Nokrek Peak

Table of Contents

Nokrek Peak is a prominent geographical feature located within the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya, India. The reserve encompasses a vast expanse of tropical and subtropical forests, making it an important ecological hotspot.

Nokrek National Park, situated at the foot of the peak, provides protection to numerous endangered species and serves as a key conservation area.

Geographical Features

Situated in Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Height of 1412 m above sea level
Part of Tura Range, Meghalaya Plateau
Part of Nokrek National Park
Core of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Nokrek Peak Location

The Nokrek Peak serves as a prominent landmark within the Nokrek National Park, showcasing the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of this protected area. Located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya at an impressive altitude of 1,412 meters above sea level, this majestic peak stands as an iconic feature within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Nokrek National Park is situated on the Tura Range, part of the Meghalaya Plateau with an average elevation of 600 meters. Dominated by evergreen and semi-evergreen deciduous forests covering 90% of its area, this region harbors diverse wildlife including endangered species like leopards, elephants, and Hoolock gibbons.

As the highest point in the Garo hills, Nokrek Peak offers a vantage point to observe and appreciate the unique biodiversity and natural splendor preserved within this important conservation area.

Landmarks and Water Bodies

Highest peak in Garo Hills
Origin of major rivers like Simsang, Ganol, Dareng
Scenic viewpoints, waterfalls

Nokrek Peak Location Map

Meghalaya Map with Markers

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Located in the northeast of India on the Tura Range, the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is an ecologically significant protected area with a unique location, climate, biodiversity, and tribal heritage.

The reserve is situated on the Meghalaya Plateau and has an average altitude of 600 meters. Its mountainous terrain includes Nokrek Peak, which rises up to 1,412 meters.

The region experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity, monsoon rains, and high temperatures that support diverse vegetation. Evergreen and semi-evergreen deciduous forests dominate the landscape with a majority of evergreen cover.

The reserve is home to various flora species such as Cotton tree, Hairy Sterculia, and Golden shower tree. It also harbors vulnerable fauna species including Slow Loris, Giant flying squirrel, Pig-tailed macaque, tigers, leopards, elephants and endangered Hoolock gibbons.

The local Garo tribes rely on shifting cultivation and natural forest products for their livelihoods. With its rich biodiversity and cultural significance to indigenous communities like the Garo tribes, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve holds great ecological importance as a protected area in India’s northeast region.

Nokrek National Park

Situated in the middle of the West, East and North Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya, Nokrek National Park is a biodiverse region known for its endangered species and lush green forests.

Spanning an area of approximately 47.48 square kilometers, the park is administered by the State Forest Department through the Northern and Southern Nokrek Ranges.

It is home to a wide range of wildlife including red panda, Asian elephant, leopards, stump-tailed macaque, Hoolock gibbon, and various bird species. The park also houses the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary where the mother germplasm of Citrus indica was discovered.

The landscape is characterized by thick, tall forests with major rivers like Simsang, Ganol and Dareng originating from the Nokrek Range.

Notable attractions within the park include Nokrek Peak, viewpoints such as Nokrek A’pal, and waterfalls like Wachi Dare and Simsang Dare.

Significance

With its high ecological significance and biodiversity hotspot status, the Nokrek National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya attracts attention for its rare and endangered species, agricultural benefits, tourism potential, and cultural heritage associated with the indigenous Garo tribes.

The park is home to a wide range of unique flora and fauna, including red pandas, Asian elephants, big cats, primates, and Hoolock gibbons. It also serves as an important gene pool for commercially cultivated citrus fruits.

In addition to its ecological value, the natural beauty of the park’s forests, rivers, and waterfalls make it a popular tourist destination. The indigenous Garo tribes who reside in the buffer areas have deep spiritual connections with the land.