Nature Lover's Guide to Spot Rare Wildlife on Everest Trek

The Everest region is hailed for its trekking and mountaineering trail with breathtaking views. However, this trek isn’t just about the mountains, it is also one of the best treks for wildlife spotting.

As you pass through changing landscapes, from dense forests to open alpine meadows, you’ll experience an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

The diverse vegetation in the Everest region varies with altitude. At lower altitudes, you will find lush pine and hemlock forests, while as you trek up, you will discover fir, juniper, birch, and rhododendron, along with scrub and alpine plant communities.

This rich environment is home to numerous fascinating wildlife, including the elusive red panda, majestic snow leopard, elusive musk deer, Himalayan tahr, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), and an impressive variety of bird species, such as the Impeyan pheasant, snow cock, blood pheasant, and red-billed chough, totaling over 118 species.

Here are the details on exotic animal and plant species to spot on the Everest Trek.

Exotic Animals to Spot on the Everest Trek

Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard is an elusive big cat found across the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. In Nepal, it inhabits the northern border areas with China (Tibet). Besides, Sagarmatha National Park, Snow Leopard is spread across six major protected areas: Annapurna Conservation Area, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, Manaslu Conservation Area, and Shey Phoksundo National Park. As a result, you may also spot them during your other treks such as the Langtang Valley trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

This remarkable predator thrives in cold, arid, and semi-arid regions. They prefer the rugged terrains of alpine and subalpine zones. Snow leopards are commonly found at elevations between 3,000 to 5,500 meters, where they roam steep cliffs, ridges, rocky outcrops, and gullies. They also inhabit grasslands and open forests.

The global population of snow leopards is estimated between 3,921 and 6,290, according to the Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan (2017-2021), while Nepal's population is estimated at 301-400, according to the 2019 report from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).

Unfortunately, snow leopards are categorized as an endangered species by both the IUCN Red List and Nepal’s National Red List of mammals. Key threats include human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss due to deforestation and livestock grazing, a reduction in natural prey, and poaching for illegal trade. Weak cooperation across national borders further exacerbates these challenges.

Snow leopards are legally protected in Nepal under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973.

Musk Deer

The musk deer is one of the most fascinating and elusive creatures found in the mid and north-eastern regions of Asia, including the Himalayan range.

In Nepal, they have been found in Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, and other protected Himalayan areas. These shy animals are known for their unique features and the valuable musk they produce.

One of the key characteristics of the musk deer is the presence of a musk pod in males. This pod, which weighs between 30 to 45 grams, is highly prized in the fragrance industry and traditional medicine, which sadly makes the musk deer a target for illegal poaching. The musk deer stands about 0.5 to 0.6 meters tall, with a body length ranging from 0.85 to 1 meter and a weight of 10 to 15 kilograms. Their body is covered in dark brown fur; they have distinct long ears and a short tail, and the males sport long, tusk-like upper canines.

Musk deer live for around 12 to 15 years, and their gestation period is about 188 days. Despite their small size, they play an important role in the mountain ecosystems of Nepal. However, habitat loss and fragmentation, along with poaching for their musk pod and teeth, pose serious threats to their survival. They are often hunted and traded illegally, both within Nepal and internationally.

Due to these threats, the musk deer is classified as "lower risk/near threatened" on the IUCN Red List, and they are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in  Endangered Species (CITES), which prohibits their trade.

In Nepal, they are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973, which offers legal protection to prevent further declines in their population. Despite these efforts, much about the musk deer in Nepal remains unknown, leading the National Red List of Mammals to categorize them as a "data deficient" species.

This means more research is needed to fully understand their numbers, behaviors, and the best ways to protect them. Nonetheless, you can find them in some of Nepal's most breathtaking and isolated national parks. Make sure to keep an eye out for musk deer, especially during your Everest trek!

Red Panda

The Red Panda is one of Nepal’s most charming yet vulnerable creatures. Found in Nepal and places like Sikkim, Myanmar, and South China, this elusive mammal has become a symbol of conservation efforts in the country.

