Mouling National Park

Mouling National Park is a national park located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, spread primarily over the Upper Siang district and parts of the West Siang and East Siang district. It was the second national park to be created in the state, after Namdapha National Park in 1972. The Mouling National Park and the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are located fully or partly within Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve.

The park covers an area of about 483 km² forming the western part of the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve. The terrain is rugged with an altitudinal range of 750 to 3064 m at the highest point, the Mouling Peak. The Siyom River flows along the western fringes of the park and several small rivers such as the Siring, Krobong, Semong and Subong drain into the Siang river near the eastern boundary of the park. The park is under the administrative control of the Divisional Forest Office located in Jengging and the nearest major towns are Along and Pasighat, 130 km and 185 km from the park.

The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. Some of the notable animals that can be found in the park include the takin, the Mishmi takin, the red panda, the clouded leopard, the golden langur, the barking deer, the serow, the goral, the sambar deer, the hog deer, the muntjac, the Himalayan black bear, the sloth bear, the dhole, the jungle cat, the leopard cat, the fishing cat, the Chinese pangolin, the Indian pangolin, the Himalayan weasel, the yellow-throated marten, the hog badger, the Himalayan marmot, the pika, the Himalayan tahr, the gaur, the mithun, the wild boar, the Indian muntjac, the common langur, the capped langur, the hoolock gibbon, the Himalayan griffon vulture, the cinereous vulture, the Himalayan snowcock, the koklass pheasant, the blood pheasant, the tragopan pheasant, the monal pheasant, the rufous-necked hornbill, the wreathed hornbill, the great hornbill, the Indian hornbill, the common hill partridge, the grey francolin, the jungle fowl, the red junglefowl, the spotted dove, the emerald dove, the common wood pigeon, the hill pigeon, the rock pigeon, the common cuckoo, the drongo, the magpie, the crow, the raven, the myna, the bulbul, the sunbird, the tailorbird, the spiderhunter, the warbler, the babbler, the yuhina, the shrike, the flycatcher, the prinia, the swallow, the swift, the wagtail, the pipit, the lark, the bunting, the thrush, and the blackbird.

The park is also home to a vibrant tapestry of flora, boasting a dazzling array of orchids in delicate hues, rhododendrons painting the slopes in vibrant bursts of color, bamboos whispering secrets in the breeze, and a symphony of ferns unfurling their emerald fronds under the dappled sunlight. This verdant sanctuary provides a haven for a captivating range of plant life, adding another layer of enchantment to the park’s already rich tapestry.

The park is a popular destination for trekking and birdwatching. The best time to visit the park is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the skies are clear, making it perfect for spotting birds soaring through the air. The air is also crisp and refreshing, making it ideal for long treks through the park’s varied terrain.

Here are some of the specific reasons why October to March is the best time to visit Mouling National Park for trekking and birdwatching:

• The weather: As mentioned earlier, the weather is cool and dry during this time of year. This makes it much more comfortable to be outdoors, especially when you’re doing physical activities like trekking and birdwatching.
• The birds: The migratory birds arrive in the park during this time of year, so you’ll have a much greater chance of seeing a wider variety of species. Some of the birds you might see include the Himalayan griffon vulture, the red-headed trogon, and the Ward’s trogon.
• The scenery: The leaves on the trees change color during this time of year, so the park is especially beautiful. You’ll also have a better chance of seeing clear views of the Himalayas.

If you’re planning a trip to Mouling National Park, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as the park can get crowded during the peak season. You should also pack plenty of warm clothes, as the nights can get cold. And finally, don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!