shivapuri national park

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.

Shivapuri National Park (Bird Check List)
Shivapuri National Park (Flowering Plant)