The fauna of one of the most famous trekking destination of Nepal. The animals of the Khumbu region are like jewels in the crown of Khumbu’s natural beauty. Along with an amazing Himalayan tapestry and the unique culture and tradition of the people, the Khumbu region also has a wide array of fauna present that ornaments the land. While undergoing trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal, people are likely to encounter glimpses of these unique fauna that makes the trekking journey more pleasant than it already is. Rich in alpine vegetation and a lush growth of variegated foliages that adorn the trekking trail, the animals of the Khumbu region are beautiful and breath-taking to look at. With the inclusion of the Sagarmatha National Park along the trekking trail, trekkers and travelers are presented with winsome emerald woodlands and the flow of ebullient rivers that make trekking journeys an absolute joy to undergo. Here are some unique animals of the Khumbu region that trekkers might catch glimpses of while trudging on the trekking path.
The Himalayan Monal
The Himalayan Monal, also known as the Impeyan Pheasant, is the national bird of Nepal. In the country, it is called the Danphe bird. The male Danphe birds have multicolored plumages throughout their body, while the female Himalayan Monals are straw colored. The long metallic green chest, coppery feathers on the back and the neck and a prominent white rump when the bird is in flight makes for amazing observations of the Himalayan Monals. These birds have a habitat at Sagarmatha National Park at Khumbu and the trekking trail sometimes sees these colorful birds in flight or roosting on trees.
Blood Pheasants
This relatively small, short-tailed pheasants look similar to female Himalayan Monals, except for a prominent feature of red plumes on the breast, head and tail sets them a bit apart from Danphes. A deep tincture of crimson decorates the bird’s body, making it look like blobs of blood are scattered on the body. They are found on higher elevations during the summer and when heavy snow sets in during winter, they move to the lowlands. Generally found on the scrub acreages near the snowline, blood pheasants are remarkable to look at.
The Musk Deer
The white-bellied Musk Deer or the Himalayan Musk Deer are found on the Himalayan terrains of Khumbu. Listed as endangered by the IUCN, the Musk Deer is protected by law and conserved on national parks. During the day, they tend to hide in dense covers of foliage and behave shyly and are secretive. Beautiful and graceful to look at, the Musk Deer can be seen sprinting in the distance on the trekking trails at Khumbu.
Snow Leopards
This majestic animal is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Inhabiting alpine woodlands growing on ranging elevations of 3,000 to 4,500 meters, Snow Leopards show adaptations for living in cold, mountainous environments. While on the snowy trekking trail in the Khumbu region, one might catch elusive and rare glimpse of these magnificent big cats.
The Himalayan Black Bear
Found on terrains ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 feet near timberlines, the Himalayan Black Bear is an exciting sight to look at, if you are lucky to come across them while trekking on the trails going through Sagarmatha National Park at Khumbu. They are also known as the Moon Bear because of their distinct white patch on the chest that has the shape of the letter V.
The Himalayan Thar
Native to the Himals of Nepal, Himalayan Thars are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Due to hunting and habitat loss, their population is declining. They are generally found on slopes ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 meters, especially at Khumbu’s remote acreages.
Langur Monkeys
Found in forests at the altitudes of 1,500 to 4,000 meters, Langur Monkeys tend to hang around on the trees of the woodland. These monkeys have long and strong legs that help them jump from tree branch to tree branch with ease. With big eyes that look doe-like, these monkeys pull on the heart strings of observers. They also can be quite notorious, yet amazing to look at.
Martens
Martens are weasel-like animals that occupy subtropical and alpine forests of the Himalayas. Martens are carnivorous animals and during the winter, their diet also includes the musk deer. Yellow-throated Martens usually occupy the woodlands in Khumbu, and they have bright yellow colorations on their throat and generally have an unpleasant odor. They can be found scurrying around on the forest floors and trekkers might catch brief glimpses of these animals as they swiftly scatter away from sight.
Himalayan Yaks
Yaks are synonymous to life at the Himalayas and they tend to look like hairy mammoths. Immensely important to the people living in the Himalayas, nothing of the Yaks is wasted. Beside a form of transport, Yaks are used as food. Their horns are used as cutting implements or for decorations. Yak milk is used for butter and yogurt. Most of the meals in the mountains are cooked on a traditional yak dung stove. Their fur is used for warm clothes. Yaks hold a religious important to the people of Khumbu as well.
Red Pandas
A solitary animal, Red Pandas are largely sedentary animals during the day. Classified as endangered by the IUCN, Red Pandas are protected by national laws and conserved on national parks. Closely related to the giant panda, Red Pandas inhabit the temperate forests of the Himalayas. Trekkers might have a look of these wonderful animals while going through the trekking trails at Sagarmatha National Park.
