5 Exotic Animals you can see in the Himalayas of Nepal.
5 Exotic Animals you can see in the Himalayas of Nepal!
The mountain region in Nepal starts from about 4,000 meters above sea level with snow lines occurring from around 5,000 to 5,500 meters. The Himalayan region occupies about 15% of the total land area.
As a matter of fact, out of the fourteen 8,000m peaks in the world, eight of them lie here in Nepal. However, the Himalayas also host one of the harshest and inhospitable environments.
Above 4,000 meters lies the alpine section of Nepal which is covered with ice almost the entire year. Woody and Scrubby vegetation are what one can mostly hope to find until 4,200 meters.
However, above that, there is some soil with a tundra-like connotations.
A while back you could find wild Yaks and giant Tibetan Sheep galloping in masses in the Himalayan Wilderness but, that is a rare sight to see these days.
Frigid Temperatures, Harsh Winds, Steep Slopes and not to mention Low Oxygen Levels truly forces the survival of the fittest.
Are these the areas where the mythical Yeti still reside?
We don’t know that yet. But here are a few exotic animals that reside in the Himalayas that we do know about.
1. Snow Leopard
These majestic cats are a sight to behold. Also known as the Ghost of the Mountain, Snow Leopards are somewhat introverted.
Likewise, they are covered in thick yellowish fur adorned with black and brown spots which not only helps them stand the frigid temperatures but also helps them blend right into the surroundings.
Snow Leopards adore rough, steep, and stony landscapes with canyons to hide in. Gokyo Valley and Upper Mustang have been recent hotspots for these endangered cats.
Surprisingly, Snow Leopards have been spotted as high as 4,500 meters.
2. Red Panda
Pandas no matter what color or breed is one of the most cuddlesome creatures to look at.
Red Pandas are small yet magnificent creatures with reddish-brown fur, long tail, and black belly.
With their body roughly the size of a domestic cat and the head of a panda these furry creatures can sleep for up to 17 hours a day and are nocturnal.
They mostly reside in temperate forests while moving to lower regions during the winter.
Red Panda sightings have been reported in Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, and more. So when you’re out on one of these expeditions try to locate these animals on Bamboo trees.
3. Musk Deer
Another exotic but endangered animal of the Himalayas, the Musk Deer can be easily identified by their trademark canine tusks and aroma.
These shy animals tend to stay as far from humans as possible. They are nocturnal and somewhat crepuscular.
However, these white-bellied creatures have been enlisted as endangered due to illegal poaching for their musk pods which have commercial and medical value.
Nevertheless, you can spot these magnificent creatures as you pass through the forested surroundings of the Everest region, Annapurna region, Manang Valley, and more.
4. Himalayan Thar
Local to the Himalayas of Northern India, Nepal, and Southern Tibet, Himalayan Thars can be found at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,200 meters.
Covered with thick furry copper brown coats which help keep their body warm, their legs are equipped with rubbery hooves that help them scale the steep mountain slopes.
Likewise, these distant relatives of wild goats often walk in a group of twenty to thirty, and the males clash with one another to get the females.
While passing through the Himalayas, there’s a certainty that you’ll spot at least one Himalayan Thar.
Similarly, you can find them in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Sagarmatha National Park.
5. Himalayan Marmot
Another cute and exotic animal that you’ll get to see here is the Himalayan Marmot.
Himalayan Marmots are one of the highest-dwelling mammals in the world and are typically found between 3,500 to 5,200 meters above sea level.
Unlike other cold-climate animals, they are found in dry and open habitats with shrubs and meadows.
Chocolate brown furs with yellow-white patches on the chest and faces are their distinctive features.
Likewise, the Himalayan Marmot can be found across the upper Himalayan trail in Nepal.
Asides from the above-mentioned exotic animals, you can also find the Himalayan Blue Sheep, Kiangs, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boars, and more.
If you love exotic high mountain animals, and you’re trekking through Nepal, you can contact us at +9779852076345 or info@lekhbesi.com.
