Quick Facts:
- Location : Suligad, Dolpa Suligad, 21400
- Major inhabitants: Snow leopard, gray wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great
- Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, leopard, jackal, and Himalayan black bear.
- Length: 3,555 km2.
- Altitude: 2,130m in Ankhe to 6,883m at the summit of Kanjiroba Himal.
- Available Transport: Road or air transportation
- Best time to visit: April to November.
‘‘Shey-Phoksundo National Park’’ is the largest and only trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal. It was established in 1984. It covers an area of 3,555 km2 in the districts of Dolpa and Mugu in the Mid-Western Region of Nepal. The park ranges in elevation from 2,130 to 6,885 m. The most prominent feature of the park is Phoksundo Lake, located at an elevation of 3,612 m. The park’s headquarters are in Palam, Dolpa District. The park’s climatic differences, altitude variations, and different zoo-geographical regions support a diverse range of biotic systems. The park is known for its breathtaking high-elevation landscapes, and it is surrounded by other popular outdoor recreation areas.
History
- Shey Phoksundo National Park was established in 1984 and is located in the Dolpa district of western Nepal.
- Several ethnic groups, including the Dolpa, Bhotia, and Gurung peoples, who have lived in the area for centuries and have a rich cultural heritage.
- The area was famous as a salt trade route for caravans from Tibet to Nepal and from Nepal to entire Asia.
The major attraction of Shey Phoksundo National Park
It’s a stunning turquoise-colored lake, surrounded by picturesque glaciers and nestled in Ringmo village. The lake has the unique feature of flowing in the opposite direction due to the wind’s push. The park also boasts diverse flora, including blue pine, spruce, hemlock, cedar, silver fir, poplar, rhododendron, and bamboo, and is home to many ethnobotanical species. Visitors can enjoy trekking to the lake, which can be done without a guided group permit, and explore the area’s beautiful landscapes and monasteries.
The Suli Gad Vally’s flora consists of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, cedar, silver fir, poplar, rhododendron, and bamboo. The park also contains 286 species of ethnobotanical importance. Beautiful lake that actually looks like the shape of the lungs of a human being, hence the name derived from “phoksho,” which means lungs in Nepali.
Things to do in Shey-Phoksundo National Park
- Phoksundo Lake Trek: It is a short and relatively easy trek that takes you to the alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake. It is located at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters.
- Shey Gompa: It is a moderate trek that takes you to the Shey Gompa monastery, which is located at an elevation of 4,126 meters
- Helicopter Ride: Over the Park: For those who prefer a more comfortable and luxurious way of experiencing the park, a helicopter ride over the park is highly recommended.
- Wildlife Watching: Wide range of animals including blue sheep, Goral, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan black bear, and more are found here. Also with over 200 species of birds are found in the area.
- Cultural Exploration: The park is also rich in culture and tradition, with many isolated hamlets and villages that have remained unchanged for centuries.
- Salt Trade Caravans: You can witness these caravans and learn about their history and significance in the area.
Entry Fee:
- For SAARC Nationals:Rs.1,500
- For Nepali Visitors: Rs. 100
- For tourist porter: Rs. 25
- Free for children below 10 years
