Api Nampa Conservation Area

Api Nampa Conservation Area was established in 2010 with the objectives of conserving the unique flora, fauna, and biodiversity, perpetuating an ecosystem of the Darchula district, and enhancement of socio-economic condition of the local people. It is located in province number 7 of Nepal. It covers 1903 km2 of the Darchula district. Due to extreme contrasts in climate and geography, it has a unique topography ranging from lowlands with sub-tropical vegetation to arctic conditions in the Himalayan highlands. The Api Nampa Conservation Area is located between 290 30’ to 310 15′ North Latitude and 800 22′ to 810 09′ East Longitude.

The Api Nampa Conservation Area includes 5 Rural Municipalities (Byas, Apihimal, Dunhu, Naugad, and Marma) and parts of Mahakali Municipality (ward no. 1, ward no. 2, and part of ward no. 3) with 25 conservation area user committees and 1 conservation area management council. The conservation area has different ethnic groups like Sauka, Thakuri, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Brahmin, Chhetri, etc.

Major Flora and Fauna of Api Nampa Conservation Area

Api Nampa Conservation Area recognized for its tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Red panda (Ailurus fulgens), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Ghoral (Nemorhaedus goral), Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Common langur (Presbytis entellus), Jackal (Canis aureus), Grey wolf (Canis lupus), Serow (Capricornis thar) are among the important wildlife found in the conservation area. National bird Daphne (Lophopherus impejanus), Cheer (Catreus wallichii) as well as Munal (Crimson spp) are found in higher Himalayan range. Temperate zone is the main habitat of herpeto-fauna. The Conservation area is characterized by subtropical to alpine vegetation. Common plant species include Shorea robusta, Pinus spp., Rhododendron spp., Cedrus deodara, Betula utilis, Quercus spp, and Abies spectabilis etc. Major medicinal plants are Panchaunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), Kutki (Neopicrorhiza scrophulariflora), Yarsagumbu (Cordyceps sinensis), Jatamansi (Nardostachys grandiflora), Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentine) and Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatamansi) etc.

Api Nampa Conservation Area Climate 

The climate of Api Nampa Conservation Area is generally characterized by high rainfall and humidity and climatic condition varies along with the elevation gradient from subtropical to alpine. In the north, most of the parts remain under snow characterizing the alpine climate. In the southern part and valleys, the climate is subtropical while, Mid-hills have a temperate type. The average maximum temperature is 18.6°C and the minimum temperature is 7.7°C with an average rainfall of 2129 mm. Most precipitation falls between May and September. Average annual rainfall range from 1,200mm-2,000mm, with nearly 80% of the total annual rainfall falling during the four months of the monsoon, from June to September. All areas experience very high rainfall intensities, ranging between estimates of 125mm-350mmfor 24 hour periods, at times. Within its elevation range of 1800m to 6500m, there are limited subtropical valleys in the southern margin, although most of the area is ecologically temperate or highland. Cold, generally dry climate exists in the high alpine valleys just north of the southern arm of the Himalaya that cuts across the bottom of Darchula.

Api Nampa Conservation Area Major Attractions

• Api Himal (7132m), Nampa (6757m) and Byas (6670m)
• Panthera uncia, Moschus chrysogaster, Ailurus fulgens, Lophophorus impejanus, Tragopan satyra, Catreus wallichii
• The holy place of Byas
• Religious Place Marma and Dunhu
• Byasi (Sauka) culture

Accommodation

Few hotels and tea shops are available in the conservation area. Warm clothing would be beneficial to keep tourists warm in higher altitudes.

How to Get into Api Nampa Conservation Area

There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Dhangadi. Bus service is available from Dhangadi to the ANCA headquarter at Khalanga, Darchula. Next route is Mahendranagar -Tanakpur-Pithauragad- Dharchula, India. Visitors can reach Darchula, Nepal within 15 minutes walk from Dharchula, India.

Major tracking routes in Api Nampa Conservation Area

1. Khalanga(Darchula)-Huti-Sunsera-Rapla-Byas- Api base camp (7-8 days).
2. Khalanga-Khar-Sipti-Sitaula-Api base camp (6-7 days).
3. Latinath-Gulzar-Ghusa-Api base camp ( 3-4 day).

The general code of conduct

Follow the minimum impact code while trekking so that you and your host (local nature and people) benefit for indefinite years to come. Because what you benefit from a particular tourism destination at present and future largely depends on how you impact the local environment and culture.

Safety Precaution

• A first aid kit is recommended to carry by the visitors for their own safety.
• Visitors should be alert from the wildlife inside the area.

Stop pollution

• Carry out what you carry in.
• Buy only what won’t pollute, or carry it out.
• Use safe drinking water (purify water yourself).
• Minimize the use of polythene/ plastic materials.

Conservation Area Regulations

• An entry fee of NRs. 3000.00 (foreigners) and an additional 13% VAT should be paid to either the Api Nampa Conservation Area’s ticket counter at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, or Conservation Area headquarter, Darchula before processing the journey. The entry permit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and is for a single entry only.
• Get a special permit for documentary/filming from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
• Camping inside the conservation area should be done only at designated areas.
• Do not injure or kill animals and uproot plants. All flora and fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
• Do respect cultural and religious sites.
• Rubbish must be packed out, buried, or disposed of in designated areas.
• Carry out non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags.