Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Around the Kathmandu Valley


The northern part of the Kathmandu Valley rises to the verdant, reforested hills of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This national park protects the city's main water supply and a host of animals and plants.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Around the Kathmandu Valley attractions

1. Reclining Statue of Vishnu

1.06 MILES

Budhanilkantha's focal point for devotions is a large reclining statue of Vishnu as Narayan, the creator of all life. From his navel grew a lotus and from…

2. Kopan Monastery

3.37 MILES

On a hilltop north of Bodhnath, Kopan is popular among foreigners for its courses in Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors are welcome to explore the monastery and…

3. Gokarna Mahadev Temple

3.72 MILES

Dedicated to Shiva as Mahadeva (Great God), this handsome three-tiered temple is a fine example of Newari pagoda style. The main reason to come is to see…

4. Shechen Gompa

4.64 MILES

This huge complex was established by the famous Nyingmapa lama Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to replace the destroyed Shechen Gompa in eastern Tibet. Today the…

5. Ka-Nying Sheldrup Ling Gompa

4.67 MILES

The handsome ‘white gompa’ is home to 225 monks and features ornamental gardens and a richly decorated interior with some fine murals. The main prayer…

6. Tharlam Gompa

4.7 MILES

This Sakya school monastery lies at the end of a long winding access road and has the normal combination of monk dormitories and colourful central prayer…

7. Sakya Tharig Gompa

4.73 MILES

Take the alley running northeast from the Bodhnath Stupa, past the small Gelugpa Samtenling Gompa, and turn right to reach the Sakya Tharig Gompa. This…

8. Pal Nye Gompa

4.74 MILES

This Karma Kagyud school monastery was undergoing rebuilding at the time of research but the colourful interiors should reopen soon.