Located just a few kilometres from the bustling city of Kathmandu, Shivapuri National Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature. This Park is filled with natural resources and beauty. Visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the Park's forests, wildlife, and stunning views.
Located north of the valley, visitors can take a short hike to the top of the Park and enjoy stunning views of the Langtang Himalayan Range. The Park's lush jungles also provide the perfect opportunity for a scenic hike and a chance to glimpse the Kathmandu Valley from a hilltop vantage point.
Shivapuri National Park Introduction
Shivapuri National Park is a wildlife reserve and conservation area that covers 159 square kilometers. When it was established in 2002, it spanned 144 square kilometers. In 2009, it was extended to include the Nagarjun Forest Reserve, adding 15 square kilometers to its area.
The Park also includes Nagarjun Hill, which is uphill in Balaju and along the road to Trishuli Bazar. Shivapuri National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers and trekkers in the valley. It offers a trekking route to popular spots like Nagarkot, Gosaikunda, Helambu, and Chisapani.
The Park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, with hundreds of species to discover. Additionally, the area boasts several historical and religious sites, adding to its cultural significance.
Among the wild inhabitants of the Park are Indian leopards, jungle cats, large Indian civets, golden jackals, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, yellow-throated martens, small Asian mongooses, Chinese pangolins, Indian Crested Porcupines, Himalayan picas, black-naped hares, Himalayan squirrels, fawn-colored mice, brown-toothed shrews, and black rats.
Additionally, the western part of the Park is home to species such as the Monocled Cobra, Himalayan keelback, olive Oriental slender snake, yellow-bellied worm-eating snake, variegated mountain lizard, many-keeled grass skink, Sikkim skink, black-spined toad, long-legged cricket frog, and horned frog.
Shivapuri National Park boasts diverse vegetation, including Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests in the lower and upper subtropical bioclimatic zones and Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests in the lower temperate bioclimatic zone.
Visitors can spot a variety of wild Himalayan cherry, Engelhardia, and ring-cupped oak species throughout the Park. Additionally, the Park's northern side is home to flourishing rhododendron plants that can be admired along the trails.
Things to do in Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park offers a plethora of activities. Mountain bikers can explore the Park's rugged terrain. At the same time, hikers can take on the challenge of the uphill hike to Nagi Gumba, a Tibetan monastery located just 3 km from the main gate of Budhanilkantha.
Himalaya view from Tharepani
The hike offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and is a great way to unwind and relax. The Park is home to various bird species, making it a perfect spot for bird watchers. Remember to visit Baghdwar, another important holy site that is a popular destination for many hikers.
If you're looking for outdoor activities near Kathmandu, Nepal, Shivapuri National Park is a great place to start. One popular destination is Chisapani, which can be reached through the Park. Another option is the hiking route from Sundarijal, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Himalayan landscape view from Helamnu trail
Along the way, you'll pass a water pipeline and a small dam that provides water to the Kathmandu Valley. If you need a break, stop at Mulkarkha for local tea, dumplings, and traditional Nepali dishes like Daal and Bhaat. Just be prepared for a primarily uphill journey!
If you're looking for a peaceful escape from Kathmandu's hustle and bustle, Shivapuri National Park is the perfect destination. With stunning views of the valley and Langtang range, it's a great place to spend a day hiking and reconnecting with nature.
Even if you're a local, it's worth taking a break from city life to explore the Park's sprawling trails and wildlife. So pack your hiking gear and get ready for a rejuvenating day in the great outdoors!
Chivapuri National Park is the smallest and the youngest in Nepal. The Park is famous for day hikes and escapes. I hope, you enjoyed reading about the Shivapuri National Park.
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