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The
Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km) is the major watershed supplying
drinking water to the capital city of Kathmandu. Lying in the
transition zone between the subtropical and temperate climatic zones,
its diverse vegetation is composed of pine, oak, rhododendron and
others. The park is rich in wild mushrooms (129 species). The wildlife
found in the national park includes Himalayan black bear, leopard,
jungle cat, and rhesus monkeys. The park is home to over 177 species
of birds including 9 threatened species, over 100 species of
butterflies including rare and threatened.
The park has several rain-red rivers that are the major source of
drinking water for the capital city. The park produces 227 million
liters water per day of which 30 million liters per day are collected
for consumption.
Towering over the Kathmandu valley, the Shivapuri National Park is a
fog-free zone.During winter while Kathmandu and the other towns and
settlements of the valley are still dark under the thick cold fog, the
park get sparkling sunlight. It receives regular westerly winds
blowing from the Trishuli river valley.
Situated only 12 km to the north of Kathmandu, the park is the main
entrance of the trekking routes to Gosainkunda, Helambu, Kagarkot and
the Langtang National Park. The major routes include Pani Muhan to
Shivapuri peak (2,732 meter above mean sea level), Nagi gumba to the
peak, Nagi gumba to Baghdwar, Sundarijal to Chisapani. The
breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks can be seen from the
top of the Shivapuri Mountain.
The park is a spiritually significant for the popular shrines and
meditation centers in the natural surroundings. The park consists of
several religious and cultural heritage sites for the Hindus as well
as Buddhists. They include the peaks of Shivapuri, Manichur, Tarkeswor
and the source of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. The other famous
shrines that are worth visiting are Budhanilkantha, Sundarimai and the
Nagi monastery attract thousands of pilgrims during festive
Entry Fee Per Person Per Day
For Nepalese
Nationals, Rs. 20/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 200/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 500/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee (Documentary Films)
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 5,000/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 25,000/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, US $ 1,000/-
Helicopter Landing (Per Landing), Rs. 2,000/- |
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