Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (159 sq. km) is located on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 12 km from the center of the capital city. It was designated as Nepal's ninth national park in 2002. Before becoming a national park, the area was managed by the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board and later declared the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.

Flora and Fauna

Shivapuri lies in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates, featuring diverse vegetation types, including pine, oak, rhododendron, and others, depending on altitude and aspect. The park is home to various wildlife species, such as the Himalayan Black Bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkey. Additionally, 177 bird species, including at least nine threatened species, have been recorded. The park also hosts 102 species of butterflies, including several rare and endangered ones, and 129 species of mushrooms.

Water Resources

Shivapuri is a crucial source of drinking water for the Kathmandu Valley, supplying approximately 30 million liters daily. Water is tapped from major rivers like the Bagmati and Bishnumati, as well as several smaller streams within the park.

Places of Interest

The park is easily accessible from Kathmandu and is popular for trekking. It serves as a gateway for trekking routes to Nagarkot, Gosaikunda, Helambu, and Langtang National Park. Several religious sites important to Hindus and Buddhists are located within the park.

On Nepalese New Year’s Day, which falls in mid-April, pilgrims from the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas visit Baghdwar and Bishnudwar, the sacred origins of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers, located within the park. From the park’s northern aspects, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the high Himalayas, while the southern slopes offer panoramic vistas of the Kathmandu Valley.