Shivapuri
National Park (144 sq km)
The Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km)
is the major watershed supplying drinking water to the capital city of
Kathmandu. Lying in the transition zone between the subtropical and temperate
climatic zones, its diverse vegetation is composed of pine, oak, rhododendron
and others. The park is rich in wild mushrooms (129 species).
The wildlife found in the national
park includes Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkeys.
The park is home to over 177 species of birds including 9 threatened species,
over 100 species of butterflies including rare and threatened. The park has
several rain-red rivers that are the major source of drinking water for the
capital city. The park produces 227 million liters water per day of which 30
million liters per day are collected for consumption.
Towering over the Kathmandu valley,
the Shivapuri National Park is a fog-free zone. During winter while Kathmandu
and the other towns and settlements of the valley are still dark under the
thick cold fog, the park get sparkling sunlight. It receives regular westerly
winds blowing from the Trishuli river valley.
Situated only 12 km to the north of
Kathmandu, the park is the main entrance of the trekking routes to Gosainkunda,
Helambu, Kagarkot and the Langtang National Park. The major routes include Pani
Muhan to Shivapuri peak (2,732 meter above mean sea level), Nagi gumba to the
peak, Nagi gumba to Baghdwar, Sundarijal to Chisapani. The breathtaking views
of the high Himalayan peaks can be seen from the top of the Shivapuri Mountain.
The park is a spiritually
significant for the popular shrines and meditation centers in the natural
surroundings. The park consists of several religious and cultural heritage
sites for the Hindus as well as Buddhists. They include the peaks of Shivapuri,
Manichur, Tarkeswor and the source of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. The
other famous shrines that are worth visiting are Budhanilkantha, Sundarimai and
the Nagi monastery attract thousands of pilgrims during festive seasons.
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching
- Access: 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, taxi or bus
- Best Season: Sep-Jun; Jul-Aug (rainy)
- Park Headquarter: Shivapuri, Tel: 01-4371644
