SHEY PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK

Facts
Introduction
In the Trans-Himalayan region of northwest Nepal is situated the Nepal’s largest National Park covering an area of 3,555 km2.- The Shey-phoksundo Narional Park .This park established in 1984 preserves a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with a diverse flora and Fauna. s altitude variations, different zoo-geographical regions and climatic differences support a diverse range of biotic systems.

In 1998, an area of 1349 km2 surrounding the park consisting forests and private lands was declared as buffer zone which is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Community development activities and management of natural and cultural resources are initiated by their combined effort.

Features
Much of the park lies north of the Himalayan crest and Elevations in the park range from 2,130m in Ankhe to 6,883m at the summit of Kanjiroba Himal providing spectacular view of the landscape. In the upper regions of Suligad lies Nepal’s deepest and second largest lake, Phoksundo Lake. The country’s highest waterfall is near the lake’s outlet . The Suligad and Jugdual Rivers, which are the major tributaries of the Thuli Bheri River; and the Langu Rilver, which drains the high dolpo plateau to the east and flows westward.
The major rivers in the park are the, Nmajung, Panjang and Khung,
Phoksundo Lake is ranked amongst the most scenic mountain parks in the world as it is famous for its magnificent turquoise color. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. A typical Tibetan village- Ringmo, nestled in the area enhances the landscape view. The Park has religious areas and Gompas (Monasteries) . Shey Gompa- The most famous was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago to conserve wildlife.

Climate
The park experiences a wide climatic range as a result of its spanning both the northern and southern aspects of the Himalayan crest. Although the Dhaulagari and Kanjiroba Ranges form a massive barrier preventing most of the rain from reaching the Trans-Himalayan area but precipitation in the area occurs during the monsoon (July-September), One experiences varied climatic changes in the park -the transition from a monsoon dominated climate with 1500 mm.of annual precipitation in the south (Suligad) to an arid climate with less than 500 mm. a year in the northern slopes. Winters are quite severe with temperature’s remaining below freezing above 3,000m. and frequent snowfalls above 2,500m.

Flora & Fauna
The park has extremely diverse flo. Less than five percent of the park is forested, with much of it lying in the southern portion. The occasional silver fir dominate the high meadows of the Himalayas The northern regions contain barren areas of the upper Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan slope lands consisting of some rhododendron, caragana shrubs, and Salix, Juniper and white Himalayan birch. 286 species of ethnobotanical importance can be found in the park. Flora in the Suligad Valley’s consists of blue pine, hemlock, cedar, , poplar, spruce, rhododendron, bamboo and silver fir.

The park is home to the highest flying butterfly in the world, Paralasa nepalaica including six reptiles and 29 species of butterfly . For endangered species like the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, and blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr and Himalayan black bear, the park provides an important habitat .Also includes habitat for over 200 species of birds, among which are yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snip, white-throated tit, wood accentor, and crimson-eared rosefinchl.

Facilities
In Dunai, Sangta, Chhepka, and Ringmo, local accommodations are available. Shelters are available throughout the park and Campsites with rubbish pits & toilets are also provided in the park. There is provision of food and limited supplies in the trekking lodges which are located in Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo . There is a small visitor center at the headquarters in Palam. Park offices are located at Suligad, Chhepka, Palam Ringmo, and Toijem,

How to get there
The easiest way to reach the park is by air from Nepalgunj to the Juphal airstrip in Dolpa followed by a half day walk to the park entrance at Suligad.

Culture
The villages area are amongst the highest settlements on Earth and the park is home to more than 9,000 people . An ancient religion with roots in Animism and Buddhism is practiced by most of the inhabitants of the park .During the Zhang Zung Empire of today's western Tibet 18,000 years ago, The Bon-po religion was founded which forms the entire cultural base for Tibetan Buddhism. The landscape is dotted with sacred monasteries, thangka paintings, and chortens. This area is also famous for its salt trade caravans. There is heavy dependence on trade with Tibet and agriculture by the local community .

Trekking
The Tran-Himalayan region of inner Dolpa is restricted to group trekking only, The permit is required for group trekking and can be arranged through any recognized trekking agency of Nepal. Individual trekkers are permitted to trek to Ringmo or Phoksundo Lake.