The park provides prime habitat for snow leopard and blue sheep. The blue sheep are mainly concentrated around Shey Gomba and Dolphu. Other common animals found in the park are; goral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, and languor and rhesus monkeys.
The park is equally rich in birds. The commonly seen birds are Impeyan pheasant (danphe). blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, red and yellow-billed choughs, raven jungle crow, show partridge and many others.
Seasons
Spring season (March-May) usually has fine weather although high passes still remain covered with the winter snow. Being located behind the main Himalayan range, the park is little affected by monsoon rain from June until September and weather usually remains clear. The alpine flowers are at their best color during the months. The winter temperatures drop below 0 C. Occasional heavy snowfall in mid-winter closes the trails for several days.
Local Communities
There are several settlements in the park, totaling an approximate population of 2000. The peoples' lifestyle and culture are still strongly reminiscent of Tibet. Local inhabitants believe in the Buddhist religion but the community of Phoksundo area practices Bon, a pre-Buddhist sect. Almost all villages have their own communal gompas.
The local economy is heavily based on agriculture, growing mainly potatoes, buckwheat, mustard, beans and some barley. Animal husbandry is a main source of food and wool for weaving clothes. Trading is done with Tibet, exchanging food grains for salt and wool.
Places of Interest
Shey are is interesting for religions and wildlife. Phoksundo Lake also known as Ringmo Lake, is the most interesting site of the park. The lake is drained by a waterfall from a height of nearly 150 m. making it the highest waterfall in the country.
- There are a few Buddhist monasteries near the lake in Ringmo and Pugmo villages.
- There are a few Buddhist monasteries near the lake in Ringmo and Pugmo villages.
How to Get There
The easiest and shortest route to reach the park is to fly to Jufal airstrip in Dolpa from Nepalgunj or Pokhara. From there, it is an easy one day walk to reach the park guardpost at Suligad and three days walk to reach park HQ. at Sumduwa.
Alternate routes are to fly to Jumla and trek about one week to the park. An adventurous route begins in Dhorpatan crossing several high passes before reaching Dunai, the District HQ. of Dolpa.
Park Regulations
All visitors must pay a park entry fee at Ankhe- guard post of park HQ or at National Parks' ticketing counter at the Dep. of Immigration in Kathmandu.
- Adults RS. 650/-
- Children (below 10 years) Free
- Be sure to keep your entry permit as it might be checked later by park personnel.
- Flora and fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
- Visitors should be self-sufficient in fuel supply entering the park. Use of firewood is strictly prohibited.
- Rubbish must be buried or disposed of in a designated place.
- Movement in the park between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
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