Nestled in the northern part of Kathmandu Valley, the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the ninth National Park in Nepal. The Shivapuri National Park is spread over 160 square metres and covers the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk. This National Park is a famous tourist destination in Nepal owing to its rich diversity. This is ideal for adventure seekers as the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has Nepal’s best hiking and trekking routes. Visiting the verdant forest reserve offers tranquillity from city life’s daily hustle and bustle. Add this beautiful forest reserve to your itinerary on your vacation to Nepal if your idea of a perfect holiday is experiencing adventure, tranquillity and a closer connection with nature.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park History
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The area of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is an important water catchment area for the majestic Kathmandu Valley, which supplies one hundred thousand cubic litres of water daily. In 1976, the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park was considered a protected watershed and animal reserve. In 2002, the Nepal Government declared it as a National Park. The National Park derived its name from the Hindu God “ Shiva ” and Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna. Previously, the park served as a royal hunting reserve. The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has some ancient and cultural sites. Today, the park is inhabited by many wildlife animals, such as Himalayan black bears, leopards and over 300 bird species.
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Hiking In Shivapuri National Park
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A haven for biodiversity and home to various flora and fauna, the National Park in Nepal is popular among adventure seekers, offering different hiking routes through the lush green forests. The park offers trails for beginners and experienced trekkers looking for a challenging route. The National Park in Nepal provides bike facilities for those who love mountain biking. As you make your way through the labyrinth of dense woods, the possibility of spotting interesting species of birds is quite high. Passionate bird watchers can look forward to observing birds such as Eurasian eagle owl, cuckoo dove and many others. Although some parts of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park are known for being the home of leopards and other wild cats, they should not deter hikes through the park. This National Park in Nepal offers a captivating experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Location
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Tourists can easily access the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park location. The National Park in Nepal is situated on the northern part of the Picturesque Kathmandu Valley, just 12 kilometres from downtown, covering the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, and Dhading.
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Nearby Places To Visit
There are plenty of captivating attractions nearby, including the famous Budhanilkantha Temple, the historic Durbar Square, and the serene Kopan Monastery. Each site offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether exploring ancient temples or enjoying peaceful monastery views, these destinations provide a memorable experience for every traveller.
1. Budhanilkantha Temple
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Nestled on the foothills of Shivpuri Hills, Budhanilkantha Temple, which means blue-throated Buddha, is also referred to as the Narayanthan Temple by Hindus and is one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and tourists worldwide come here to witness the unique reclining deity. This ancient gem has an intriguing history behind it. The reclining statue of Lord Vishnu was sculpted in the 7th century when King Vishnu Gupta used to rule Nepal. The idol had been floating in the pond for centuries. On your next trip to Kathmandu, grab this opportunity to witness this amazing site.
Distance from Shivpuri National Park: 30.2 kilometres
Timings: 06:00 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free
2. Durbar Square
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The Durbar Square, also known as the Museum of Temples, is another tourist attraction in Kathmandu. The Durbar Square depicts the remains of the old Kingdoms in Nepal. The Durbar Square consists of three squares: Basantpur Square, the central Durbar Square, and Hanuman Dhoka. Over 50 temples, fountains, idols, open courts, etc. You can find souvenir stalls in the Southern part of the Durbar area. As you go to the northern part of the Durbar area, you will find yourself in a pristine environment with major temples such as the Hanuman Dhoka.
Distance from Shivpuri National Park: 31.9 kilometres
Timings: 10:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. closed on Saturday
Entry Fee: Foreigners: NPR 1000, SAARC Citizen NPR 200, Students: Free
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3. Boudhanath Stupa
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The Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Chaitya, is considered one of the largest Stupa in the world and a must-visit tourist attraction in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Boudhanath Stupa is popular for its architecture, Buddhist philosophy, and cultural heritage. The white dome structure of the stupa serves as a home to fifty Tibetan convents, also known as Gompa. The stupa preserves the remains of Kassapa Buddha. This pilgrimage site is the main hub of Buddhism in Nepal. The Stupa is made of octagonal platforms with stairs carved with lion stone figures. The bottom of the Stupa is furnished with 108 Buddha figurines carved out of stones, making it a must-visit spiritual attraction on your trip to Nepal.
Distance from Shivpuri National Park: 33.1 kilometres
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: NPR 400
4. Kopan Monastery
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Nestled on the verdant Kopan Hills, Kopan Monastery was built between the late 1960s and the early 1970s. The Monastery is a well-known tourist attraction in Nepal owing to its tranquil atmosphere. To preserve the Mahayana Tradition, Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zompa Rimpoche bought a piece of land from a royal astrologer to build the pristine Kapan Monastery. The monastery is not just a religious monument but also offers courses ranging from the vital teachings of Buddha to daily guided meditation. The monastery also has a cafe serving only vegetarian food and offers visitors a captivating and peaceful atmosphere.
Distance from Shivpuri National Park: 30.2 kilometres
Timings: 09:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free
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5. Swayambhunath Temple
Image Credit: Swayambhunath Temple for Wikimedia Commons
Rested on top of Semgu Hill on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, the Swayambhunath Temple is an important pilgrimage for Buddhists and Tibetans. This religious pilgrimage is known for its architectural brilliance. Two lion statues guard the entrance of the temple. The base of the temple has a dome structure, and at the top of the temple, you will find a cubical structure with the eyes of Lord Buddha carved on each side of the cube. As you enter the temple, wind up the 365 stairs to the top to witness the picturesque view of the surrounding valleys. The temple offers a pristine environment for tourists.
Distance from Shivpuri National Park: 30.6 kilometres
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Foreigners- NPR 200, SAARC Nationals- NPR 50
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The Shivapuri National Park offers an unforgettable experience for tourists and is a great place to rejuvenate your mind from the daily hastiness of life. You can absorb yourself in the scenic landscapes of Kathmandu, trek through the lush green forests of the National Park, and also explore the nearby cultural gem of Kathmandu to get familiar with the cultural heritage. Your trip to Kathmandu is incomplete without visiting the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
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Cover Image Credit: Bigyan Gautam for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions About Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
What are the special features of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is known for its exotic flora and fauna. The National Park in Nepal is home to 177 species of birds, 9 endangered animals, 102 butterflies, and 129 mushrooms.
Is Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park safe for Hiking?
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is famous among trekking enthusiasts, the trekking routes are easy for people who are complete beginners.
What is the best time to Visit Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?
Tourists can access the Shivapuri National Park at any time of the year, To experience the best weather it is advisable to visit the National Park during the Autumn season (September-November)
Is there any entry fee?
The National Park in Nepal charges a small entry fee, for Foreigners- NPR 500, for SAARC citizens- NPR 300. For the vehicle facilities the National Park charges- Motorbike: NPR 30, Minibus: NPR 500; Car/Jeep/Taxi/Van: NPR 300
What are the rules to follow within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?
Visitors are restricted from carrying any flora or fauna from the park. Vehicles are refrained from honking and loud speakers are not allowed at the picnic spots. Lighting fire is prohibited so groups of campers and hikers will need to use alternative sources of energy.
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