Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey-phoksundo National Park is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of northwest Nepal. It is Nepal’s largest National Park covering an area of 3,555 km2. It was established in 1984 to preserve a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with a diversity of flora and fauna. The Park’s climatic differences, altitude variations, and different zoo-geographical regions support a diverse range of biotic systems. In 1998, an area of 1349 km2 surrounding the park was declared as buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands. The buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Together they initiate community development activities and manage the natural and cultural resources.

Features

1. The elevation of the park ranges from 2130 m to 6885 m.
2. Shey- Phoksundo Lake, situated at an elevation of 3612 m. is the main feature of the park.
3. It covers an area of 3555 sq. km.
4. Less than five percent of the park is forested, with much of it lying in the southern portion
5. The park provides habitat for over 200 species of birds, six reptiles, 29 species of butterfly, including the highest-flying butterfly in the world, Paralasa nepalaica. and many endangered mammals like snow leopard, Himalayan thar, grey wolf, etc.
6. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago to conserve wildlife.

Entry Fees, Permits and Restrictions

Park entry permit must be obtained to enter protected areas. Park entry fees may be paid at Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the entry points

• An entry fee of Rs. 3000 (Foreigner), Rs. 1500 (SAARC Nationals), Rs.100 (Nepali) and Rs 25 Tourist porters should be charged at the specified ticket counter.
• Valid entry permits are available from the National parks ticket counter at the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu or Park entrance gate at Manjo.
• The entry permit is non-refundable, non-transferable and is for a single entry only.
• Entering the park without a permit is illegal. Park personnel may ask for the permit, so visitors are requested to keep the permit with them.
• Get a special permit for documentary/filming from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)
• Documentary/filming fee of US$1500 (Foreigner) Rs.50,000 (SAARC Nationals) and Rs.10000 (Nepali) should be paid at DNPWC. Additional 25% should be paid for using drone while filming.
• Drone (UAV) fee is same as documentary/filming fee while using for other purposes.
• Do not remove or harm plants and animals. All flora and fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
• Rubbish must be placed out, buried or disposed of in designated areas.
• No one should walk within the park between sunset and sunrise.
• Do respect the cultural and religious sites.
• visitors should be self-sufficient in fuel supply (Kerosene/LP gas)
• Camping inside the park should be made only in the designated areas.
• Carry out non-biodegradable items such as batteries, plastic bags, and bottles.
• Mountain bikes and motorcycles are prohibited inside the park.
• Never trek alone, hire a local guide if you can’t find a companion.

Nearest Airport

1. Talcha Airport
2. Simikot airport
3. Jumla Airport
4. Nepalgunj Airport

Traveller’s tips

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