Shey Phoksundo National Park is a diverse landscape with an array of vegetation types. The park's forests consist of blue pine, oak, and rhododendron, while the alpine regions are home to dwarf juniper, dwarf rhododendron, and alpine meadows.
Some of the notable plant species found in Shey Phoksundo National Park include:
Himalayan Spruce (Picea smithiana): A tall coniferous tree that is found in the sub-alpine and alpine zones of the park. The Himalayan Spruce is an important source of timber for local communities, and its needles are used for making tea.
Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis): A deciduous tree that is found in the lower elevation areas of the park. The bark of the Himalayan Birch is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, and its wood is used for making furniture, tool handles, and other household items.
Juniper (Juniperus spp.): A shrub or small tree that is found in the high altitude areas of the park. The Juniper is an important plant for local communities, as its berries are used for making medicine and flavoring food.
Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana): A coniferous tree that is found in the sub-alpine and alpine zones of the park. The Himalayan Yew is an important medicinal plant, as its bark and leaves are used for treating cancer and other diseases.
The diverse vegetation in Shey Phoksundo National Park provides important habitat for many bird and animal species, including the snow leopard, the Himalayan black bear, and the musk deer. The park's unique plant communities and ecosystems also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
The conservation efforts in the area aim to protect the natural resources of the park while promoting sustainable development for local communities.