Nagarjun Hike/Balaju

Nagarjun Hike/Balaju Brief Insight

Vindhya Himal is called Jamcho (Nagarjun Hike/Balaju) in Newari. A local crematorium is before the Buddha’s throne on the summit. Under the throne of Shakyamuni amid dense forest is Nagarjuna’s cave which contains stone images of Nagarjuna and Shakyamuni. Nearby are the tracks of the Mahe Buddha (Buffalo Buddha). There is also a cave of Acharya Vasubandhu nearby. Two stupas said to be the abodes of Buddha’s father and mother are found behind the hill (Balaju) at the mouth of Neelkanth.

To worship Swayambhu, Nagarjunapada built a cave on the Jat Matrochcha mountain (Jamacho) where he placed an idol of Akshobhya Buddha. When the water filled the valley (during the nagas’ attempt to reclaim it from the humans) it rose up to the image’s navel, where Nagarjuna held the naga playing in the water and began to lift it. Whatever water is needed in this cave, the naga supplies it to this day, hence the naga is called Jalapurit (‘full of water’).

This Nagarjunapada Acharya made clay chaityas, composed or compiled many tantra scriptures, and discovered many gods. He died in the cave. The mountain is then called Nagarjuna and is considered very sacred. People who are eager to attain moksha order their skull bones (‘forehead bones’) to be sent to this mountain, where they are thrown into the air, then buried and a chaitya is built over it.”

There are innumerable caves on the side of Nagarjuna Hill. Nagarjuna’s cave still stands high up in the gully at the eastern end. In monsoon, water comes out of the cave. Images of Nagarjuna and Akshovya are inside. Vasubandhu cave has not been discovered. Nagarjuna’s Cave is known to some Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche’s Cave (Lakshmi Cave, with a new image of Nagarjuna, is regarded as Nagarjuna’s Cave).

On the north side of the eastern spur leading up to Balaju above Raniban village is the cave of Lord Buddha. Inside the back, there is a new look of Sakyamuni in Bhumisparsha-mudra, a broken image of Bajravira Mahakala, and a stone inscription. Outside is a broken figure in Lalita-mudra, perhaps a star form. Ahead of the spur are two empty caves. On the north side of the spur is Lakshmi Cave. Inside the cave entrance is a relatively new image of Amoghasiddhi or Nagarjuna within a vertical chamber.

In the monsoons of 1980, a huge stone fell from the roof and destroyed the old image of Vajrayogini which is still visible behind the stone. Only two tunnels are large enough to allow an adult to crawl through the cave. Twists and turns for 150′ before ending in a Buddha image. The other is equally long and leads to a room with an image of Lakshmi. He is found in times of need of wealth. Rumors of caves in Nagarjuna abound. A cave-like twelve-foot-tall crystal Buddha on this spur is accessible by rope over a 40-inch chasm and through a narrow tunnel. Further exploration of these caves is required.

Summary and Highlights: Nagarjuna Jamacho Day Hike

1. Spiritual Significance:

• Home to religious sites like the Jamacho Monastery with statues of Guru Rinpoche and Acharya Nagarjuna.
• Attracts many Buddhist devotees due to its spiritual importance.

2. Natural Beauty:

• Offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Dorji Lhakpa.
• Panoramic vistas of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu, and Nuwakot enhance the hike’s appeal.

3. Flora and Fauna:

• Part of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, rich in oak, bamboo, rhododendron, and pine forests.
• The park is home to 177 bird species, 102 butterfly species, and rare sightings of mammals like leopards and Himalayan black bears.

4. Hiking Experience:

• Starts with a 20-minute drive from Kathmandu, followed by a moderate 2-3 hour ascent.
• Trails are well-maintained and shaded, with a steeper climb near Jamacho Peak (6300 feet).
• Cultural charm is added by prayer flags, butter lamps, and stupas along the way.

5. Accessibility:

• Ideal for those with limited time, providing a nature escape without the commitment of longer treks like Everest or Annapurna Base Camp.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, offering a brief yet enriching introduction to trekking in Nepal.

Additional Highlights:

• Nagarjuna Hill: Located to the northwest of Kathmandu Valley, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
• Balaju: An area known for the Balaju Water Garden and the sacred Balaju Baise Dhara (22 water spouts), popular for recreation and spiritual significance.
• Tour Packages: Robinson Holidays offers customizable packages for the hike, with bookings available for 2024 and 2025, catering to time, budget, and endurance preferences.