Api Nampa Conservation Area

The Api Nampa Conservation Area is located between 290 30’ to 310 15′ North Latitude and 800 22′ to 810 09′ East Longitude. It is located in the province number 7 of Nepal. It covers 1903 km2 of the Darchula district. Api-Nampa Conservation Area is Nepal’s youngest conservation area and maybe also the best preserved.

Due to the few numbers of tourists that have reached this area of Nepal. You can experience untouched nature and authentic Nepali traditions. The conservation area is named after Mount Nampa (6757 m) and Mount Api (7132 m), Far West highest mountain. Between these peaks, a central plateau of grassland is located. The grassland has a mixed variety of oaks, pine forests, and temperate deciduous forests.

The diverse climatic conditions and altitudinal variation of the area have provided habitats for many rare and threatened wildlife species, including the snow leopard and the musk deer.

The Conservation Area covers 21 VDC of Darchula district (539 m – 7132 m). The mixed community, such as Bhotiya, Brahmin, Chhetri, Kami, Damai, and Sarki are inhabitants. Approximately, 8900 households are belonging to 54400 populations.

The goal of the Conservation Area is to conserve the unique flora and fauna, biodiversity, perpetuation of an ecosystem of the northern part of Dharchula district and to reduce poverty.

Flora and Fauna of Api Nampa Conservation Area

The goal of the Api Nampa Conservation Area is to conserve the unique flora and fauna, biodiversity, perpetuation of ecosystem of the northern part of the district, and to contribute to reducing poverty in this region. Different types of flora Endangered species of plants Jatamansi, Yarshagomba, Panchaule, Kutki, Sugandhwal, Talis patra, Lauth Salla, etc. Fauna Snow leopard, musk deer, and clouded leopard, Goral, the Himalayan Black bear, Himalayan Thar, etc.

Climate of Api Nampa Conservation Area

TThe climate of the area is generally characterized by high rainfall and humidity. The climatic condition varies along the elevation gradient. The climate of the ANCA varies widely from sub tropical to alpine. In the north, most of the parts remain under snow having alpine climate. In the Southern part and valleys, the climate is subtropical. Mid- hills has a temperate type. The average maximum temperature is 18.60C and the minimum temperature is 7.70C.

Eighty percent of the total rainfall during the four months of the monsoon, from June to September. All areas experience very high rainfall intensities, ranging between estimates of 125-350 mm for a 24 hour period. Mid-October to November and March to May is the best season to visit there.

Things to do in Api Nampa Conservation Area

Api Nampa Trekking is a moderate camping journey to the far western region of Nepal in Darchula district. The remote area is under-developed by the Conservation Area (1903 Sq Km) established on 12 July 2010. India bordered in the west and Tibet bordered in the north. The restricted area requires a special permit and TIMS card before hiking.

Facilities of Conservation Area

Be advised to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. There are no more medical facilities in remote villages. Cell phone may be available over the ANCA. Moderate hotel accommodations are available but warm clothing would be benefi cial to keep you warm in higher altitudes.

Entrance Fees of Conservation Area

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. The next route is Mahendranagar -Tanakpur-Pithauragad- Dharchula, India. Visitors can reach Darchula, Nepal within 15 minutes walk from Dharchula.