Sivapuri-Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri (or Sheopuri) is the second highest point on the valley rim. It lies within the forested Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, designed to protect the valley’s water supply.By far the most rewarding route to the peak from Budhanilkantha isn’t the direct ascent up the steps, but starts with a walk east along a dirt road (usually navigable on a 4WD or motorbike in decent conditions) to Nagi Gompa, a former Tamang monastery gifted to the renowned lama Urgyen Rinpoche, and now occupied by nuns – along with the occasional Western dharma student sent up from Boudha. (If you’re interested in Buddhism, ask to stay in the simple guesthouse here.) It’s a pleasant walk of an hour or so, climbing and contouring eastward through the forest.

• Activities: Trekking, bird watching
• Access: Drive from Kathmandu city center to Budhanilkantha (11 km) then trek
• Wildlife: 19 species of mammals including Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, wild boar, wild cat, rhesus monkey and langur monkey.
• Birds: 177 species of birds
• Butterflies: 102 species of butterflies
• Vegetation: 129 varieties of mushrooms
• Best Season: September-May; June-August (rainy)
• Park Headquarters: Shivapuri
• Entrance Fee: Nepalis - Rs. 10 per person per entry, SAARC nationals - Rs. 250 per person per entry, foreigners - Rs. 250 per person per entry.