Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

The northern expanse of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds into the verdant embrace of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, a sanctuary elevated to national park status in 2002. This transformation was spurred by the imperative to safeguard the valley’s principal water reservoir and preserve its ecological diversity, which encompasses 177 avian species and a profusion of rare orchids. As one of the last bastions of primary woodland in the valley, the park pulsates with life, hosting troops of monkeys and, perhaps, even elusive leopards and bears.

Surrounded by burgeoning suburban settlements, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a vital green lung, counterbalancing urban sprawl with its pristine wilderness. In 2016, recognizing the imperative to harmonize conservation with community needs, the Buffer Zone (BZ) was established. Encompassing an expansive area of 118.61 km2 across Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, and Dhading districts, the BZ aims to integrate forest conservation with sustainable livelihoods for the local populace. With 14,558 households and a population of 79,776 residents, the BZ embodies a nexus of ecological stewardship and community welfare.

Integral to the park’s significance is its role as a lifeline for Kathmandu Valley, furnishing vital freshwater resources. Rivers like Nagmati, Bagmati, Syalmati, Bishnumati, Rudramati, Sangala, and TusalKhola, along with their tributaries, emerge as the primary sources of potable water for the valley. Flowing steadfastly, these waterways collectively discharge approximately 30 million liters of water per day, sustaining the urban populace and wildlife alike. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park thus epitomizes the synergy between nature’s bounty and human well-being, embodying a testament to the imperative of conservation in an increasingly urbanized world.