Popular as trekking, hiking and recreation area, the Shivapuri National Park offers the nearest retreat from Kathmandu. Few people trek around the Kathmandu valley. This trek begins at Budhanilkantha, with the option end at Nagarkot or Dhulikhel. At Budhanilkantha, you have the chance to see the ancient statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping on a bed of snakes. Spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and a magnificent view of the sunset and sunrise, with the magical change of color that they produce on the mountains, will be seen from the slopes of Shivapuri, the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley. The valley rim lies between 1800 and 2800m and in spring offers early flowering rhododendrons.