In Nepal, Red Pandas roam the forests of Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and Makalu Barun National Park. Despite being spread across these regions, their population remains quite low, with estimates ranging from just 317 to 582 individuals as of 2011.

Red Pandas have an undeniably adorable appearance. They have round heads, triangular ears, short legs, and thick, shaggy tails. Their reddish-brown fur covers most of their body, except for their face and lower body, which are whitish in color. They're about 0.7 meters long, with a tail length of around 0.4 meters, and typically weigh between 3 to 4 kg. These little creatures live for about 15 years and are perfectly adapted to their mountainous habitat.

Though classified under the order Carnivora, Red Pandas have an herbivorous diet. They munch on bamboo shoots.

But what makes them even more fascinating is their vulnerability. They're listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are protected under Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973. The legal status of Red Pandas in Nepal categorizes them as endangered, largely due to habitat loss and poaching. Their colorful fur has unfortunately made them a target for illegal trade, both nationally and internationally.

Himalayan Black Bear

Himalayan black bears are an incredible sight to see in the wild. They’re native to the Himalayan region, so you can find them not just in Nepal but also in India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. If you’re hiking along the Everest Base Camp trek route during the summer, there’s a chance you might spot one in the forests. However, these bears aren’t like soft, cuddly teddy bears, they’re large, powerful animals, so it’s best to follow your guide’s instructions if you do see one.

These bears are known for the white, V-shaped mark on their chest, which stands out against their mostly black fur. Interestingly, not all of them are pure black, some have shades of brown or even a reddish tint in their fur. Male bears can be as heavy as 250 kilograms, while females are smaller, usually weighing no more than 170 kilograms. Despite their size, they’re actually smaller than other bear species. They typically grow to about 1.5 to 2 meters in length, which is about 5 to 6.5 feet.

One of their most noticeable features is their long snout, which gives them a pointed face. They also have small, round ears and a hump on their shoulders. Their sharp claws are perfect for climbing trees or digging for food, and they use them for defense too. These bears are skilled at moving through different environments. They live in various habitats, from thick forests and alpine meadows to rocky cliffs. They often roam in high-altitude areas, even going above the treeline where the landscape becomes more rugged and open.

They are very adaptable. Their diet changes with the season. During spring and summer, they mainly eat plant things like fruits, berries, leaves, and roots. As fall and winter approach, they start eating more insects, small animals, and even carrion (which is the meat of dead animals). This variety in their diet helps them survive in different conditions.

Himalayan Wolf

The Himalayan Wolf is a truly unique predator that roams the high mountain ranges of Nepal. You’ll also find them in parts of India, and they share some similarities with other wolves like the Tibetan and Indian wolves.

Physically, these wolves are built for agility and survival. They’re about 5 feet long, but they weigh less than you’d expect, typically between 25 and 55 pounds. This lighter build allows them to move swiftly across steep, rocky slopes and cliffs. While they might seem smaller compared to some other wolves, their lean bodies are perfectly suited for the challenges of the mountains.

Their fur isn’t as thick as you might think for a cold-weather animal, but there’s a reason for that. They have a dense underfur to keep them warm, but their outer layer of black, grey, and rust-colored guard hairs is designed to help them blend into their surroundings. They also have a lower surface area, which helps them retain heat more efficiently without being weighed down by a thick coat, perfect for maneuvering through snow and rocky terrain.

One of the coolest things about the Himalayan Wolf is its ability to survive at such high altitudes. They live between 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level, which is incredibly high. Their hearts and lungs are larger, and they produce more red blood cells, which means they can handle the lower oxygen levels in these areas.

In Nepal, their primary habitats are remote regions like the Dolpa District, Everest region, and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. These are rugged places with alpine meadows, rocky cliffs, and grassland plateaus, far from the denser forests or areas with deep snow. They’re often on the move, following their prey usually large mountain animals like Himalayan blue sheep (bharal). You’ll also find them in areas like Upper Mustang and Manang, even reaching the southern slopes of the Annapurna region. With fewer than 350 adult wolves in Nepal, they’re a rare sight.

