Shivapuri National Park is an incredible hiking destination located in the mountains of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Boasting a diverse array of flora and fauna, this park offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty. Whether you're a nature lover who enjoys hiking and being outdoors or just looking for adventure and fresh air, Shivapuri National Park has something for everyone.
Shivapuri National Park Hiking is the perfect way to take in the majestic Langtang Himalayan range and the natural beauty around Kathmandu. Shivapuri National Park holds significant significance in providing water to the residents of Kathmandu and exhibits an abundant variety of flora and fauna, thereby generating a Shangri-la for bird watchers. The highest peak in Kathmandu Valley after Fulchowki, Shivapuri is the ideal location to soak up views of numerous peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, Dorji Lhakpa, and more on a clear day.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, located in the northern part of Kathmandu Valley and measuring an area of 159 km, stands at an elevation of 2,732 meters and is the 9th National Park in Nepal. This park serves as an important water catchment area, supplying water to Kathmandu Valley, and is dedicated to preserving the primary water source for the valley. The park is also a habitat for 318 species of birds, rare orchids, and wild animals. A popular destination for hiking, cycling, bird watching, and picnicking, the park offers magnificent views of Kathmandu and the surrounding mountains.
The park boasts several highly sought-after trekking trails, such as the Jugal Himal Trek and the Langtang Valley Trek, that are easily accessible from Kathmandu. This makes it an ideal location for short excursions and day hikes. For our reader persona, the nature lover who enjoys hiking and being outdoors, Shivapuri National Park offers an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal.
What to Expect In Shivapuri National Park Hiking?
Shivapuri National Park Hiking will take you to the most pleasant surroundings with a moderate environmental condition. Shivapuri National Park basks in pleasant weather all around the year, from a warm 13°C (55°F) in winter to a balmy 25°C (77°F) in summer. The park is surrounded by lush green forests with an elevation ranging from 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) to 2,743 meters (9,000 feet).
The park consists of various terrain types, such as steep slopes, valleys, ridges, springs, and streams which offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.
The vegetation in the park is quite varied, with more than 500 species of plants, including medicinal herbs, rhododendrons, oaks, bamboo, and conifers. It is also home to various wildlife, including birds such as Great Hornbills, Monals, and Grey-headed Fish Eagles; mammals such as Himalayan Tahr, Goral, and Barking Deer; reptiles such as snakes and lizards; and amphibians such as frogs and salamanders.
Shivapuri National Park Hiking Route
Shivapuri National Park Hiking starts from Kathmandu - To begin this climb, you'll take a bus from Ratna Park Bus Stop to Budhanilkantha. There you'll find a Hindu pilgrimage site featuring a breathtaking statue of Lord Vishnu floating in a pool of snakes. The entrance to the National Park is roughly 2.3 km away; along the way, you can take breaks at local tea shops for snacks and beverages before you reach your destination. Purchase entry permits at the army checkpoint for foreigners or Nepalese citizens for Rs 500 (~ $5) or Rs 50 ($0.05).
The real phase of Shivapuri National Park Hiking begins now.
From there, you will make your way towards Nagi Gumba, passing through dusty roads before reaching steep stone steps that ascend 1 km north-eastwardly from Nagi Gumba, leading to Bhagdwar, where Bagmati River originates from the holy Pashupatinath pilgrimage place. This marks a 900 m vertical incline that will bring you closer to stunning mountain peaks like Mt Ganesh Himal, Mt Langtang Lirung, Mt Langtang Ri, Ganjala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, and more.
Climb further up along these stone steps enveloped by lush vegetation until you reach ShivaPuri Peak, where prayer flags flutter and signify that you have reached the pinnacle of your journey! Take some time here to appreciate the remarkable view, which is the core beauty of the Shivapuri National Park Hiking. Then it's time to head northwest along another trail with stone steps leading through villages such as Dada Gaun before arriving back at Budhanilkantha Bus Stop. You can get on your bus from the bus stop back to Kathmandu City Center for some well-deserved treats and drinks!
Preparation and Shivapuri National Park Hiking
Before commencing Shivapuri National Park Hiking, it is essential to ensure adequate preparation. This includes carrying sufficient food and water provisions and having a first aid kit readily available in unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, it is advisable to attire oneself in clothing suitable for the nature of the terrain and prevailing weather conditions. For example, it may be necessary to bring extra layers and waterproof clothing due to rain or snow during winter.
In addition to the physical preparation for your hike, one should be aware of any safety concerns. Before starting your hike, familiarize yourself with local regulations and protocols. Before you get lost in the area's beauty, remember to tell someone your travel plans - where you will be and what time you anticipate returning.
Several popular trails range from easy hikes to more strenuous treks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Exploring Shivapuri National Park is an exciting adventure at any time of year, depending on the type of hike you seek - from rugged mountain terrain to lush greenery. Summer months are recommended for those seeking an easier trek without too much elevation gain, as the weather will be warmer and drier with fewer chances for rain or snow. For those looking for a more challenging trek with higher elevations, winter months provide a cooler climate, making the hike more enjoyable.
Flora and fauna
The Shivapuri National Park boasts a varied vegetation comprising deciduous, coniferous, evergreen, and shrub forests, with various trees such as oak, maple, pine, cedar, rhododendron, juniper, and fir. The park is home to an array of flowers and plants, including orchids, lilies, anemones, gentians, primroses, and buttercups. In addition, it also contains medicinal plants, including dandelion, chamomile, calendula, and ginseng.
