Shey Phoksundo National Park is located in the mountain region of Western Nepal, covering parts of Dolpa and Mugu Districts of Nepal. It was established in the year 2040 B.S. (1984 AD.). It is the largest national park of the Nepal with an area of 3555 sq. km that represents trans-Himalayan eco-system with its typical Tibetan type of flora and fauna.
It was established to preserve a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with a diversity of flora and fauna. Various kinds of vegetation and birds are found here. This park has spread towards both north and south sides of the Himalayans. It provides a diversity of spectacular landscapes. Much of the parts of this park lies north of the Himalayan crest.
Shey- Phoksundo national park is interesting and attractive for religions and wildlife. Phoksundo Lake is the most interesting site of the park which is also known as Ringmo Lake. Phoksundo Lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and its spectacular scenery. The major rivers in this park are the Khung, Nmajung and Panjang, The Suligad and Jugdual Rivers (major tributaries of the Thuli Bheri River), and the Langu Rilver.
The important trees of the park are blue pine, birch and spruce. This park provides prime habitat for snow leopard and blue sheep. The blue sheep are mainly concentrated around Shey Gomba and Dolpo.
The wildlife of the park is blue sheep, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, snow leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan thar, ghoral, serow, Himalayan mouse, hare, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, langur and rhesus monkeys.etc. This is the main habitat of the wild animals like Himalayan leopard, Tibetan rabbit, ‘naur’ etc. similarly there are some glaciers and snow capped mountain ranges also.
There is Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s second largest lake in the middle part of the park lies at 3660 m in the upper reaches of Suligad. There are Shey Gumba (Monastery) and other Buddhist monasteries also. These monasteries are taken as the centre of religious education, cultural conduct and discipline for Tibetan Buddhist followers.
The park is also rich in birds’ species. The major seen birds are Danfe (Impeyan pheasant), blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, red and yellow-billed choughs, raven jungle crow, show partridge etc.
