15-SHE - PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK

The Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park and of he few areas protecting trans Himalayan ecology. With diverse terrain and altitude variation, the park spreads over Dolpa and Mugu district and supports a broad range of wildlife and vegetation. Geographical landmarks of the Park are the Himalayan peaks in the north and Lake Phoksundo, in the southern region. Vegetation include pine, walnut, willow, oak, poplar, and cypress in the lower altitude and pine, spruce, juniper and birch at higher regions. Berberis, wild rosea and caragena 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 flora species of botanical importance. Animals found in the marmot, weasel, mouse here, rhesus and langur monkeys, Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear and jackals. In the upper reaches is seen the rare snow leopards. Over 200 species of birds including yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snipe, white-throated tit, wood accentor, and crimson-eared rose finch are found in the park.


Other species of birds found here are Impeyan, cheer pheasant, chough, ravens, Tibetan snow cock, Tibetan twit, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer. Apart form these; the park is home to six species of reptiles and 29 species of butterfly. The best time to visit this park is between April and November. The best way to reach the park is through Juphal, which is connected by flight from Nepalgunj. The park is half-day trek away from Juphal. Another option is fly to Jumla from where the park is a 10 to 10 days trek.