Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu(Himachal Pradesh), India

Facts & Figure

Area : 754.4 sq km
Altitude : 1500m to 5805 m
Temperature Range : 30°C to -5°C
Best time to Visit : April to June,
September to October

About Great Himalayan National Park

Great Himalayan National Park is located in the upper ranges of Himalaya. It is a kaleidoscope of alpine flora and fauna. A major part of the national park is permanently under glaciers and ice. It is one of the last undisturbed Western Himalayan ecosystems giving shelters to a diverse variety of wildlife and forests.

The bewitching beauty of the park is a compliment to its biological richness. The park is home to rare "Western Tragopan" and 200 species of birds and over 30 species of mammals.

Also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru National Park, the region was notified as a national park in the year 1984 to save the endangered wildlife species of this Himalayan Ecosystem.

The park is located in the Seraj Forest Division of Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh some 60 km southwest of Kullu town. In southeast it is bounded by Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park in the east, and Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary in the North. on the geographical map.

Attractions at Great Himalayan National Park

Three important pilgrimages exist in the vicinity of the park. Raktisar is the place where River Sainj originates; Hanskund is the origin point of the river Tirthan, and Sirikhand Mahadev, a lake on the southern border of the park.

Flora and Fauna in Great Himalayan National Park

Flora : The park vegetation is a diverse mix of Ban Oak Forest, Moist Deodar Forest, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest, Himalayan Alpine Pastures, and Rhododendron Scrub Forest. The area below 2,000 metres is dominated by blue pine (pinus wallichiana), and higher up by a broad broadleaved forest on sloping areas and fir (Abies pindrow) on the steep areas. Other vegetations are oak, blue pine, cedar (Cedrus), deodar, bamboo Arundaria spathiflora, Iris, Frittilaria, Gagea, Primula, and Taxus Baccata.

Fauna : The park has good wild population, especially of avifauna. The park has largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr in Himachal Pradesh. Major wildlife species found in the park are Snow Leopard, musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Ibex, Wolf, Leopard, Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), common langur (Presbytis entellus), Himalayan black bear, goral, muntjac, and serow.

Nearby Place to Visit

Kullu : Kullu is a beautiful valley set amidst the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its annual Dussehra festival, handicrafts, and ancient temples. It is also nearest important town to the park at a distance of around 60 km.

Climate of Great Himalayan National Park

Climate of the region is hotter during the summers and more rain during the monsoon, quite contrary to the climatic condition prevailing in the Upper Beas region of Himachal Pradesh. Also there is less snowfall during the winters making the climatic condition here more similar to front zones like Shimla and other places in Himachal Pradesh.

Access From Airport

Nearest airport to Great Himalayan National Park is Bhuntar near Kullu at a distance of around 60 km. There are regular flights to Delhi operated by Indian Airlines.





Access From Railways

Joginder Nagar near Mandi is the nearest railhead for Great Himalayan National Park. There are regular trains from Joginder Nagar Railway Station to other parts of the country.





Access From Roadways

There are no direct roads that can make the access to the park easy. Two gravel roads from Ropa to Shangarh in Sainj Valley and from Gushaini to Ropa in Tirthan Valley that makes life easier for the visitors by taking them closer to the park.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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