When visiting the vast Central Highlands of Vietnam, Kon Ka Kinh National Park is a must-see destination, promising unforgettable experiences. This place is not only a “common home” for a diverse ecosystem but also an ideal ecotourism spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in wild nature and learn about unique local cultural values.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park was established on November 25, 2002, based on the Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve, according to Decision No. 167/2002/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. Prior to that, from 1986, Kon Ka Kinh was already listed among Vietnam’s special-use forests, affirming its important role in conserving high mountain subtropical forests with precious coniferous plant species. With its biodiversity and majestic natural landscapes, Kon Ka Kinh is truly a priceless treasure that needs to be preserved and have its value promoted.
Unique Geographical Location of Kon Ka Kinh
Kon Ka Kinh National Park is located in the northeast of Gia Lai province, about 50km from Pleiku city. This location provides convenient access for visitors to explore the beauty of the reserve. Kon Ka Kinh spans the administrative territory of 5 communes: Dak Roong, Kroong, Kon Pne (K’Bang district); Ha Dong (Dak Doa district); and Ayun (Mang Yang district).
Kon Ka Kinh is also the highest peak on the Pleiku plateau, with an altitude of 1,748m above sea level. The terrain is diverse with many mountain ranges averaging from 1,200-1,500m in height, gradually decreasing from North to South, creating a majestic and magnificent natural landscape. The park is bordered by Kon Tum province to the North, Ha Ra and part of Ayun communes to the South, Dak Roong, Krong, and Lo Ku communes to the East, and Ha Dong commune to the West.
Located in the watershed area of two major rivers, the Ba River and the Dak Pne River, Kon Ka Kinh plays an important role in providing water resources for surrounding areas. The river and stream system here is often short, narrow, with fast flow rates and many waterfalls and rapids due to the high and steep mountainous terrain.
Diverse and Rich Ecosystem
With a core zone area of up to 41,780ha and a buffer zone of 118,598ha, Kon Ka Kinh boasts an extremely diverse and rich ecosystem. Forested land accounts for nearly 80% of the area, with many main forest types such as:
- Low mountain subtropical evergreen moist rain forest: Occupies the majority of the area, creating a vast green color for the reserve.
- Low mountain subtropical mixed broadleaf-coniferous evergreen moist rain forest: A special forest type found only in Kon Ka Kinh, adding to the unique value of the ecosystem here.
- Tropical evergreen moist rain forest: Although smaller in area, it still plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
- Secondary anthropogenic subtypes: Including depleted evergreen broadleaf closed forest, recovering evergreen closed forest, le and nứa bamboo forests, planted forests, bare land, grasslands…
Pristine forest landscape in Kon Ka Kinh
According to statistics, Kon Ka Kinh has 687 species of vascular plants belonging to 459 genera and 140 families. In terms of fauna, there are 428 species, including 42 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 205 species of butterflies. Many plant and animal species here are endemic, rare, and of high economic value, such as pơmu wood, kim giao wood, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and food for animals.
Notably, Kon Ka Kinh is a convergence point of many plant flows, including:
- Flora belonging to the North Vietnam system
- Flora belonging to the Yunnan-Guizhou system and the foothills of the Himalayas
- Flora belonging to the Malaysia-Indonesia system
- Flora of the India-Myanmar system
The intersection of these plant flows has created an extremely unique and diverse ecosystem, with many endemic and rare species such as du moóc, hoa khế, bồ nẹt trung bộ, hoàng thảo vạch đỏ, trắc wood, Da Lat pine, xoay wood, gõ đỏ wood, lọng hiệp, song bột…
Regarding fauna, Kon Ka Kinh is home to many large mammals such as the gray-shanked douc langur, red-cheeked gibbon, tiger, Truong Son muntjac, and giant muntjac. In addition, there are many rare bird species such as the black-hooded laughingthrush, long-billed wren-babbler, Kon Ka Kinh wren-babbler (a newly discovered species), yellow-billed nuthatch, Germain’s peacock-pheasant, and red-vented barbet. The reptile and amphibian class is also very diverse, with many species such as the red-tailed lizard, reticulated gecko, Sapa horned frog, and spiny frog.
Among them, many rare species are listed in the Vietnam and World Red Books, such as tigers, five-colored douc langurs, pig-tailed macaques, Sunda pangolins, white-eared civets, crested argus, yellow-vented green magpies, various laughingthrushes, monitor lizards, snakes, spiny-eyed frogs, and long-legged frogs.
Kon Ka Kinh is also home to 8 mammal species listed in the IUCN Red List, including 2 species classified as Endangered (E), 4 species classified as Vulnerable (V), 1 Near-Threatened species (Nr), and 1 Data Deficient species (DD).
Potential for Ecotourism Development
Not only is it an important nature reserve, Kon Ka Kinh also has great potential for ecotourism development. Coming to Kon Ka Kinh, visitors will:
- Explore wild natural beauty: With vast pristine forests, majestic mountains, and poetic waterfalls.
- Learn about the diverse ecosystem: With thousands of rare plant and animal species.
- Experience indigenous culture: Meet and interact with the Ba Na ethnic people, learn about their unique traditional cultural features.
- Participate in ecotourism activities: Such as trekking, mountain climbing, camping, bird watching, and wildlife observation.
The attraction of Kon Ka Kinh also lies in its system of beautiful natural rivers, streams, and waterfalls such as Dak Pooc waterfall, Knia stream, Dak Ko Bung stream, 95 waterfall… In the summer, the cool water of these waterfalls makes the atmosphere always cool. Climbing to the top of Kon Ka Kinh, visitors will admire the panoramic view of the majestic Truong Son mountains, with high mountains covered with clouds and white foamy waterfalls.
Majestic Dak Pooc Waterfall in Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Conclusion
Kon Ka Kinh National Park is not only a “green lung” of the Central Highlands but also a potential ecotourism destination. With its biodiversity, majestic natural landscapes, and unique indigenous cultural values, Kon Ka Kinh promises to bring visitors unforgettable experiences. Come to Kon Ka Kinh to discover the unspoiled beauty and feel the magic of nature!