Introduction to Shey Phoksundo National Park
Established in 1984, Shey Phoksundo is Nepal's largest national park covering 3,555 km² in Dolpa and Mugu districts, famous for its stunning alpine lake and trans-Himalayan ecosystem.
Key Features
- Phoksundo Lake: Nepal's deepest lake (145m) with turquoise waters
- Shey Gompa: Ancient Buddhist monastery at 4,500m elevation
- Waterfalls: 167m tall Phoksundo Waterfall
- Unique Wildlife: Snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan wolves
Park Geography
| Feature |
Details |
| Area |
3,555 km² (1,373 sq mi) |
| Elevation Range |
2,130m to 6,885m (Mt. Kanjiroba) |
| Major Rivers |
Lungba Khola, Suligad |
| Vegetation Zones |
Pine forests, alpine meadows, arid steppe |
Wildlife
- Mammals: Snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, Tibetan wolf, musk deer
- Birds: Himalayan griffon, golden eagle, Tibetan snowcock
- Endangered Species: 6 mammal and 29 bird species protected
Trekking Information
| Trek |
Duration |
Difficulty |
| Phoksundo Lake Trek |
7-10 days |
Moderate |
| Shey Gompa Circuit |
12-15 days |
Challenging |
Permit Requirements
- National Park Entry: NPR 3,000 per person (foreigners)
- Restricted Area Permit: Required for Upper Dolpa (USD 500)
- TIMS Card: Mandatory for all trekkers
Best Time to Visit
- Spring: March-May (Wildflowers, stable weather)
- Autumn: September-November (Clear mountain views)
- Winter: Extremely cold with possible snow closures
- Monsoon: June-August (Not recommended)
Cultural Significance
- Home to Bon Po (pre-Buddhist) religious sites
- Ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
- Traditional villages of Dolpa people
Conservation Efforts
| Program |
Details |
| Snow Leopard Conservation |
Camera trapping and research |
| Community Forestry |
Local participation in protection |
| Anti-Poaching Patrols |
Regular monitoring |
Travel Tips
- Pack for extreme temperature variations
- Carry sufficient cash (no ATMs available)
- Respect local religious sites and customs
- Hire local guides for remote routes