The Api Nampa Conservation Area, which measures 1903 square kilometers, was created in 2010. It is located in the Darchula district of the Far Western Development Region. Mt. API and Mt. Nampa are the names of the two mountains that make up the conservation area. The Mahakali River forms the western edge of the protected area. Api Nampa Conservation Area was established to protect the area’s unique biodiversity and cultural history. Api Nampa Conservation Area is Nepal’s newest and maybe best-preserved Conservation Area. You can witness unspoilt landscape and real Nepali culture due to the small number of visitors who have visited that part of Nepal.
Climate: The area’s climate is characterized by heavy rains and high humidity. Along the height gradient, the climatic conditions change. The ANCA’s climate ranges from subtropical to alpine. The majority of the north, which has an alpine climate, is covered with snow. The climate is subtropical in the southern section and valleys.The climate in the Mid-Hills is temperate. The average maximum temperature is 18.60 degrees Celsius, while the average lowest temperature is 7.70 degrees Celsius.
Wildlife: Many prime wildlife habitats exist in ApiNampa Conservation Area due to the different weather conditions and height variance.The Himalayan Tahr, Blue sheep, and Musk deer are all frequent large species in the CA. Other big animals include the common langur, jackal, and a limited number of grey wolves in the Himalayas, as well as the Himalayan black bear, Red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Serow, Himalayan tahr, and ghoral.
Local Population: Local communities have maintained their traditional lifestyles. Agriculture, a collection of medicinal and aromatic plants, and artisanal enterprises are their major sources of income. The Byash are continuing to live in a nomadic way of life. In the summer, they migrate to the high altitude meadows, and in the winter, they migrate to the lower valleys near Darchula town.
How to get there: The towns of Khalanga and Gokuleshwor in Darchula district are the two access points to the preserve. They may be accessible via public transportation through Dadeldhura from Dhangadhi (10-14h drive). The Darchula border crossing point is also open to Indian and Nepalese people.
Facilities: It is recommended that you bring a full first-aid kit with you. In remote regions, there are no longer any medical services. Over the Api Nampa Conservation Area, a cell phone may be accessible. Warm clothes might be beneficial to keep you warm at higher elevations, although moderate hotel rooms are available in the region.
Major Attractions: Snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, common langurs, gorals, Himalayan musk deer, serows, and Himalayan Tahrs are among the animal species found here and Snowcock, blood pheasant, and Himalayan monal are among the species found here. Various forest types coexist in the Api Nampa Conservation Area.
Trekking Routes aroundApi Nampa Conservation Area: Gulzar and Ghusa are on the way from Latinath to Api Base Camp. The journey will take around 304 days. It takes roughly 6-7 days to get from Khalanga to Api Base Camp through Khar, Sipti, and Sitaula. Another path takes 7-8 days from Khalanga to Api base camp, passing via Huti, Sunsera, Rapla, and Byas.
Talking about the protection of this Conservation Area, from species-focused conservation to ecosystem-focused conservation to now landscape-based conservation, the government of Nepal has taken numerous creative methods to biodiversity conservation, emphasizing protection and engagement of local people. The Api Nampa Conservation Area is built on a participatory, integrated conservation and development strategy. Since it is the youngest Conservation Area of Nepal, many people don’t know about this Conservation Area. Hope this article will help in getting some knowledge about the newly formed Api Nampa Conservation Area.
Article written by: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
