Shey-Phoksundo
National Park (3,555 sq km)
Shey-Phoksundo National Park is
situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of north west of Nepal. It is Nepal’s
largest national park.
With diverse terrain and altitude
variation, the park spreads over Dolpa and Mugu districts and supports a broad
range of wildlife and vegetation. Geographical landmarks of the park are the
Himalayn peaks in the north and Lake Phoksundo, in the southern region.
Vegetation include pine, walnut,
willow, oak and cypress and the lower altitude & pine, spruce, juniper
& birch at higher regions. Berberis, wild rosea and caragana are seen in
alpine areas while the regions higher up are mostly arid with grass alpine
meadows with barely any trees.
The park contains 286 florea species
of botanical importance. Animals found in the region are sheep, ghoral, musk
deer, leopard, wild dog, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhusus & langur
monkeys, Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear and Jackals.
In the upper reaches is seen the
rare snow leopard. Over 200 species of birds including yellow-throated marten,
Tibetan partridge, wood snip, white-throated tit, wood accentor, &
crimson-eared rose finch are found in the park. Other species of birds found
here are Impeyan, cheer pheasant, chough, ravens, Tibetan show cock, Tibetan
twit, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon & lammergeyer. Apart from these the
park is home to 6 species of reptiles & 29 species of Butterfly.
- Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering
- Accommodation: Camping
- Access: Fly to Dolpa’s Jufal airport from Nepalgunj or Pokhara and then a three-day walk
- Best Season: Mar-May (high passes may still covered with snow) and Jun-Sep (clear weather)
- Park Headquarter: Sumduwa, Tel: 087-550104
