Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the ninth national park in Nepal and was established in 2002. It is located in the country’s mid-hills on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley and named after Shivapuri Peak of 2,732 m (8,963 ft) altitude. It covers an area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi).

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is one of the closest and famous destinations to escape from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu valley pollution. This park covers 3 districts i.e. Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchok. The Park has been popular for internal visitors wherein 2017 this national park has the highest number of tourists.

This national park is the home for different flora and fauna and beside this area is the religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists. This park also offers the stunning views of the Himalayan range and it get-way to Helambu, Sundarijal, and Chisapani.

Objectives of Shivapuri National Park

The main objectives of the park are: to conserve the ecosystem and biodiversity of mid-hills, to protect the water regime of the watershed, and to enhance the livelihood of surrounding people which is being successful till now and it will remain the same including various other fruitful objectives.

Flora and Fauna

The northern part of the Kathmandu Valley rises to the sprawling forests of Park, upgraded to national park status in 2002 to protect the valley’s main water source, as well as 177 species of birds and numerous rare orchids. This is one of the last areas of primary woodland left in the valley, and the forest is alive with monkeys, and maybe even leopards and bears.

Water Resources

SNNP is the prime source of drinking water for Kathmandu valley. Small rivers and streams discharge about 30 million liters of water per day. The major sources include Nagmati, Bagmati, Syalmati, Bishnumati, and their tributaries. Drinking water, irrigation, holy bathing are the major uses of the rivers.

Weather in Shivapuri National Park

The national park lies in a transition zone between subtropical and medium temperature climate. The annual precipitation of about 1,400mm (55 in) falls mostly from May to September, with 80% during monsoon. Temperatures vary from 2–17 °C (36–63 °F) during the winter season, rising to 19–30 °C (66–86 °F) during the summer season.

Travel Activities

Shivapuri National park is one of the nearest national parks 12km in the distance from Kathmandu city. It is one of the best destinations for trekking and short day hikes near Kathmandu Valley.

Trekking and Hiking
Probably the best and most popular activities in Shivapuri national park is the trekking and day hiking. There are many trekking itineraries available around the Kathmandu valley.

Mountain Biking
Shivapuri National park is also an excellent destination for mountain biking. It is possible to do a 2 night 3 days biking to Nagarkot-Chisapani, and 3 night 4 days Chisapani, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel. These are the popular biking routes around the area. It is also trendy for downhill mountain biking from Chisapani, Mulkharka, to Kathmandu.

Getting to Shivapuri National Park

Book a cab to Kathmandu Car Services. The cheapest way to get from Kathmandu to Muhanpokhari is to drive which costs $20 – $25 and takes 22 min. The distance between Kathmandu and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is 12 km. The road distance is 17.2 km.