Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer zone area (previously conservation area) was established in 1992. This park administered and managed by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Government of Nepal and supported by The Mountain Institute's initiative, is an innovative conservation model that integrates protected area management and community development.
A new park management approach encourages local people to become actively involved in protecting the forests and natural resources upon which their lives depend, and conserving their own rich cultural heritage. Traditional resource management systems, such as community controlled grazing and forest guardianship, are being strengthened and low technologies introduced where appropriate.From tropical forests along the Arun River to icy mountain summits, Nepal's Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer zone, covering 1500 + 830 sq, km. is the only protected area on earth with an elevation gain of 8,000m. The skyline is panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8,463m) fifth highest mountain in the world and fourth highest in Nepal. Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129m). Mera Peak (6,654m) and Nepal known as peak hill.Makalu-Barun area falls in the eastern Himalayan climatic regime where monsoon starts early (June) and stays longer than in west Nepal (until late September). The climate is generally described as monsoon type, where more than 70% of the precipitation occurs between June and September. Pre monsoon rain is common during the month of April and May, an important factor in biomes production. No reliable records of climatic data represent the entire area- Great variations in temperature and precipitation can be expected due to extreme difference in altitude, slope and aspect within the area.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Shey-Phoksundo National Park
Shey-phoksundo Narional 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.Shey Phoksundo National Park provides a diversity of spectacular landscapes. Elevations in the park range from 2,130m in Ankhe to 6,883m at the summit of Kanjiroba Himal. Much of the park lies north of the Himalayan crest. Nepal’s deepest and second largest lake, Phoksundo Lake, lies in upper regions of Suligad. Near the lake’s outlet is the country’s highest waterfall. The major rivers in the park are the Khung, Nmajung and Panjang, 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.Phoksundo Lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and te spectacular scenery clearly rank it with the most scenic mountain parks in the world. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. The Park contain many Gompas (Monasteries) and religious area. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago to conserve wildlife. | |
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park is the fourth national park in nepal and was established in 1976 as the first himalayan national park. The protected area exceeds an altitudinal range of 6,450 metres (21,160 ft) and covers an area of 1710 km2 in the nuwak rasuwa and sindhupalchok districts of the central Himalayan region .
The northern and eastern border of the national park coincide with the international border to the Tibet. The western boundary follows the rivers Bhote Kosi and Trisuli. The southern border lies 32 km north of the kathmandu valley. The rugged summits of Langtang lirung with an elevation of 7,227 metres (23,711 ft) and Dorje lakpa (6,966 metres (22,854 ft)) are included in the national park as well as the high altitude sacred lake of Gasainkunda.Already in 1970 a royal approval designated the establishment of Langtang National Park as the first protected area in the Himalayas. The national park was gazetted in 1976 and extended by a buffer zone of 420 km2 in 1998.The climate of the park is dominated by the southwest summer monsoon.. Temperatures vary greatly due to the extreme difference in altitude in the entire area. Most of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. In fall (October – November) and spring (April – May), days are warm and sunny, and nights cool. In spring, rain at 3000 m elevation often turns to snow at higher elevations. In winter from December to March, days are clear and mild but nights near freezing.
The northern and eastern border of the national park coincide with the international border to the Tibet. The western boundary follows the rivers Bhote Kosi and Trisuli. The southern border lies 32 km north of the kathmandu valley. The rugged summits of Langtang lirung with an elevation of 7,227 metres (23,711 ft) and Dorje lakpa (6,966 metres (22,854 ft)) are included in the national park as well as the high altitude sacred lake of Gasainkunda.Already in 1970 a royal approval designated the establishment of Langtang National Park as the first protected area in the Himalayas. The national park was gazetted in 1976 and extended by a buffer zone of 420 km2 in 1998.The climate of the park is dominated by the southwest summer monsoon.. Temperatures vary greatly due to the extreme difference in altitude in the entire area. Most of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. In fall (October – November) and spring (April – May), days are warm and sunny, and nights cool. In spring, rain at 3000 m elevation often turns to snow at higher elevations. In winter from December to March, days are clear and mild but nights near freezing.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Khaptad National Park
Khaptad is Nepal's newest national park,
receiving its designation only in 1985. It consists of 225 sq. km of forest and grassland, and lies on a plateau where the districts of Bhajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet. The forest comprise a mixture of tall fir, yew, rhododendron and oak along with dense stands of bamboo and numerous shrubs, and represents one of the last remaining such areas in the lower Himalaya. The vegetation provides a natural habitat for healthy population of wildlife, including the musk and barking deer, bears various birds including the impedance pleasant. One flower. Known as Bheeg and resembling a white rose, grows in several parts of the park. It is said to be so poisonous that single sniff from close up can be lethal !
receiving its designation only in 1985. It consists of 225 sq. km of forest and grassland, and lies on a plateau where the districts of Bhajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet. The forest comprise a mixture of tall fir, yew, rhododendron and oak along with dense stands of bamboo and numerous shrubs, and represents one of the last remaining such areas in the lower Himalaya. The vegetation provides a natural habitat for healthy population of wildlife, including the musk and barking deer, bears various birds including the impedance pleasant. One flower. Known as Bheeg and resembling a white rose, grows in several parts of the park. It is said to be so poisonous that single sniff from close up can be lethal !
Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri is a mountain in the north of Kathmandu valley. It falls inside Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Very close to capital Kathmandu, Shivapuri is a dense forest with many wild animals and birds. It is very suitable for day hikes and or short treks to people who do not have much time to travel outside Kathmandu. Although close to Kathmandu, Shivapuri trek offers a great experience as you can view a great landscape and various snowcapped mountains during the trek. There are waterfalls, religious shrines and other places of interest in the trekking areas. You can also intermingle with various ethnic communities that settle in the brink of Kathmandu valley and enjoy their warm hospitality during the trek. Itineraries can be tailor made to suit your needs. Treks for as short as one day to over one week can be organised in Shivapuri and other mountains around Kathmandu. Here is a sample itinerary.
Rara National Park
Rara National Park is located in northwest Nepal, about 500 Kilometers from Kathmandu. Most of the park including Lake Rara lies in Mugu district, with a small area in Jumla district too. Rara National Park is the smallest park in Nepal (106 sq. km) but ironically includes the biggest lake in Nepal called Rara Lake (10.8 sq. km) at an elevation of 2990 m. The lake is oval shaped and has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km. The idea of the park was conceived way back in the year in 1967 but was much delayed. The elevation of the park ranges from 1800 meters at its lowest point to 4048 meters. The river valley that cuts through a ridge forms the natural boundary to the park.
Typical of mountains, the flora of the park comprises mainly coniferous trees. Somewhat similar to the Sagarmatha National Park, the area around the lake is dominated by Blue Pine up to 3200 meters. Some of the other plants that are common in Rara National Park include Rhododendrons, Black Juniper, Himalayan Spruce, Oak and Himalayan Cypress. Above this elevation a mixed Coniferous forest of Pine, Spruce and Fir replaces the vegetation. At about 3350 meters they give way to Fir, Oak and Birch forest.
As far as the fauna of Rara National Park is concerned, it serves as an ideal habitat for Musk deer. They can be found in abundance in every part of the National Park. Some of the other animals that are commonly found in Rara National Park include Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Musk Deer, Goral, Jackal, Himalayan Tar, Yellow Throated Marten, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Languor, Rhesus Macaque and Otter. Among the birds, the most common species that are found in the Rara National Park are Gallinaceous Birds and Migrant Waterfowls. Coots can be found plentiful in the lake, year round. Some of the other species that have a sizeable population in the Rara National Park include Great-crested and Black-necked Grebes, Red-crested pilchards, Mallard, Common Teal, Merganser, Gulls, Snow Cock and Partridges.
Typical of mountains, the flora of the park comprises mainly coniferous trees. Somewhat similar to the Sagarmatha National Park, the area around the lake is dominated by Blue Pine up to 3200 meters. Some of the other plants that are common in Rara National Park include Rhododendrons, Black Juniper, Himalayan Spruce, Oak and Himalayan Cypress. Above this elevation a mixed Coniferous forest of Pine, Spruce and Fir replaces the vegetation. At about 3350 meters they give way to Fir, Oak and Birch forest.
As far as the fauna of Rara National Park is concerned, it serves as an ideal habitat for Musk deer. They can be found in abundance in every part of the National Park. Some of the other animals that are commonly found in Rara National Park include Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Musk Deer, Goral, Jackal, Himalayan Tar, Yellow Throated Marten, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Languor, Rhesus Macaque and Otter. Among the birds, the most common species that are found in the Rara National Park are Gallinaceous Birds and Migrant Waterfowls. Coots can be found plentiful in the lake, year round. Some of the other species that have a sizeable population in the Rara National Park include Great-crested and Black-necked Grebes, Red-crested pilchards, Mallard, Common Teal, Merganser, Gulls, Snow Cock and Partridges.
Barbia National Park
Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park situated in Nepal’s Western Terai was established to protect representative ecosystems and conserve tiger and its prey species. Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. When this area was protected, approximately 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999. What makes a visit to Nepal's Royal Bardia National Park particularly special is not just its large and intact habitat area and its isolated location, but also the presence here of one of the last known herds of wild Elephants in South Asia. The herd, numbering less than two dozen, roams these remote jungles in western Nepal.
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