SHIVAPURI NATIONAL PARK ( Area 144 sq. kms)

Facts
Introduction
Shivapuri National Park {144 sq km) lies about 12 km away from the center of capital city is situated on the northern fringe of Kathmandu valley. In 2002 it was gazetted as the country's ninth national park . Prior to being declared as National park, it was managed under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board and was later declared as Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.

Flora and Fauna
Being in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates, the vegetation in Shivapuri. consists of a variety of natural forest types including pine, oak, rhododendron etc, depending on altitude and aspect. Himalayan Black bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkey are some of the recorded wildlife in the park The park also provides habitat to 177 species of birds including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushroom.

Facilities
How to get there
Water Resources
One of the main sources of drinking water for Kathmandu Valley is Shivapuri . Everyday about 30 million litres of water is tapped from rivers such as the Bagmati and the Bishnumati as well as from several other smaller streams.

Places of Interest
Easily accessible from Kathmandu, the park attracts many visitors for trekking. There are trekking routes to Nagarkot, Gosaikunda, Helambu and Langtang National Park passing through the park. Several religious sites for the Hindus and the Buddhists lie inside the park.

In Mid- April-On Nepalese New Year's Day, many pilgrims from Kathmandu valley and neighboring areas flock to Baghdwar and Bishnudwar of the park from where the sacred rivers Bagmati and Bishnumatii originated.

Breathtaking views of the high Himalayas from the northern aspects of the park can be appreciated by the visitors and From the southern slopes of the park a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley can be enjoyed.

Famous Trekking Destinations within the Park

• Panimuhan, Park HQ - Shivapuri peak (12 km)
• Nagigumba - Baghdwar - Chisapani (18 km)
• Nagigumba - Shivapuri peak (6 km)
• Kakani - Shivapuri
• Jhuje - Chisapani (12 km)
• Sundarijal - Chisapani (22km)