Shey Phoksundo National Park, is a protected area in Nepal with an area of 3555 sq. km and buffer zone (1349 sq. km), located in Mugu and Dolpa districts of far western region was established in 1984. Topography ranges from Aankhe(2130 m) to Kanjirowa Peak(6883 m), encompasses of seven bioclimatic zones of temperate, alpine and Nival forming 21 ecosystems and 10 vegetation types.
The largest national park of Nepal comprises of Trans Himalayan Landscape, glaciers, Phoksundo Lake (3589m), diverse forests, rivers and alpine meadows. The turquoise colored deepest lake of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo (136.20 m) and country’s highest waterfall (167m) along with tributaries of Thuli Bheri and Langu rivers drain from the Dolpo
Biodiversity feature of this protected area is also significant, as this national park serves as habitat for 1579 flora species including 30 endemic (native) flowering and rare medicinal plants along with 35 mammals, 208 birds, and three herpeto species of wildlife, out of which 19 mammals and 2 birds’ species are classified as rare and endangered.
Snow Leopard , Tibetan Wolf , Wild Dog, Blue Sheep and Musk Deer are symbolic mammals : whereas Himalayan Griffon, White Breasted Deeper, Chir Pheasant , and Monal Pheasant are symbolic birds to this protected area.
This national park is also popular for its villages like RIngmo with influence of Tibetan Buddhist culture and is decorated with colorful Gompas (monastery) and many other religious sites. Among which Shey Gompa, established in 11th century and Thashung Gomba near the high altitude lake are major tourist attractions.
Trekking tours are a popular form of tourism activities; however a special permit is required for international tourists due to its inclusion in the Restricted Area category. A flight is to Dunai Airport is a convenient way to reach the national park followed by trekking journey amidst the Trans Himalayan landscape decorated by rural villages.
