Shivapuri Nagarjun National Parkशिवपुरी नागार्जुन राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a national park in Bagmati, Nepal, covering 159 km² from 1,000 to 2,732 m. Established in 2002, it is known for Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, Clouded leopard.
The green wall on Kathmandu's northern rim and a vital water-catchment for the valley
Area
159 km²
Established
2002
Elevation
1,000–2,732 m
Bagmati
Managed by
DNPWC
Districts
Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok
Establishment
Gazetted as Shivapuri National Park in 2002 (144 km²); the Nagarjun Forest Reserve (+15 km²) was added in 2009 to form the 159 km² Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Key species
- Indian leopard
- Himalayan black bear
- Clouded leopard
- Rhesus macaque
- 318 bird species
About the area
Shivapuri Nagarjun is the forested green wall that rises along the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. It was gazetted as Shivapuri National Park in 2002 over 144 km², and in 2009 the adjoining Nagarjun Forest Reserve added a further 15 km² to make the 159 km² park of today, spanning Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok up to the 2,732 m Shivapuri peak.
For a park on a capital city's doorstep it is remarkably rich, with 2,122 plant species (16 of them endemic), 318 recorded birds, 129 mushrooms, and mammals including Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and several primates. Its mid-hill forest is a rare surviving fragment of what once cloaked the valley rim.
Beyond biodiversity, the park performs a critical service: its forested slopes are a key water-catchment feeding springs and rivers that supply the Kathmandu Valley. For valley residents it is also the nearest green escape — day hikes to Shivapuri peak, Nagi Gompa and the Nagarjun forest all begin within an hour of the city.
Where it sits
The highlighted pin is this protected area; the others show Nepal's full network of 20.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?+
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park covers 159 km². It lies in Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok (Bagmati province).
When was Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park established?+
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park was established in 2002 as a national park. Gazetted as Shivapuri National Park in 2002 (144 km²); the Nagarjun Forest Reserve (+15 km²) was added in 2009 to form the 159 km² Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
What type of protected area is Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?+
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a national park, managed by DNPWC.
What animals live in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?+
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is known for Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, Clouded leopard, Rhesus macaque, 318 bird species. The green wall on Kathmandu's northern rim and a vital water-catchment for the valley.
What is the elevation of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park?+
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park ranges from 1,000 m to 2,732 m above sea level.
Sources & data note
Figures for Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park as documented by the listed sources. Where reputable sources disagree the discrepancy is stated in the establishment note. Map coordinates are an approximate centre point, not a surveyed centroid.