Gaurishankar Conservation Area
Gaurishankar Conservation area, the prime habitat of the endangered Red Panda was established in January 2010. This conservation area covering 2179 sq. km. connects the two national parks, Langtang National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. Tourists visit the national parks rarely setting foot in this conservation area due to which there are off-beaten trails here. In 2010, the government of Nepal handed over the management of this area to National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) for 20 years. It is home to endangered species in the lap of Mt. Gaurishankar (7134 m.). Forests and bushes cover 44.5% of the land, cultivation land 8.8%, 2.77% glaciers, and the rest is covered by barren land and others. Tsho Rolpa Lake, Gaurishankar Himal, monasteries, and temples in this area carry great religious importance.
Location
Located in the northeastern corner of central Nepal, Gaurishankar Conservation Area encompasses 22 Village Development committees. 131 km from the countries capital, Kathmandu; lays Charikot, the headquarters of this conservation area. Covering three districts, Ramechhap, Dolakha, and Sindhupalchowk, this area holds great natural significance.
Climate
The elevation ranges from 968 m. to 7181 m. above sea level. We can find Subtropical, Temperate, Sub-alpine, Alpine, and Nival climatic zones in the region.
Getting There
There is road access to major areas within the area. If you are headed to Bhotekoshi, you can take a bus from Kathmandu. Similar to Rolwaling, you can get a bus from Kathmandu to Singati Bazar and 2 hours of walk to Chhetchhet. If you are headed to Everest Base Camp, buses are available from Kathmandu that reach Jiri.
Wildlife and vegetation
There is a variety of wildlife and vegetation in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. We can find 235 species of birds and 34 species of mammals including the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and Himalayan Thar. About 16 varieties of vegetation can be found here.
Local Population at the buffer zone
We can find a vast array of ethnicities in this area. The ethnic groups of Tamang, Sherpa, Chhetri, Newar, Thami, Dalit, Magar, Gurung, Brahman, Sunuwar, and Surel reside in the buffer zones of Gaurishakar Conservation Area. The locals depend on Farming, Pastoralism, Quarrying, and Tourism for their lives.
Things to do
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Peak & Mountain Climbing (Ramdung Peak, 6273m.; Pharchamo Peak,6273 m.; Chekigo Peak, 6257 m.; Yalung Ri Peak Climb, 5630 m.)
- Bungy Jumping
- Canyon Swing
- White Water Rafting
- Canyoning
Places to Visit
- Kalinchowk Bhagawati shrine
- Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake
- Bhotekoshi River
- Bhairav Kunda
- Lamjjura Pass
- Tashi Lapcha
Protected Mammals |
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S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
1 | Red Panda | Ailurus Fulgens |
2 | Musk Deer | Moschus Cyrysogaster |
3 | Snow Leopard | Panthera Uncia |
4 | Pangolin | Manis Pantadactyla |
5 | Assamese Monkey | Macaca Assamensis |
6 | Clouded Leopard | Pardoflis Nebulosa |
7 | Gray Wolf | Canis Lupus |
Protected Birds |
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S.N | English Name | Scientific Name |
1 | Impeyan Pheasant | Lophophorus Impejanus |
2 | Crimson Horned Pheasant | Tragopan Satyra |
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