At a Glance

Established in 1984, the Great Himalayan National Park rolls out some breathtaking natural beauty. This factor, coupled with its significant biological diversity has helped it in attaining the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawled over 754.4 km2, this lush region displays snowy peaks while sitting in the lap of the gorgeous Himalayas. Mystical glaciers and unique ecological conditions of the Western Himalayas were salient features responsible for the park’s establishment in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district. The picturesque Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is one of the most popular and easily accessible sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. Parks altitude varies from 1,185 m to 2,768 m, and its bounded by coniferous and oak forests.

Climate :Alpine and Western Himalayan temperate climate dominate the park. The hills experience heavy snowfall in the winter. January being the coldest month leads to temperature dropping to as low as –10 °C. On the other hand, the mercury touches nearly 40°C in the summer.

The high altitude park comprises of peaks ranging from 1,500 to 5,800 meters. The park area consists of watersheds of Jiwa, Sainj and Tirthan rivers and includes many endemic plant and animal species. A home to major pristine glaciers, the park is peppered with four crucial rivers. These rivers originate among the park’s glaciers themselves. Local people benefit a lot from the forest, because the forest environment offers them sustainable products like medicinal herbs, honey, fruit nuts, flowers, fuel wood, etc. The park is a trekker’s paradise and famous trekking regions are the Sainj-Tirthan valleys, Raktisar in Sainj valley, Gushaini to Shilt Hut, etc.

Deer The National Park with an area of 620 sq. km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State.Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj river and camping in alpine partures is unforgettable. Similar is the trekking route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan 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. Camping equipment and guides are provided by the Forests Department.

       History :The age of Kullu’s hill rulers, or rajas has passed into history. The scriptures tell us that the original name of Kullu Valley was Kulanthapitha meaning “the end of the habitable world.” This can be appreciated by anyone who has stood at the top of Rohtang Pass, bounding Kullu and Lahul on either sides. The human population of the region has always been largely settled in mountain villages and in the tributaries of the Beas River. The farmers and shepherds of these villages, with their pragmatic knowledge and techniques, have always been the central link between human society and natural ecosystems in the Sainj-Tirthan region. Agriculture in these mountains was largely for subsistence until the 1960s, when profit-making commercial agriculture and horticulture began to transform the economy and agriculture of the area.

       Geography :The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, will be declared a World Heritage Site at the World Heritage committee meeting to be held in Doha, Qatar from 15 to 25 June.

       Flora at Greate Himalaya National Park:The majestic Himalayas have fascinated travelers and local people since time immemorial. The national park’s landscape is dominated with conifer species, lofty pines, cedars, alpine herbs, junipers, oaks and endless varieties of vegetation. Beautiful Alpine meadows at the park will enchant visitors. Serene strea ms run from different ends of the park and alder, poplar, birch and willows are commonly spotted near them.

       Fauna at Greate Himalaya National Park:The Great Himalayan National Park is a reservoir of wildlife; with more than 375 fauna species comprising this glorious habitat. The list includes 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects. As per guidelines issued under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, hunting is completely banned in the park premises.

       Trekking :Hiking and trekking are common activities in the sanctuary. The route uphill, from Kasol along the Garahan Nala, is a must try. This route meanders through thick fir and deodar woodlands. All along this trek, tourists will come across different varieties of birds and flora and fauna.

Air: The nearest airport to The Great Himalayan National Park is kulu airport, kullu which is 59 KM away from The Great Himalayan National Park .

Rail : The nearest railway station to Great Himalayan National Park is shimla train station Junction which is 93 KM away from Great Himalayan National Park .

Road : By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530-kms and from Shimla this is 240-kms. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a bus and taxi stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus stand is by river in the northern area of the town.

The annual number of Indian and foreign tourists who actually enter the Park is about 700 to 1,000, and about 6,000 to 8,000 in the Ecozone. Considering the fragile nature of Park ecosystems, the Park management is not in favour of developing roads or paved trails in GHNP. Hence, only those who love adventure are allowed to go into the Park. The 90% area of Ecozone is forest with easy walks. In general, the Park management encourages most of the tourists to go into the Ecozone forests and more experienced trekkers into the Park.

Entrance Permission To The Park :

There are 14 inspection huts within the park, but prior permission is needed for occupying them. Transit accommodation is available at Aut, Larji, Banjar Sainj, Sai-Ropa and Bathad.