Speaking of prey, Himalayan Wolves are carnivores. Their main food source is the Himalayan blue sheep, but they’ll also hunt smaller animals like marmots when available. Even though they’re smaller than most other grey wolves, they’ve developed hunting tactics that allow them to take down much larger prey. Packs of up to 12 wolves work together to herd these animals into tricky spots like narrow ridges or snowfields where they can catch them.

Himalayan Blue Sheep

The Himalayan Blue Sheep, known as Naur in Nepali and Bharal in Hindi, is a remarkable species. Found at elevations between 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) and 6,000 meters (19,600 feet), these creatures are perfectly suited to their rocky, treeless habitat.

Himalayan Blue Sheep have a short, dense coat that is slate grey with a bluish sheen, and their underparts and the backs of their legs are white. Their chest and front legs are black, with a distinctive charcoal-colored stripe separating the grey back from the white belly. Their small ears and dark bridge of the nose add to their unique appearance. The horns are notable: in males, they grow upwards, then curve sideways and backward, forming a shape reminiscent of an upside-down mustache, and can reach up to 80 cm (32 inches) in length. Females have shorter, straighter horns, reaching up to 20 cm (8 inches).

They’re quite active during the day, constantly eating on their plant-based diet and then resting on the grassy slopes. Their short, dense fur and natural coloring provide excellent camouflage against the rocky terrain. When danger approaches, they freeze, blending perfectly with the landscape. If they’re spotted, they quickly run to the steep cliffs, where they can blend into the rock face and remain hidden.

Himalayan Blue Sheep thrive in the bare, rocky hills of the Himalayas, where they are found just above the tree line but below the snow line. Their preferred habitats are those with abundant grass and sparse cover, which suits their feeding and camouflaging needs.

As herbivores, their diet mainly consists of grasses, leaves, mosses, and lichens. This varied diet helps them sustain their energy in the harsh conditions of their high-altitude environment.

Himalayan Blue Sheep are a favorite food for the elusive snow leopard.

Himalayan Tahr

The Himalayan Tahr is a wild goat that lives in the rugged mountain slopes and forests of the Himalayas. This species, along with the Nilgiri Tahr and Arabian Tahr, is well-suited to life in its harsh, high-altitude environment.

In the Himalayas, you’ll find Himalayan Tahr at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 meters, depending on the season and time of day. During winter, they move to lower slopes to avoid deep snow and feed on the more exposed vegetation on southern cliffs. In summer, they can be seen at higher elevations.

These animals have a distinctive appearance. In winter, their dense, woolly coat is reddish to dark brown, with a thick undercoat and a long, shaggy mane around their neck and shoulders. Their legs are short, their head is small, and their horns are triangular, curving upward, backward, and then inward, reaching up to 45 cm in length, with males generally having larger horns. In spring, their coats shed and become shorter and lighter.

Himalayan Tahr are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, spending the midday resting among rocks and vegetation. They are shy and wary, often fleeing quickly and sure-footedly when startled. In winter, they may migrate to lower altitudes.

Their diet mainly consists of grasses, leaves, mosses, and lichens.

Yellow-throated Marten

The yellow-throated marten is an interesting creature native to the Himalayas and parts of Southeast and East Asia. This animal stands out with its bright yellow-golden fur, darkening on its head and back, and blending with shades of black, white, and brown.

The marten is generally found in lower and mid-elevation forest areas within the Everest region. This includes mixed forests of coniferous and broadleaf trees. It often prefers the edges of forests, where there is a transition between forest and open areas. This habitat provides a mix of cover and hunting opportunities. At higher elevations, especially in alpine meadows, you might spot the yellow-throated marten, although it is less common at very high altitudes where the vegetation becomes sparse.

In terms of appearance, the yellow-throated marten has a unique color pattern: its fur is bright brownish-yellow, with a blackish-brown pointed head, reddish cheeks, and light brown chin. Its chest and throat are orange-golden, while its flanks and belly are bright yellow. The back of its ears is black, with the insides being yellowish-grey. Its tail is black on top with a greyish-brown base and lighter tip. The marten's body is muscular, with a long neck and tail, and relatively short, strong limbs.

