Encounter Deer, Blue Sheep, and Marmots on Your Journey to Larke La Pass
4 Oct 2024 Chandra Gurung
Larke La Pass is a high-altitude pass with the longest crossing, situated at an elevation of 5,106 m from the sea level. Here on an exhilarating hike, you get to witness the fauna like blue sheep, Himalayan thar, marmot, and many others.
Wildlife Watching in Larke La Pass trek
We take a trip each season and have something to hinge on. The monsoon brings clouds and mist to the region, while you can witness green landscapes and have a transformative experience in June. There is more to it; you can have a wildlife-watching experience of different species of birds and animals in the Manaslu Circuit trek along with the Larkya La crossing. Some of those which we can see are,
1. Yellow-billed Chough
A common sight in the high-altitude areas is yellow-billed chough. These birds fly over quite often and cross your path in Manaslu Circuit Trek. Yellow choughs are distinguished by their yellow-colored beaks and black bodies. They are quite different from their red-billed Chough counterpart. As a frequent trekker, we can see them quite often at an elevation of 3,500 m when we take a journey to Larkya La Pass.
2. Himalayan marmot
Wanna catch a glimpse of this, but don’t know what’s the best time? It’s spring to early autumn when you can see this Himalayan marmot; the rest of the time, they hibernate.
The marmots hibernate for six to eight months a year, and if you are there in hibernation time, you cannot see it much. They are very different from tree squirrels; they are ground dwellers, live in open grasslands, and have a thick coat of fur.
Himalayan marmots are more than small burrowing rodents; they play a vital role in fragile mountain ecosystems. The marmot species are prey of snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and red foxes. Even birds like golden eagles and hawks prey on the marmots.
This 4 to 9-kg chubby brown squirrel-like species in Manaslu is definitely a watch. short grass steppes or alpine habitats is their hide-out point, actually where they live, on a treeline just below the snow limit. They have this cute appearance peeping out of their burrow when someone steps in.
3. Blue Sheep (Bharal)
Blue sheep are gregarious animals that often live in the same group on treeless slopes. These creatures are not exactly blue in color; they have this slate gray to pale brown color and are named after pelage, which ranges from grayish-brown to slate blue.
They are not true sheep but look alike, residing at high altitudes in the Tibetan plateau. They camouflage against rocks. They have morphological traits like sheep but are closely related to goats in anatomy, like the horns.
In the Manaslu Conservation Area, we can witness steep slopes, majorly rugged terrain, and even grazing on rocky outcrops but in groups. They are really careful to protect themselves from snow leopards.
We can watch them in the early morning or late afternoon. These blue sheep are more active at this point, and always we spot them in challenging spots like crevasses, barren slopes, and rocky surroundings. It’s an attentive practice for us to watch their glimpse and catch them in action.
4. Himalayan Tahr
Himalayan Tahr are goat-like animals with small heads that help them through narrow crevices and large eyes to spot predators. They have sexual dimorphism; males have larger horns, and females have short horns.
5. Musk Deer
The Himalayan musk deer, Kasturi mirga, has a fragrance that we can all sense from a mile away. Having the opportunity to watch this wildlife in the Manaslu Conservation Area and even on the trek is rare and magical.
In Manaslu, musk deer are found around the Kaltal area, like Prok, Chumchet, and Chhekampar villages. The dense forests are where they are actually found; their characteristic musk scent is even greater during mating season, which is November to January.
Nocturnal and musky, these creatures are rarely seen, but their unique enticing scent makes it difficult for them to escape.
6. Snow Leopard
Snow leopards are found in higher elevations of Manaslu but are rare and endangered; their number is less. Around 15 snow leopards, including two cubs, are estimated to be in the Manaslu area, as per the recent scientific study.
They hiss, growl, and chuff, and interestingly, they can kill their prey, three times as massive as their size and weight. There are expanded over 600 square kilometers and has this chase with nature. It’s not about watching them in the Himalayan, but realizing they are still here and you peacefully make the way to Larke La Pass.
7. Asian Black Bear (Moon bear)
The moon bear is found in the Manaslu Conservation Area, within the dense coniferous forest at an elevation of 1500 to 3500 meters. These bears are typically shy and elusive and are mostly witnessed around Nubri Valley and Samdo. They are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN because of poaching and loss of habitat, and effective action against their protection is led by the government.
8. Red Panda
Another endangered species that inhabits Manaslu is the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Their sightseeing is quite rare but found under the conservation area of the MCA project. They are typically found on steep slopes on the Southwest facing, where they can find food, and live around 2,500 to 4,000 meters from sea level.
9. Himalayan Monal (Danphe)
The national bird of Nepal, the Danphe, is a colorful pheasant and has vibrant plumage (crown-like structure) above the head. Iridescent colors and intricate patterns are what set them apart. They reside in altitudes between 8000 and 15000 feet and have even been witnessed in Manaslu Trek.
iridescent green and blue feathers, a red crest, and white wing patches. With a guided birdwatching tour in Manaslu, you can witness these and other beautiful birds and live at least a day as a wildlife watcher and conservationist.
To spot a Himalayan monal, trekkers have to be really cautious. They are found feeding in grasses, seeds, fruits, and insects, and even feed on food sources in alpine meadows.
10. Himalayan Griffon Vulture
The Himalayan griffon vulture flies high like no other scavenger or bird in the world. Not only do they feed on deceased species, but they are also in the category of extinct, as cited as near threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Trekkers in the Manaslu region may find it ordinary to spot Himalayan griffon vultures and see signs of death somewhere nearby. These species have been living over the Tibetan Plateau at the Himalayan level, building nests on cliffs or high ledges for ages.
No living species are threatened by them; however, all visitors shall leave no traces, so as to protect the wildlife here in the region through ecotourism.
Conclusion
There is much floral and faunal diversity. From rich dried Himalayan herbs, Yarsha gumba, and alpine grassland to rich wildlife, Manaslu Circuit Path is filled with exciting surprises. We see what we did not sign for—the diversity in the Himalayan ecosystem.
Except for the other mentioned, there are other birds like the Eurasian Sparrowhawk spotted in your Larke La Pass trek, the ones that prey on small birds. There is more to this trekking adventure: a long walk to see what is inside the Manaslu, even the Larkya La pass crossing, one of the toughest.
To have the help of one of the finest trained local guides, contact Himalaya Guide. We, the licensed professionals, are ready to help you in every possible way and make your Manaslu journey memorable. Limited Seats Available!