Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the ninth national park in Nepal and was established in 2002. It is located in the country's mid-hills on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley and named after Shivapuri Peak of 2732m altitude. It covers an area of 159km2 in the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk, adjoining 23 Village Development Committees. In the west, the protected area extends to the Dhading District.HistoryThe area has always been an important water catchment area, supplying the Kathmandu Valley with several hundred thousands cubic liter of water daily. In 1976, the area was established as a protected watershed and wildlife reserve. In 2002, it was gazetted as Shivapuri National Park, initially covering 144km2. It was extended by the Nagarjun Forest Reserve covering 15km2 in 2009.The park includes some historical and religious sites, and a popular hiking route for local people and tourists.Shivpuri is described in the Skanda Purana's Nepalmahatmya as "auspicious place of Lord Shiva, filled with Shivalingams"ClimateThe park is located in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climate. The annual precipitation of about 1400mm falls mostly from May to September, with 80% during monsoon. Temperatures vary from 2- during the winter season, rising to 19- during the summer season.