The yellow-throated marten is primarily active during the day and often hunts in pairs or small groups. It preys on a variety of animals, including rats, mice, snakes, lizards, and ground-nesting birds like pheasants. It is known to be quite bold, sometimes even attacking poultry or scavenging from human corpses.

In some regions, it has been observed preying on small ungulates, such as muntjac fawns, and even the young of larger ungulates like spotted deer. It also scavenges on carcasses of larger animals, such as musk deer, and has been seen feeding on the kills of tigers.

As an omnivore, the yellow-throated marten has a varied diet that includes fruit, nectar, invertebrates, rodents, lagomorphs (like hares), reptiles, birds, and even small primates and ungulates.

Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

The Asiatic wild dog, also known as the dhole, is an endangered species found in Nepal, particularly in regions such as the lowland Terai and the Himalayan foothills.

These highly social animals thrive in dense forests and grasslands. Known scientifically as Cuon alpinus, the dhole is a member of the Canidae family, which includes other well-known canids like wolves and foxes.

Dholes live in packs led by a dominant breeding pair. They rely heavily on vocal communication and body language to coordinate their movements and hunting efforts. What makes them remarkable is their cooperative hunting strategy. These dogs work together to take down prey, often targeting small to medium-sized ungulates like deer and wild boar. However, their diet can also include smaller animals such as rodents and reptiles.

The Asiatic wild dog is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting for their fur and body parts. In Nepal, dholes are legally protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973, aiming to preserve their populations.

Altai Weasel (Pale weasel)

The Altai weasel, also known as the pale weasel or mountain weasel, is a small yet fascinating creature found in Nepal, typically inhabiting areas at elevations between 2,135 meters to 3,960 meters. These weasels make their homes in burrows, and tree trunks, and can often be spotted roaming around meadows and evergreen forests.

One of the distinctive features of the Altai weasel is its changing coat, which adapts to the seasons. In the summer, its upper coat takes on a greyish-brown hue with hints of light yellow, while the underbelly remains a pale creamy yellow. As winter sets in, the upper coat shifts to a darker yellow with some brown, but the underbelly retains its pale creamy color.

Altai weasels are primarily carnivorous, with their food consisting mostly of small mammals such as pikas. They are also known to hunt other small animals and occasionally insects.

Himalayan Marmot

The Himalayan marmot, often called the Tibetan snow pig, is one of those fascinating creatures you might come across in the Everest region. These little guys are large ground-dwelling rodents, easily recognizable by their reddish-brown fur and their chunky, stocky bodies.

They’re pretty social animals, living in large groups made up of multiple families. During the day, they’re usually out and about searching for food like grasses, roots, and other vegetation. But life up in the Himalayas isn't without its dangers, predators like foxes, wolves, and even eagles are always on the lookout. To stay safe, Himalayan marmots have a cool system of alarm calls and vocalizations to warn each other of danger.

One of the most interesting things about them is their hibernation habits. When winter hits, they hunker down and enter a deep sleep-like state called torpor. Their body temperature drops and their metabolism slows down, helping them conserve energy through the cold months.

While they’re not endangered, Himalayan marmot populations are slowly declining due to habitat loss, hunting for fur, and even use in traditional medicine.

Birds

Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan Monal also known as the Impeyan Pheasant or Danphe in Nepali, is a beautiful bird that holds a special place in Nepal as its national bird. Belonging to the Phasianidae family, these birds are most famous for the dazzling feathers of the males. Whenever they’re around, you’ll see a burst of shimmering blues, greens, and reds all packed into one bird. They seem almost too beautiful to be real.

Found in alpine and sub-alpine areas, the Himalayan Monal prefers steep grassy slopes and open rocky terrain during the summer months, descending to lower altitudes in winter, especially to rhododendron forests when snowfall is heavy.

