The park was upgraded from a wildlife reserve to a national park in 2002 to protect its vital water shed function.
It is the only national park in Nepal that surrounds a major capital city.
Baghdwar, the sacred source of the Bagmati River, is located within the park's Shivapuri peak area.
The park contains the Jamacho Stupa on the Nagarjun hill, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
The park is home to over 2,000 species of flowering plants and over 1,200 species of non-flowering plants.
It acts as a critical biological corridor connecting the Kathmandu Valley to the higher mountains of the Langtang region.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a 159-square-kilometer protected area located on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley. It serves as a primary water catchment area, supplying a significant portion of the drinking water to Kathmandu city. The park terrain ranges in elevation from 1,350 to 2,732 meters, culminating at the Shivapuri Peak. It hosts diverse ecosystems, transitioning from subtropical forest at lower altitudes to temperate oak and rhododendron forests higher up. The park is home to over 300 species of birds and mammals including the Himalayan black bear, leopard, and jungle cat. Historical significance is marked by the presence of the Baghdwar spring, the source of the Bagmati River. The Nagarjun forest section is known for its Buddhist shrines and historical meditation caves used by various ascetic practitioners. Visitors must enter through established checkpoints as the park is strictly managed for ecological preservation.
The Jamacho Stupa viewpoint at the top of Nagarjun hill.
Carry your own water and food, as facilities are non-existent once you pass the entrance gates.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery during the monsoon season.
Check in at the designated guard posts and keep your permit with you at all times for inspection.
Do not wander off marked trails, as the terrain is rugged and steep, posing a risk of getting lost.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy; refrain from feeding wildlife; keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals.
