Overview
Shivapuri is the second highest peak among the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 2563m. It is situated on the northern fringe of Kathmandu valley and lies about 12 km away from the center of capital city.
Shivapuri National Park is a paradise for bird watchers and a home to 177 species of birds of which 9 are enlisted as endangered, 19 species of mammals and 150 species of butterflies some endemic and rare. This is, out of the total of 800 species of birds, 130 species of mammals and 600 species of butterflies found in Nepal, thus making Shivapuri a paradise for flora and fauna and one of the two National Parks situated in the capital around the world.
Prior its declaration as national park, it was managed under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board, and was later declared as Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. It lies in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates. The vegetation consists of a variety of natural forest types including pine, oak, rhododendron etc. depending on altitude and aspect. Recorded wildlife in the park includes mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkey.
The park is easily accessible from Kathmandu. Visitors are attracted to the park for trekking. Trekking routes to Nagarkot, Gosaikunda, Helambu and Langtang National Park also pass through the park. Several religious sites for the Hindus and the Buddhists lie inside the park. On Nepalese New Year’s Day, which falls in mid-April, pilgrims from Kathmandu valley and neighboring areas flock to Baghdwar and Bishnudwar of the park from where the sacred rivers Bagmati and Bishnumatii originate. Visitors can have breathtaking views of the high Himalayas from the northern aspects of the park. Likewise, the panoramic views of Kathmandu valley could be seen from the southern slopes of the park,
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Nature Trail’s office
07:00 – Gather all groups in front of Nature Trail’s office
07:15 – Depart from office to Budhanilkatha temple approx. 30 min drive which is just 8 kms north of Kathmandu
07:45 – Tea break, fill up water bottle or last minute shopping for the hike
08:15 – Further drive approx. 5 min to Army check post point (entrance of Shivapuri National park) pay the conservation fee and start your hike
11:00 – The trek above is somewhat steep through dense forest. Reach top of Shivapuri, which is rewarded with expansive views of the mountains to the north.
Lunch break for one hour (note: there is no Hotel and Tea shop for food or water in the park, so we make packed lunch and water)
12:00- After enjoying leisurely lunch with good views of the landscapes and hills, hike back to the base of the park via Nagi Gompa (2340m) which is another attraction and famous among foreigners as well as locals who want to practice Buddhism and meditation.
14:00– Meet your vehicle outside the Army check post and drive back to Kathmandu and drop all the group member in front of Nature Trail’s office.