One of the interesting things about the Himalayan Monal is that the males are often seen with more than one female. They’re polygamous, which is common for these types of birds. Even though they’re stunning, they’re also pretty shy. If you ever get close, they tend to flush out quickly, making a sharp “pi-pi-pi” sound as they take off.

Their diet includes tubers, roots, seeds, berries, moss, insects, and grubs.

If you're out early in the morning, you might spot groups of them digging around under trees or in open areas. They nest on the ground, usually in simple scrapes under a rock, bush, or even in a tree hole.

In Nepal, the Himalayan Monal is found in several protected areas, like Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang, and Rara National Parks. You might even spot them in conservation areas like Annapurna and Kanchenjunga.

Globally, they’re listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, but in Nepal, they’re considered "Near Threatened." Their population is estimated to be between 3,500 to 5,000 in Nepal, so while they’re not critically endangered, they do need protection to ensure their numbers don’t decline. Thankfully, they are legally protected in Nepal under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973.

Tibetan Snowcocks

These birds are typically found in rugged, open terrain at high altitudes, often above 4,500 meters. They have brownish-grey feathers and white underbellies.

The best time to spot Tibetan Snowcocks is in late autumn and winter when they gather in large groups of up to 30. In the Everest Region, Gokyo and Ev-K2-CNR are among the best places to see them. While they were once common around high-altitude settlements, their sightings have become rarer due to the growing number of dogs in these areas.

Yellow-billed Choughs

Yellow-billed Choughs are often seen in groups around Everest Base Camp. These birds are super smart and you can easily spot them by their shiny black feathers and yellow bills. They're famous for their impressive flying skills and live in the mountains at altitudes between 3,500 and 6,000 meters.

Lammergeyer or Bearded Vulture

The Lammergeyer, or Bearded Vulture, is a huge bird with an incredible 10-foot wingspan. Even though it has a feathered head and a slimmer body, it’s still very much a vulture. You can easily tell it apart from the more common Griffon vultures by its wedge-shaped tail and narrower wings.

What really makes the Lammergeyer unique is its food. Unlike other vultures that go for the messy parts of a carcass like the muscles and guts, the Lammergeyer prefers something different which is bones. But it’s not after the bones themselves; it’s after the bone marrow inside. To crack open the bones, the Lammergeyer picks them up and drops them from high up onto rocks, breaking them open to get to the marrow.

If you're hoping to see one in the Everest Region, the best places are around Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gokyo.

Himalayan Griffon

The Himalayan Griffon vulture has a massive 10-foot wingspan and a bald head, making it easily identifiable. These vultures are often circling high above in the afternoon skies, particularly near Ama Dablam.

They are scavengers, constantly searching for dead or dying animals. In some parts of the Himalayas, Himalayan Griffons are part of an ancient burial practice known as sky burial, where the dead are offered to the vultures due to the scarcity of wood for cremation and the difficulty of burial in cold climates.

The best places to see them in the Everest Region are nearly everywhere after 11:00 am in Namche Bazaar.

Alpine Accentor

The Alpine Accentor is like a high-altitude sparrow, but with a rather interesting twist to its lifestyle. These birds are known for their “breeding parties,” where everyone’s free to mate with multiple partners. The males, however, keep track of which females they’ve been with and will only help feed the hatchlings from those specific pairings.

One of the most trusting birds in the high mountains, the Alpine Accentor rarely feels threatened by humans. They won’t get uncomfortable until you’re almost within arm’s reach, making them a friendly presence at high altitudes.

The best places to spot Alpine Accentors in the Everest Region are Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Gokyo, Pheriche, and Chukung.

Great Rosefinch

Great Rosefinch is literally in the color rose pink. They have bright pinkish-red feathers in males and brownish-grey plumage in females. They are about 21 centimeters long and weigh around 45 grams. These birds have a strong, conical-shaped bill adapted for feeding on seeds.

They are typically found at elevations between 3,000 to 5,200 meters above sea level in Nepal.

Their preferred habitats include alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and scrublands.

During winter, they migrate to lower altitudes for warmer conditions and better food availability.

