Shivapuri is a peak which is the second highest peak among the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. The reserve named on the ‘Shivauri Peak’ is a excellent representative site of the ecosystems of the middle hills of Nepal. It has an area of 144 square km. It is spread in Kathmandu district of Central Development Region.

This reserve was established in 2033 B.S. (1976 AD.) as a wildlife reserve. It was made the Shivapuri national park in 2059 B.S. (2002AD.). This area was gazetted as the ninth national park of Nepal in 2002 AD. Prior its declaration as national park, it was managed under the Shivapuri Watershed Development Board, and was later declared as Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.

It is located in 12 km. north of Kathmandu. It is situated in the Shivapuri lekh of the Kathmandu valley. Headquarter of the park is Panimuhan. It has really very good location. Geologically, the reserve and park area is located in the Inner Himalayan region. The park or reserve is surrounded by Sindhuplanchauk in the east; bounded by Kakani and Okharpauwa in the west; Kathamandu district and Bagmati River in the south; and Nuwakot districts in the north side.

Shivapuri is located in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates. Various kinds of vegetation, wild animals and birds are found here. It provides excellent habitat for wild animals like leopard, Ghoral, wild boar, Ratuwa, Ratuna, chital, and barking deer.

The reserve has dense forest in its upper part. It is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts. Vegetation varieties in this reserve area. It is estimated that there are 129 species of mushrooms, 150 species of butterflies, 9 species of birds (blue magpies, Kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, great Himalayan barbets) and 19 species of mammals in this reserve.

A wide variety of medicinal herbs are available at higher altitudes of this area. This area is also famous for recreation, hiking and trekking.

This is a watershed area; too. It is an important and main source of drinking water of the people of Kathmandu valley. This watershed area supplies more than a million liters of natural spring water to the nearest city like Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is attractive both foreign and national people for observation the natural environment.