The Shivapuri National Park is a habitat for a diverse fauna, encompassing leopards, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, langur monkeys, Himalayan goral, and porcupines, among others. The park boasts numerous varieties of mammals, including barking deer, jackals, Himalayan marmots, Himalayan wolves, red foxes, and yellow-throated martens.
There are also many other birds in Shivapuri National Park, such as Himalayan griffon vultures, rock pigeons, chestnut-breasted partridges, black vultures, kites, barbets, snow partridges, and woodpeckers. In addition to an array of creatures, including birds, mammals, and fish, the region is also home to a wide variety of fascinating reptiles and amphibians, like frogs and toads to tortoises and cobras, from vipers to beyond. There are also many different types of insects and other invertebrates, such as butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, ants, spiders, centipedes, and millipedes.
Conservation Efforts
The Shivapuri National Park strongly emphasizes preserving its botanical and wildlife resources through various conservation efforts. The park promotes ecotourism to raise visitors' environmental awareness and generate economic benefits for local communities. The park also implements ecological education programs to inform visitors of the significance of conservation and sustainability. Additionally, the park engages in environmental restoration initiatives to maintain a harmonious balance between nature and human activities.
Rules and Regulations
Shivapuri National Park, a protected area in Nepal covering 159 km2, was officially established in 2002. As one of Nepal's most frequently visited parks, it is significant in the country's culture. Visitors' safety is ensured by enforcing specific rules and regulations governing park activities. Due to the important role that Shivapuri National Park plays in both conservation and cultural heritage, all visitors must adhere to park rules and regulations. These rules have been implemented to protect wildlife and ensure a safe park visitor experience.
Visitors must adhere to the following rules while visiting Shivapuri National Park:
Entrance and visitation rules
All visitors must have a valid entry permit before entering the park. The park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for day visitors and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am for overnight visitors. Overnight visitors must leave the park before 8:00 am. No furry friends are welcome for the Shivapuri National Park Hiking excursion.
Camping rules
The rules regarding camping within the park stipulate that it is only permitted in designated camping sites. In addition, campfires must be constructed utilizing the existing fire pits, and all waste must be disposed of appropriately.
Wildlife observation rules
Visitors must observe wildlife from a distance and not disturb or feed any wildlife. Likewise, hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited.
Fire safety regulations
Fires must be attended to at all times, and only small fires are allowed for cooking purposes. Don't let a flame linger; ensure all fires are put out with water before abandoning the camping spot.
Waste disposal rules
All waste must be disposed of properly in designated bins or taken away with you when you leave the park. Littering is strictly prohibited, and violators may be fined or prosecuted. You have to acknowledge this before embarking your Shivapuri National Park Hiking.
To ensure that all visitors have a safe experience, it is essential also to follow other safety precautions like having proper footwear and clothing. Similarly, carrying a map at all times, staying on marked trails, avoiding dangerous areas such as steep slopes or cliffs, never venturing alone, and always bringing plenty of water will help a lot.
The Shivapuri National Park, located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, is an excellent place for nature lovers. Staying in a hotel near the park offers many advantages, such as easy access, more convenience during travel, and increased safety and security. To help you find the right hotel for your stay near Shivapuri National Park, this blog will provide information about some of the best hotels in the area, along with their prices and amenities.
Where to Stay During Shivapuri National Park Hiking?
The key factor to consider when taking on the Shivapuri National Park Hiking experience is finding the perfect accommodation. This is paramount for your memorable journey. Several hotels in the area are within easy reach of the park. Don't worry, there are plenty of accommodations near Shivapuri National Park like:
- Hotel Manaslu
- Hotel Woodland
- Hotel Shivapuri Heights
- Hotel Yak & Yeti
- Hotel Marshyangdi
Prices
The prices of these hotels vary depending on the room type and amenities. Here is a comparison of prices for different hotels:
Cheapest option: Hotel Manaslu
Luxury option: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Location
The location of each hotel is essential to consider when staying near Shivapuri National Park. Here are some pros and cons of each hotel's location:
Hotel Manaslu: This hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the park entrance and offers easy access to the park.
Hotel Woodland: This hotel is located close to the city center and offers excellent views of the surrounding area.
Hotel Shivapuri Heights: This hotel is located at the highest point in the area and offers stunning views of the valley.
Hotel Yak & Yeti: This hotel is quiet and peaceful near the park entrance and offers a serene atmosphere.
Hotel Marshyangdi: This hotel is located on a hilltop and offers excellent views of the area.
The distance from each hotel to Shivapuri National Park varies, but all are within easy reach.
Amenities
Each hotel offers different amenities and services, so first consider what each one has to offer before deciding. Here is an overview of some amenities provided by these hotels:
Hotel Manaslu
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Restaurant/Bar/Outdoor Pool/Spa
Hotel Woodland
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Restaurant/Bar/Outdoor pool/Spa
Shivapuri Heights Cottages
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Restaurant/Bar/Outdoor Pool/Spa
Hotel Yak & Yeti
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Restaurant/Bar/Outdoor Pool/Spa
Hotel Marshyangdi
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Restaurant/Bar/Outdoor Pool/Spa
Conclusion
Shivapuri National Park Hiking offers diverse experiences, catering to nature enthusiasts and adventurous hikers, providing peaceful outdoor hikes and challenging treks. The diverse topography and abundance of plant and animal species create an ideal location for outdoor recreational activities. Before embarking on a hike within Shivapuri National Park, it is imperative to ensure proper preparations, including securing all necessary supplies and implementing necessary safety measures. Enjoy its marvelous sights, explore its diverse wildlife and relish the breathtaking views. With Shivapuri National Park Hiking, you can make every moment count!