Popular birdwatching locations for spotting Great Rosefinches include Mustang, Dolpa, and Sagarmatha National Park.

You can easily spot them in various places in the Everest Region, particularly in Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Gokyo, and Chukung.

Red-billed Chough

The Red-billed Chough resembles a crow but has a bright red beak. They are known for their pleasant calls and playful nature.

Choughs perform acrobatic displays in the sky and often fly for fun. When they gather in large groups, they can blacken the sky as they take off together. They forage in fields and break up yak dung to find insects.

The best places to see Red-billed Choughs in the Everest Region include Dingboche, Pheriche, Gokyo, Gorakshep, Chukung, and Lobuche.

Grandala

You’ll know it is Grandala by its color. It is a perfect shade of blue. You can find Grandalas primarily in the upper reaches of Sagarmatha National Park and the Annapurna Conservation Area. When in the Everest region, you can spot them in Lukla and Gokyo.

Blood Pheasant

The Blood Pheasant is a bird that excels at running but is not very eager to fly. It prefers to stay on the ground, making the most of its strong legs. The name "Blood Pheasant" comes from the bright crimson color on its face, eyes, and tail.

These pheasants love to live in birch forests, where they find plenty of food and cover. You won’t often see them wandering far from these trees, as they feel safest among the branches.

If you’re looking to spot a Blood Pheasant in the Everest Region, your best chances are around Tengboche, Deboche, Phortse, and Dole. These areas are perfect for finding these unique and beautiful birds in their natural setting.

Plants

Himalayan Blue Poppy

This poppy is famous for its beautiful blue petals and bright yellow center. It stands about 1 meter tall and blooms in late spring or early summer. The amazing shade of blue color makes it a real standout among the alpine flowers. You can spot this beautiful flower in alpine meadows and rocky slopes around 3,000 to 4,500 meters, especially near places like Tengboche and Pangboche.

Edelweiss

Edelweiss has fuzzy, white, star-shaped petals that look woolly. This soft texture helps protect the flower from the cold. It’s small but grows in clusters, and the flower's unique silvery appearance is quite easy to recognize. You can look for Edelweiss in rocky areas and grassy patches at higher altitudes, above 3,000 meters, especially in the Khumbu Valley.

Primula Species

Primulas come in various colors like purple, pink, yellow, and white. They have small, tubular flowers that grow in bunches, with a base of leaves forming a rose at the ground. These bright flowers grow in damp meadows and along streams, typically at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,500 meters. You can find them in places like Dole and Machhermo.

Rhododendron

Rhodendron in the Everest is crazy! You’ll find a variety of rhodendrons in red, pink, and white colors. You’ll often see them in full bloom during spring. The plants can either be small shrubs or tall trees with thick green leaves. Rhododendron forests are common in the lower parts of the Everest region, from around 2,500 to 4,000 meters. You’ll pass by them in areas like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche.

Juniper

This evergreen shrub has needle-like, spiky leaves and small blue or purple berries. Juniper has a strong, fresh smell and is commonly used in incense, especially during religious ceremonies in the region. Juniper shrubs grow at higher altitudes, around 3,500 to 5,000 meters, often near villages like Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

Birch

The white, peeling bark of the Birch tree is the easiest way to spot it. The bark comes off in thin sheets, and the leaves are small and have jagged edges. Birch trees often grow together, forming small forests. Birch trees grow in the subalpine areas, usually between 3,000 to 4,000 meters. You can see them in forests near Namche Bazaar and Tengboche.

Yarsagumba

This strange plant is half fungus half caterpillar. It looks like a thin, dark stick coming out of the ground. Though small, it’s highly valued for its medicinal properties and is often harvested for traditional remedies. Yarsagumba is found in high-altitude grasslands, usually between 3,500 to 5,000 meters, in remote areas like Dingboche and higher.

Ginseng

Ginseng has distinct leaves, usually with 3-5 leaflets, and in late summer, it produces small red berries. The thick roots of Ginseng are used in traditional medicine, especially for boosting energy and health. Ginseng is rare but can sometimes be found in forested areas above 3,500 meters.