16-SHIVAPURI NATIONAL PARK

Popular as trekking, hiking and recreation area, the Shivapuri National Park offers the nearest retreat away from the hubbub of city life. The park was established as a Weatershed and Wildlife Reserve in 1976. The park was declared as a national park in 2002 for the protection of its unique natural adornments. Vegetation varieties in the park include its 129 species of mushrooms while animals include 19 species of mammals including beer, leopard, deer, wild boar, wildcat, and langur monkey.


The park also boasts of 177 species of birds and 102 species of butterflies. Only 12 kilometers away from the city. Another option is via Sundarijal, which is about 30 to 45 minutes drive from the capital. From both Budhanilkantha and Sundarijal, the park requires trekking uphill. Yet another way to reach Shivapuri is by driving till kakani from where the park is an hour's trek away.