargarjun Hill or Jamacho Gumba must enter from Fulbari Gate, the only entrance to Nagarjun. After receiving the National Park entrance ticket from the counter you are allowed to enter the main gate. From the gate, you will see the road heading to the left, and the hiking trail is directed by a signboard on your right side. The climb begins right from there until the top where Jamacho Gumba and Nagarjun view tower is located. The hiking trail is not long or short. The forest which you pass through is called a Rani Ban which means queen of forest in the Nepali Language. It will take 2 to 2:30 hours to reach the top and one and a half back to Fulbari Gate.