Shivapuri National Park (159 sq km) is situated on the northern fringe of Kathmandu Valley and lies about 12 km away from the center of the capital city. The area was gazetted as the country's ninth national park in 2002. Before its declaration as a national park, it was managed under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board and later declared Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
Flora and Fauna at Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri lies in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates. The vegetation consists of various natural forest types including pine, oak, rhododendron, etc, depending on altitude and aspect. Recorded wildlife in the park includes mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bears, leopards, jungle cats, and rhesus monkeys. The Shivapuri National Park is also home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies with several rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms.
Water Resources at Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri is one of the main sources of drinking water for Kathmandu Valley. Every day about 30 million liters of water is tapped from rivers such as the Bagmati and the Bishnumati and several other smaller streams.
Places of Interest of Shivapuri National Park
The Shivapuri National Park is easily accessible from Kathmandu. Visitors are attracted to the park for trekking. Trekking routes to Nagarkot, Gosaikunda, Helambu, and Langtang National Park also pass through the park. Several religious sites for the Hindus and the Buddhists lie inside the park. On Nepalese New Year's Day, which falls in mid-April, pilgrims from Kathmandu Valley and neighboring areas flock to Baghdwar and Bishnudwar of the park from where the sacred rivers Bagmati and Bishnumatii originate. Visitors can have breathtaking views of the high Himalayas from the northern aspects of the park. Likewise, the panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley could be seen from the southern slopes of the park.
Famous Trekking Destinations within the Park
- Panimuhan, Park HQ - Shivapuri peak (12 km)
- Nagigumba - Baghdwar - Chisapani (18 km)
- Nagigumba - Shivapuri peak (6 km)
- Kakani - Shivapuri
- Jhuje - Chisapani (12 km)
- Sundarijal - Chisapani (22km)
Here is a List of the Most Popular Trek in the Shivapuri National Park
- Chisapani Nagarkot Trek -04 Days
- Shivapuri National Park Hike -03 Days
- Kathmandu Hikking -01 Day
- Kathmandu Valley Trek -04 Days
- Kathmandu Valley Ridge Trek -08 Days
If you require any further information, kindly feel free to contact to Nepal Mother House Team at any time.
