Flora and Fauna of Shey Phoksundo National Park
Discover the Rich Biodiversity of the Himalayas
Explore the vibrant ecosystems of Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to rare Himalayan wildflowers, medicinal herbs, and diverse wildlife, from elusive snow leopards to colorful songbirds, thriving in pristine alpine landscapes.
Flora
Colorful wildflowers in the park’s alpine meadows
Vibrant wildflower landscape in alpine meadow
Vibrant wildflower landscapes
Alpine Meadows
The expansive alpine meadows of Shey Phoksundo National Park are adorned with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning and colorful scene across the high-altitude landscapes.
- Key Species: Edelweiss, Gentians, Primroses
- Location: High-altitude meadows
Highlights:
- Covered in vibrant wildflowers like edelweiss, gentians, and primroses
- Creates a stunning visual scene
Rhododendrons in full bloom during spring
Rhododendron blooms on park slopes
Colorful spring blooms
Rhododendrons
In spring, various rhododendron species bloom across the slopes of Shey Phoksundo National Park, adding vivid hues to the park’s natural beauty.
- Bloom Season: Spring
- Location: Park slopes
Highlights:
- Variety of species lend vivid hues
- Enhances the park’s natural beauty
Juniper forests supporting diverse fauna
Ecologically significant forests
Juniper Forests
Juniper forests dominate the lower altitudes of Shey Phoksundo National Park, supporting a diverse range of fauna and contributing to the park’s unique ecology.
- Location: Lower altitudes
Highlights:
- Supports a diverse range of fauna
- Contributes to the park’s distinct ecology
Blue Pine trees in the park’s lower valleys
Lower valley conifer
Blue Pine
Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) forests in the lower valleys of Shey Phoksundo National Park provide habitat for various plant and animal species, enriching the park’s biodiversity.
- Scientific Name: Pinus wallichiana
- Location: Lower valleys
Highlights:
- Provides habitat for diverse species
- Key conifer in the park’s lower valleys
Spruce trees in the park’s lower valleys
Spruce forest in lower valley habitat
High-altitude conifer
Spruce
Spruce forests, likely Picea smithiana, are found in the lower valleys of Shey Phoksundo National Park, supporting a variety of plant and animal species and contributing to the park’s biodiversity.
- Scientific Name: Picea smithiana (likely)
- Location: Lower valleys
Highlights:
- Supports diverse plant and animal species
- Important component of the park’s forest ecosystem
Fauna
The elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat
Snow leopard patrolling Himalayan slopes
Apex predator of the Himalayas
Snow Leopard
Shey Phoksundo National Park is a critical habitat for the elusive snow leopard, an apex predator symbolizing the wildness of the Himalayan region.
- Role: Apex predator
- Significance: Symbol of Himalayan wildness
Highlights:
- Elusive and rare species
- Key predator in the park’s ecosystem
Himalayan blue sheep navigating rugged terrain
Himalayan blue sheep in rocky habitat
Agile prey species
Himalayan Blue Sheep
Himalayan blue sheep, often seen in the park’s rugged terrain, are agile and sure-footed, serving as a primary prey species for predators like snow leopards and Tibetan wolves.
- Habitat: Rugged terrain
- Role: Prey for snow leopards and wolves
Highlights:
- Quick and sure-footed creatures
- Essential supply of prey for predators
Musk deer in the forested areas
Musk deer in park’s forested habitat
Target of historical poaching
Musk Deer
The park hosts musk deer, valued for their musk glands, which have made them a target of poaching in the past.
- Threat: Poaching for musk glands
Highlights:
- Valued for prized musk glands
- Protected within the national park
Tibetan wolf patrolling the park
Tibetan wolf in high-altitude terrain
Essential ecosystem balancer
Tibetan Wolf
The Tibetan wolf, highly adapted to the high altitudes, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance as a predator in the park.
- Role: Predator maintaining balance
- Adaptation: High-altitude specialist
Highlights:
- Highly adapted predator
- Essential for ecological equilibrium
Best Time to Visit
Plan your adventure for Spring (March–May) to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, or Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and stunning views. Winter (December–February) brings harsh, snowy conditions, making trekking challenging. Monsoon (June–August) has less rain due to the rain-shadow effect, but trails can still be difficult.