Himachal Pradesh, Great Himalayan National Park
Himalayan region is a blessing in disguise for nature lovers and those seeking adventurous and refreshing break from their routine life
. One such get away stop for wildlife lovers is the Great Himalayan National Park. Located at a distance of 60 km away from Kullu town in Himachal Pradesh, this park attract large number of visitors throughout the year from far away places. It promises an awesome experience for wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers and photographers with its varied topography.Geography of the Park
The area has been named after the first Prime Minister of India and officially known as Jawaharlal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park. Established in 1984, the area under the park which comes under eco-tourism policy, comprise watershed areas of Tirthan, Sainj and Jiwa rivers.
A trek in the area with an altitude ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 meters above mean sea level, amid dense forests, brings oneself close to the nature. The park is spread over an area of 754 sq km which is encompassed by snow capped Himalayan mountains, alpine meadows and rare wildlife species.
Flora and Fauna
Dense forests with Pine, Cedar and Oak trees contribute to the flora of the region along with Bamboos wild grass and varieties of flowers. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat of around 375 animal species, 181 birds, 31 mammals and wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, insects, annelids and mollusks. Here we can spot the animals like Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Barking Deer, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Fox, Langur and Monkeys.
Apart from these species of animals, there are many species of small mammals which are found in the area like, Porcupine, Giant Indian Flying Squirrel, Indian Pika, Himalayan Weasel and Yellow Throated Marten.
In the category of Pheasants, Western Tragopan, Monal, Koklas, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer Pheasant. There is also a long lasting list of birds making this National Park a beautiful heaven to visit. These include Raptors, Shorebirds, Parakeets, Pigeons, Cuckoos, Owls etc.
Long Horn Beetle, Click Beetle, Stag Beetle, Dung Beetle, Ladybird Beetle, Blister Beetle, Cicada, Honey Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies, Mollusca are some of the rarest species of insects which can be spotted in the Great Himalayan National Park.
When to visit
Great Himalayan National Park remains open for the visitors throughout the year but the suitable time to visit is between the months of September to November and April to June.
Vehicles are not allowed to enter inside the area and visitors have to cover the entire area on foot. One can also hire local guides from the Forest Department, which also provide some other equipments required for trekking in the area.
How to visit Great Himalayan National Park
Air: Bhuntar, Kullu is the nearest airport which is connected by Indian Airlines and Jagson Airways flights from Chandigarh. Airport is at a distance of 65 km away from the Great Himalayan National Park.
Rail: The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Jogindernagar which is at a distance of 100 km away. Major railway station is Chandigarh (250 km).
Road: As it is located between Mandi and Kullu on the Kullu-Manali highway, it is connected by a number of regular bus services.
Nearby Excursions
Kullu
Manali
Mandi
Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Rupi Bhabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Pin Valley National Park
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