The Great Himalayan National Park

Location : 60-km from Kullu

Total Coverage Area: 620-sq-kms.

Main Attractions: Tigers

Visiting Season: October To March

Himachal Pradesh has got a protected area network of 32 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks, which represent a myriad variety of life in the North Western Himalayas. The Great Himalayan National Park is the largest protected area in the state.

Great National Himalayan Park - Appreciating Nature :
This park is an investment in the physical, metal and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals and of Himachalis in particular. This gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as citizenship, love of country and an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of the Western Himalayas. Bounded on three sides by the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, 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.

The Wildlife Attractions:
The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys sanctuaries together enrich Himachal by their unparalleled splendour. Each of these highlights a unique niche in the rich mosaic of our natural heritage. And the common animals that abound this area include - the wild mountain goats like the Bharal, Goral and Serow, the Brown Bear and predators such as the Leopard, Tigers and the rarely seen Snow Leopard. Varieties of colourful pheasants - Monal, Khalij Cheer, Tragopan and other Himalayan birds are also part of its rich bird population.

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.

Visiting Season:
The best seasons for visiting the park are summer from April to June and autumn from September to November. Visitation should be avoided during the monsoon months of July to August and the winter season from December to March. All in all Great National Himalayan Park is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining intact in this part of the world.

Access:
Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available for further access.
Rail: The closest narrow gauge railhead is situated at Joginder Nagar, 95-kms from Kullu.
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.

Accommodation & Facilities:
There are guesthouse accommodations available at Kullu. There are also 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.

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.