Machiara National Park

Machiara Overview

Machiara National Park, locally known as ماچھیارہ نیشنل پارک, is a lush and mountainous protected area located in the Muzaffarabad District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

Spanning approximately 131 square miles (339 square kilometers), the park lies within the western Himalayan region and forms part of the globally significant Western Himalayan Broadleaf Forest ecoregion. Established in 1996, Machiara serves as a vital refuge for numerous rare and endangered species while offering some of the most verdant landscapes in the region.

The terrain of Machiara National Park is dominated by steep forested slopes, deep valleys, and flowing streams that descend from the high-altitude peaks of the Himalayas. Elevations in the park range from 5,000 to over 13,000 feet (1,500 to 4,000 meters), resulting in a diversity of climate zones and vegetation types.

Dense forests of deodar cedar, blue pine, Himalayan oak, and horse chestnut cover much of the area, providing both beauty and essential habitat. During spring and summer, the park bursts into color with flowering shrubs and alpine plants, while snow blankets higher elevations in winter, creating a dramatic seasonal transformation.

The rich biodiversity of Machiara National Park is one of its defining features. It is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear and the elusive snow leopard, both of which inhabit the higher, more remote areas. Other notable mammals include the leopard, Kashmir gray langur, yellow-throated marten, and Himalayan musk deer.

The park also supports a diverse bird population, with over 200 species recorded, including the koklass pheasant, Himalayan monal, western tragopan, and various woodpeckers and warblers. These bird species are particularly notable for their vibrant plumage and melodic calls, making the park a favorite among birdwatchers.

A key attraction of the park is its unspoiled natural environment, offering visitors a chance to explore thick forests, cascading streams, and tranquil meadows. Scenic viewpoints throughout the park offer panoramic views of the Neelum Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges.

The park’s relative seclusion enhances its appeal to eco-tourists and those seeking peaceful immersion in nature. Cultural elements, including nearby traditional villages, add depth to the visitor experience and offer insight into local life in the region.

Visitors can explore Machiara National Park through a network of hiking and trekking trails that vary in difficulty. These trails wind through forests, across streams, and up into alpine zones, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and nature photography.

Guided tours and community-run eco-camps provide educational experiences and promote sustainable tourism. Though basic accommodations are available, the park remains largely undeveloped, preserving its wild and remote character.

Conservation efforts in Machiara National Park focus on protecting its rich biodiversity and engaging local communities in sustainable practices. The park is part of the Himalayan Jungle Project, which has promoted community-based conservation and reforestation initiatives.

Challenges include illegal logging, livestock grazing, and human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving leopards. However, the involvement of local residents in conservation efforts has led to increased awareness and support for protecting the park’s natural heritage. Continued collaboration between government agencies and communities is essential to ensuring the long-term health of this ecologically vital region.

Park Map

Machiara National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Machiara National Park’s lush temperate forests, alpine meadows, and clear mountain streams make it an excellent habitat for a diverse range of birdlife. Many species are forest dwellers, while others migrate through this biodiverse corridor.

Koklass Pheasant
A secretive ground bird with a striking green head and spotted plumage, the koklass pheasant is often heard before seen, calling from dense undergrowth during dawn and dusk.

Himalayan Monal
This brilliantly colored pheasant, with iridescent feathers and a metallic sheen, is one of the park’s most iconic birds. Males are especially vibrant and often found on alpine slopes.

White-crested Laughingthrush
A noisy, social bird with a bushy white crest, this species moves in flocks through forested areas, feeding on insects, fruit, and seeds while chattering loudly.

Grey-hooded Warbler
This small, energetic bird is recognized by its yellow body and grey cap. It flits through tree branches and is often heard singing in the mid-canopy.

Himalayan Woodpecker
A medium-sized woodpecker with a black-and-white body and a red patch on the head, it taps tree trunks in search of insects and nests in old tree cavities.

Blue Whistling Thrush
A large, glossy-blue bird with a powerful voice, the blue whistling thrush is often found near mountain streams and rocky areas, where it feeds on snails, insects, and berries.

Slaty-headed Parakeet
This small green parrot with a grey-blue head is often seen flying in flocks, emitting high-pitched calls. It feeds on fruit and seeds in the upper canopy.

Oriental Turtle Dove
A shy ground-feeding dove with scaly plumage and a soft cooing call, it is often seen foraging on forest paths and open clearings.

Grey Treepie
A sleek, long-tailed bird with grey and black markings, the grey treepie is curious and often found in mixed flocks, foraging for insects, fruit, and eggs.

Verditer Flycatcher
This striking turquoise-blue songbird perches on exposed branches and makes short, agile flights to catch insects. It is a highlight of birdwatching in Machiara’s montane forests.

Birds

Koklass Pheasant
A secretive ground bird with a striking green head and spotted plumage, the koklass pheasant is often heard before seen, calling from dense undergrowth during dawn and dusk.

White-crested Laughingthrush
A noisy, social bird with a bushy white crest, this species moves in flocks through forested areas, feeding on insects, fruit, and seeds while chattering loudly.

Grey-hooded Warbler
This small, energetic bird is recognized by its yellow body and grey cap. It flits through tree branches and is often heard singing in the mid-canopy.

Himalayan Woodpecker
A medium-sized woodpecker with a black-and-white body and a red patch on the head, it taps tree trunks in search of insects and nests in old tree cavities.

Slaty-headed Parakeet
This small green parrot with a grey-blue head is often seen flying in flocks, emitting high-pitched calls. It feeds on fruit and seeds in the upper canopy.

Oriental Turtle Dove
A shy ground-feeding dove with scaly plumage and a soft cooing call, it is often seen foraging on forest paths and open clearings.

Grey Treepie
A sleek, long-tailed bird with grey and black markings, the grey treepie is curious and often found in mixed flocks, foraging for insects, fruit, and eggs.

Birds

Koklass Pheasant
A secretive ground bird with a striking green head and spotted plumage, the koklass pheasant is often heard before seen, calling from dense undergrowth during dawn and dusk.

White-crested Laughingthrush
A noisy, social bird with a bushy white crest, this species moves in flocks through forested areas, feeding on insects, fruit, and seeds while chattering loudly.

Grey-hooded Warbler
This small, energetic bird is recognized by its yellow body and grey cap. It flits through tree branches and is often heard singing in the mid-canopy.

Himalayan Woodpecker
A medium-sized woodpecker with a black-and-white body and a red patch on the head, it taps tree trunks in search of insects and nests in old tree cavities.

Slaty-headed Parakeet
This small green parrot with a grey-blue head is often seen flying in flocks, emitting high-pitched calls. It feeds on fruit and seeds in the upper canopy.

Oriental Turtle Dove
A shy ground-feeding dove with scaly plumage and a soft cooing call, it is often seen foraging on forest paths and open clearings.

Grey Treepie
A sleek, long-tailed bird with grey and black markings, the grey treepie is curious and often found in mixed flocks, foraging for insects, fruit, and eggs.