Wildlife - Tour in The Great Himalayan National Park

Location : 60-km from Kullu. Area : 754.4 sq. kms. Altitude : 1,300m To 6,100m

Best time to visit : April-June and September-October.

Access : Air Port : Bhuntar (Kullu), 50 kms. Railhead : Joginder Nagar, Mandi, 100 kms.

Nearest Town : Kullu (District HQ), 60 kms. There are no roads that lead directly to the Park boundary, access is by foot only mainly through its western boundary.

Introduction : The Great Himalayan National Park is the largest protected area in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Park nestles within the folds of the amazing Kullu terrain. Lush coniferous forests, emerald meadows strewn with exotic flora, soaring snowy peaks and pristine glaciers make for an ideal Himalayan retreat. The The Great Himalayan National Park is naturally protected on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries because of area being under permanent snow, the westerly entrance to the park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to the Pin Parvati Pass (5,800m) in the Great National Himalayan Park is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the western Himalayas. Starting from an altitude of 1,700 m above mean sea level, the highest peak within the park approaches almost 5,800 m. Created in 1984, the Great Himalayan National Park (officially known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park) has an area of 754.4 sq. kms.

Wildlife Species : The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys are home to over 300 species of birds and over 30 species of mammals. Animals that can be seen here are - wild mountain goats like the bharal, goral and serow, the brown bear and predators like the leopard and the elusive snow leopard. Different varieties of pheasants - monal, khalij cheer, tragopan and other exotic Himalayan birds can be found in the region. An added thrill is the trek to Rakte Sar, the origin of the Sainj river .

Adventure Activities : Bringing out some added pleasure of seeing wildlife in this spectacular natural environment is Trekking through the Park to Rakte Sar, the origin of the Sainj River. Visitors can contact: Director, National Park at Shamshi or Range Officer wildlife at Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life at Sai Ropa, Banjar for assistance and guidance. The Forests Department provides camping equipment and guides for tourists.

Entry Permission : To visit the Great Himalayan National Park one has to obtain special permit from the office of the Park Director at Shamsi, or the range officers at Larji, Sairopa and Sainj.