The Surrounding | Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri is the second highest peak among the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. It is 2732m at its peak with numerous sharp ridges radiating to all sides. Situated towards the north of the Kathmandu Valley, due to its strategic location and convenience, Shivapuri was proclaimed as a watershed area supplying more than a million liters of natural spring water to the city. As recently as, in mid-2002 Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve was officially given a National Park status.

Since Shivapuri lies in the transition zone between subtropical and temperate climate, the vegetation consists of a variety of natural forest types, depending on altitude and aspects. Most of the areas below 1800m are covered with Schima castanopsis forest in which pines (Pinus roxburghii) appear on the southern dry ridges, with Utis (Alnus nepalensis) along the streams. A forest of oak species such as Quercus semicarpifolia and Quercus lamelosa mixed with rhododendron and a variety of orchids flourish on the northern slopes. A variety of medicinal herbs is found at higher altitudes. A hundred and twenty nine species of mushrooms have been so far identified and catalogued from the Shivapuri National Park.

Among the wild animals, Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Pallas’s Cat (Felis manul), Large Indian Civet (Viverra zibetha), Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Indian Porcupine (Hystris indica), and Common Langur (Presbytis entellus) etc. can be spotted around the park.

Shivapuri National Park is 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 Park situated in the capital around the world.

Famous Trekking and Mountain Biking Destinations within and outside 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)

South/west from the resort:
Hike for about 2 hours amidst green and luxurious view of mother nature you reach a place called Gurje Bhanjyang. From here you can see a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley and Nuwakot. Furthermore hike for another half hours you’ll reach Surya Chaur from where you can absorb mystic view of the Great Himalaya Range. To name few Annapurna, Machhapuchrre (Fish Tail), Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Shiva Parbati, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and Makalu are the ranges which can be viewed.

Other Activities:

• Hike or visit to near by village premises (temple, waterfall, local life of people etc.) with a local guide.
• Nature walk
• Splendid sunrise and sunset view from Resort premises.
• Bird watching from Resort premises
• Yoga and Meditation