Great Himalayan National Park

An amalgamation of scenic beauty and breath-taking views, the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, is a place like no other. It leaves a person enchanted through its cold winds that can tickle your face and the mesmerizing beauty is bound to leave you awestruck. The vast diversity of flora and fauna found in this region cannot be undermined as this park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

The place is a treasure trove of experiences and surprises waiting to be explored. In a fast-paced and rapidly urbanizing world, places like these remain the few untouched avenues of nature that allow a person to truly let go of his pragmatic self and connect with nature. Visit the park to rest in a few moments of absolute peace where the only noises heard are those of birds chirping and the air you breathe is not corrupted by pollution.

Traveler Tips-

• Be a smart packer- The trekking routes tend to be quite steep so carry your trekking shoes accordingly.

• Do not underestimate the physical fitness the trek requires- It is essential that you make sure that you are physically fit to undertake this strenuous yet, fun activity.

• Essentials are important- Make sure to carry all your essentials such as medicines, appropriate clothes for the chilling weather, water bottles and edibles with you.

• Book your stay in advance- Accommodation is limited in the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, so, to avoid any hassle in your journey, make sure to pre-book your stay. There is a lack of hotels so travelers will have to reside in dormitories in and around the park.

• Trekking is not a task you can accomplish on your own- a registered trekking guide must be appointed. Further, make sure you have permission from the forest department before you get on with exploring the park.

Things To Do-

• Trekking- Trekking is one of the most popular activities at the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu. You can either dwell into the Ecozone or plunder into the interiors of the park. The trails of the park have seen the wrath of storms, making them muddy and rocky; this is where serious trekking happens.

• Other Activities- If trekking is not your cup of tea, then do not worry, as the park offers a plethora of activities apart from trekking such as birding, fishing, and pheasant-watching.

• Tent Pitching- Feel the complete ‘vacation vibes’ as you set up your tent and huddle into it, soaking the majestic views that the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, has to offer. Sit back, sip hot tea and enjoy the view.

• Ecozone Activities- The ecozone boasts numerous activities for all the adventure lovers; these include activities such as river crossing, abseiling and rock climbing.

• Understand and relish the local culture- Participate in local fests or lend a helping hand to the villagers in cooking, basket-making, weaving, farming, and many other activities. This helps a person to truly experience the way of life in the hilly areas making it an unforgettable memory.

Availability-

The park is open from Monday to Sunday, the timings being 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee for Indian Visitors is 100 INR per day and that for foreigners is 400 INR per day with there being student discounts offered. Indian student is charged 50 INR per day while the foreign students are charged 250 INR per day. Without permission from zonal offices at Ropa and Shairopa as well as from the head office at Shamshi, one is not allowed to enter the park. Littering is strictly prohibited at the park. Gaming and hunting of animals are strictly banned and is considered a punishable offense.

History-

The Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, was established in the year 1984, with the intention of providing a safe haven for the precious flora and fauna and for protecting the area’s biodiversity.

It was in the 38th World Heritage Committee meeting in Doha, Qatar that the site was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park was recognized as a part of the Indian protected area network only after a period of 20 years since it had been established.

Architecture-

The Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, resides at the juncture of the Indo-malayan towards the south and the Palaearctic Arctic towards the north, both of which are hubs of faunal diversity. The park is tainted with a high-altitude ecosystem that comprises of flora from the Cis-Himalayan, Mediterranean and Tibetan regions.

Best Time to Visit-

March to November is the best period to visit the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, as the weather remains chilly yet not unbearably cold. Treks are organized by the Eco-Tourism department during these months. The temperature drops drastically during the winter months making the weather cold and harsh. Trekking is not recommended in the monsoon months from July to early September.

How to reach?

A traveler can reach the place via air or rail. Bhuntar is the nearest airport available and it is approximately 60 kilometers away from the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu. The nearest railway station to the park is 143 kilometers away and it goes by the name of Joginder Nagar. The station has regular trains to and from Chandigarh, unlike the airport which has regular flights to Delhi.

Interesting Facts-

• Half of the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, lies above 4000m.

• In May 2015, a sporadic sighting of the ‘serow’ which belongs to genus Capricornis was confirmed.

• The park is listed as one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots of Conservation International.

• It is home to over 10% of the world’s flora.

• 34 out of the 45 endangered medicinal plants in the Himachal Pradesh reside in this park.

• It accommodates the world’s largest population of western Tragopan which is a medium-sized, highly endangered bird species.

• It can be seen as the birthplace of the great Himalayan range whose rocks were put in position in the park almost 20 billion years ago.

• About 160 small villages reside in the eco zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu.