Chhayanath National Park
| Chhayanath National Park | |
|---|---|
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IUCN category II (national park) | |
| File:Chhayanath National Park.jpg Landscape of Chhayanath National Park | |
Map showing the location of Chhayanath National Park  Chhayanath National Park | |
| Location | Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality, Mugu District, Karnali Province, Nepal |
| Nearest city | Gamgadhi |
| Coordinates | 29°33′00″N 82°10′00″E / 29.55°N 82.166667°ECoordinates: 29°33′00″N 82°10′00″E / 29.55°N 82.166667°E Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. |
| Area | 843 km2 (325 sq mi) |
| Established | 2025 |
| Governing body | Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
Chhayanath National Park (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a national park in the high Himalayas of north-western Nepal. It is located entirely within the Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality of Mugu District in Karnali Province. The park was officially established in 2025, becoming the thirteenth national park of Nepal.[1]
The park protects a remote mountainous landscape characterized by rugged terrain, alpine ecosystems, and sparsely populated settlements. It is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation under the Ministry of Forests and Environment. Chhayanath National Park is named after the Chhayanath pilgrimage site, which holds cultural and religious significance for local residents.
Geography
Chhayanath National Park covers an area of approximately 843 km² in the northern part of Mugu District. The protected area consists of rugged high-altitude terrain characteristic of the Trans-Himalayan region. Before its declaration as a national park, the area formed part of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The separation was carried out to improve conservation management and administrative accessibility for local communities.[2]
History
Local residents of Mugum Karmarong had long demanded a separate national park due to difficulties in accessing park services under Shey Phoksundo National Park, whose headquarters are located several days’ walk away. Following repeated appeals from local representatives and conservation authorities, the Government of Nepal approved the establishment of Chhayanath National Park through a Cabinet decision in 2025.[3]
Conservation and management
The park is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation under the Ministry of Forests and Environment. Its establishment aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, enhance government presence in the remote Himalayan region, and promote sustainable eco-tourism while safeguarding local livelihoods.[4]
Cultural significance
The park is named after the **Chhayanath pilgrimage site**, which holds cultural and religious importance for local communities. Seasonal pilgrimages and traditional practices remain an integral part of life in the region, and the park designation acknowledges the coexistence of cultural heritage and nature conservation.[5]
See also
- List of protected areas of Nepal
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Rara National Park
References
- ↑ "Government declares Chhayanath National Park". Ratopati. 2025-09-06. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "New national park formed by separating area from Shey Phoksundo". Onlinekhabar. 2025-09-07. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Creation of Chhayanath National Park welcomed by locals". Himalayan Tribune. 2025-09-06. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Chhayanath becomes Nepal's newest national park". Tourism Mail. 2025-09-08. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Chhayanath National Park named after historic pilgrimage site". Tourism Mail. 2025-09-05. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
External links
Geography and Boundaries
Chhayanath National Park covers a core area of approximately 843 km² with an additional buffer zone of around 177 km². It was created by separating land previously administered as part of Shey Phoksundo National Park within the Mugum Karmarong area, to improve local management and accessibility. The park lies in rugged high-mountain terrain and borders Shey-Phoksundo to the west and north.
The park’s boundaries are defined by prominent ridges, river valleys, and peaks in the region, with the northern boundary extending toward the Nepal–China (Tibet) international border.
History
The area that is now Chhayanath National Park was formerly part of the extensive Shey Phoksundo National Park in Dolpa and Mugu districts. Due to administrative challenges and the remote location of Shey Phoksundo’s headquarters in Dolpa District, local communities had to undertake multi-day journeys to access park services and engage with conservation management. Persistent requests by the residents of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality to establish a separate protected area led to the creation of the new park.
Biodiversity
Chhayanath National Park encompasses a range of alpine and subalpine ecosystems typical of the high Himalayas. Although formal biodiversity surveys are ongoing, the region is known to host diverse wildlife including **snow leopards**, **Himalayan blue sheep (naur)**, **Himalayan tahr**, **musk deer**, and various pheasant species such as **danfe** and **munal**. The landscape also supports populations of other mountain ungulates, carnivores, and high-altitude bird species, contributing to its ecological importance.
Cultural Significance
The park area takes its name from the nearby **Chhayanath pilgrimage site**, an important cultural and religious location for local communities, with traditions tying it to ancient Himalayan worship. The site sits at high elevation and attracts visitors during seasonal fairs and festivals, and its inclusion within park boundaries highlights the integration of cultural heritage with conservation objectives.
Conservation and Management
Chhayanath National Park is managed by the **Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation** under Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment. Establishing the park aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, enhance anti-poaching efforts, improve service delivery for local communities, and foster opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism and local economic development.
See also
- List of protected areas of Nepal
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Rara National Park
References
External links
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