Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri National Park
Nepal Travel Destination

In the hills to the north of the Kathmandu Valley, the Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve spreads across over 140 square kilometers. Being so close to the Kathmandu Valley but far enough away from its hustle and bustle noise and energy, this park is a popular trekking area for the traveler needing a quick relief from the busy streets of the city.

The Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve used to be called the Shivapuri Watershed because it is the main source of water for the Kathmandu Valley. From 1976-2003 Shivapuri was established as the watershed and wildlife reserve, but since 2003 the area has the more important title of one of Nepal’s National Parks in order to preserve its special natural adornments. Besides the main source of water for the capital, it has more than 120 species of mushrooms and more than 175 species of birds. There are over 100 species of butterflies living in the park, probably because of its blankets of orchids and rhododendrons covering the ground where they see fit. If one was to travel to Shivapuri they might find some sloth bear, barking deer, leopard, and langur monkey living in the park. You might even find a wild boar or even a wild cat or two.

Since the park is only 12 kilometers away from Kathmandu, travel to the park at Budhaikanta is an easy 15-20 minute drive from the city. You could also drive a half an hour to 45 minutes to Sundarijal. Another way to reach the park is by driving to Kakani and from there the park would be an hour’s trekking away. From both Budhailkanta and Sundarijal you will have be trekking uphill to get into the park.

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