Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (Manipuri: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Lamlak-ki Saa-Ngaa Ngaak Senpham) is a wildlife sanctuary that represents the Indo-Myanmar biological diversity. It is located in the meeting point of the two major geographical zones. This wildlife sanctuary is in Chandel district of Manipur.
The best season to visit the sanctuary is from October to April and the best time to visit is during the early morning.
Understand
The Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (Manipuri: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Lamlak-ki Saa-Ngaa Ngaak Senpham) hosts the unique and vibrant biodiversity of the Indo-Myanmar region because of its strategic location in the juncture of the two major geographical zones.
History
Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1989.
Fauna
Hoolock gibbon (Manipuri: "Yongmoo" or "Yongmu"), the only ape species found in India, lives in this wildlife sanctuary. Others include wild bear (Manipuri: Lamlakki Sawom), Himalayan Black Bear (Manipuri: Himalayagi Amuba Sawom), Malayan Sun Bear (Manipuri: Malayagi Numit Sawom), Slow loris (Manipuri: "Yong Ikaithibi" or "Loudraubi"), Stump tailed macaque, Serow, Indian civet cat, Common otter, pangolin, leopard (Manipuri: Kabokkei). Sometimes, elephants (Manipuri: Shamu) also migrated from the Indo-Myanmar border.
Get in
By bus - Nearest city is Imphal (110 km away from the sanctuary) in the Indo-Myanmar border.
By air - Nearest airport is in Imphal city (110 km away from the NP). Imphal is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala and Aizawl by regular flights.
By rail - The nearest railway station is Jiribam. Jiribam is connected by trains from Guwahati and Silchar. Another railway station is at Dimapur.
By motorcycle - Another way to reach the wildlife sanctuary from Imphal (110 km away) is by riding a motorcycle either in solo or in a group. Such tours are operated by various adventure tourism firms in Manipur.
Fees and permits
The costs vary depending on the type of your hotel.
There are extra fees for carrying camera (still or video) inside the park. The fees are different for Indians and foreign tourists. The charges are also different for amateurs and professionals depending on the level of equipments you bring in.
Get around
There are many ways of getting around inside the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (Manipuri: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Lamlak-ki Saa-Ngaa Ngaak Senpham). Some are through bushwalking, camping, hiking, trekking, etc.
See
Looking at the wildlife by trekking may make the visiting experience the most exciting. Carrying a good pair of binoculars will be helpful for watching the fauna species. One can use the flying drones too.
Do
- Stay at one of the resthouses like: (1) Forest Rest House, Moreh, (2) Indo-Myanmar Trade Center Rest House, Moreh, (3) Transit Camp at Wildlife Office, Moreh.
- Do hiking throughout the woodland.
Buy
One can buy local traditional handloom and handicraft products from the shops around the wildlife sanctuary.
Eat
Hotels and restaurants have their own facilities for food, especially local cuisine, though one can also prepare for a picnic in and around the sanctuary.
Drink
There are liquor shops around the sanctuary. Here, local made brews are available. Chilled bottles may or may not be available. So, if you want a one, please bring it from an assured place.
Sleep
(1) Forest Rest House, Moreh, (2) Indo-Myanmar Trade Center Rest House, Moreh, (3) Transit Camp at Wildlife Office, Moreh.
Camping
Camping can be done in and around the wildlife sanctuary, though there're some restricted areas also.
Stay safe
During the COVID pandemic, please obey all the guidelines for safety, including wearing a mask, keeping social distancing and others.
Go next
- Keibul Lamjao National Park - This is the world's only floating national park as well as the last and the only natural habitat for the world's only dancing deer species, Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi). This national park is also in Manipur.
- Sirohi National Park - This is the world's only natural habitat for Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae) which can't be grown elsewhere in Earth despite innumerable experiments of numerous scientists. This national park is also in Manipur.