All You Need To Know About The 5 Stunning National Parks Of Himachal Pradesh

Situated in the Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is one of 13 mountain states in India whose extreme landscape features several peaks and extensive river systems. It lies in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), one of the world's richest reservoirs of biological diversity. The state is often said to be the fruit bowl of the country, with widespread orchards, meadows and pastures that bloom with wildflowers, white gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies every year. Its animal biodiversity is no less impressive, with 8,342 species of different faunal groups recorded here. Thus, it should come as no surprise that Himachal Pradesh has no less than five national parks within its bounds.

Here’s what you should know about the Great Himalayan National Park, the Simbalbara National Park, Khirganga National Park, Pin Valley National Park and Inderkilla National Park.

Great Himalayan National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu and was established in 1984. Spread over an area of 1,171 square kilometres, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a habitat for numerous flora (pines, spruces, horse chestnuts, alpine herbs, junipers) and more than 375 fauna species, including approximately 31 mammals, 181 birds, three reptiles, nine amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects. They are protected under the guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972; hence, any sort of hunting is not permitted. A trek of 35 to 45 kilometres in any of the park's valleys brings one into the high-elevation habitat (3,500 metres and above) of animals such as blue sheep, snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, Himalayan tahr and musk deer. The best time to see them is during autumn (September–November) when animals migrate to lower elevations. April to June is also a good time to visit due to the clear visibility and opportunity to embark on hikes like the Morahani Trek, Tirath Trek, Raktisar Trek and more.

Getting There

Take a flight to Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU) or the train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JDNX). From these places, take a taxi or bus to Aut, the gateway town to the national park. There are bus and taxi connections to the GHNP from Manali, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dharamshala and Shimla.

Simbalbara National Park

Simbalbara National Park is at the confluence of the Terai plans and the main Shivalik mountain ranges. With an altitudinal range of 350 to 700 metres, this biologically significant reserve is covered with seven types of vegetation, mainly made up of northern dry mixed deciduous forests with plantations of pine, eucalyptus, khair, sal and riverine forests. The animals found in this national park include leopards, sambar, goral, chital, nilgai, wild boar, hornbills, peafowl, kalij pheasants and more. Spending time here walking the forest trails and listening to bird songs is one of the best experiences ever. The ideal time to visit is from October to March when much of the undergrowth has been flattened out, and sightings of elusive animals are much more likely.

Getting There

Take a flight to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC) in Chandigarh or the train to Ambala Cantonment Junction Railway Station (UMB). Take a taxi or bus from these places to Nahan, the gateway town to the national park. There are bus and taxi connections to the Simbalbara National Park from Dehradun, Manali, Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla.

Khirganga National Park

Tucked away in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Khirganga National Park is a playground for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Stepping into this picturesque sanctuary, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, you'll find yourself enveloped in a world of towering pine forests, gushing mountain streams and snow-capped peaks. The crisp mountain air and the melodious chirping of birds in such a pristine environment will take your breath away. The park is home to a network of trekking trails that wind through dense forests, rocky terrain and alpine meadows. The most popular trek leads to the sacred hot springs of Khirganga, where weary travellers can soak in the therapeutic waters amidst jaw-dropping vistas of the Himalayas. As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the park's diverse wildlife, from Himalayan monals, Himalayan brown bears, snow leopards and Himalayan tahr to musk deer, golden eagles and yellow-throated martens. You will encounter local shepherd communities known as Gaddis, who have inhabited these mountains for centuries and still practice age-old traditions and customs.

Getting There

Take a flight to Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU) or the train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JDNX). From these places, take a taxi or bus to Barshaini, the gateway town to the national park. There are bus and taxi connections to Khirganga National Park from Manali, Delhi and Shimla.

Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park, with an area of 675 square kilometres, was established in 1987 and is located in the starkly beautiful Spiti Valley. Steeped in historical and present-day Tibetan Buddhist culture, its influences are evident architecturally in monasteries and stupas. With its snow-laden unexplored higher reaches and slopes, the park forms a natural habitat for several endangered animals, including snow leopards, Siberian ibexes, bharal, red foxes, weasels, martens, pikas, Himalayan marmots, kestrels, Tibetan snowfinches, red-billed choughs, bearded vultures, ravens, golden eagles and more. The park is sheltered by a buffer zone and is flanked by the GHNP on one side and the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary on the other. It is one of the best places for a trek and camping excursion, which you should ideally embark upon in the summer or autumn before the freezing winter takes over.

Getting There

Take a flight to Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU) or the train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JDNX). From these places, make your way to the village of Mud, as it is near the boundary of the national park and is a convenient base for treks into it. By road, you have two options: the first route is open from June to October and goes through the Kullu–Manali–Rohtang Pass–Kunzum La to Kaza and the Pin Valley. The second route is open from April to November and traverses Shimla–Tapri–Nako–Tabo to Kaza and the Pin Valley.

Inderkilla National Park

The fifth national park of Himachal Pradesh is the Inderkilla National Park. Established in 2010, it covers an area of about 104 square kilometres and is located in the Kullu Valley. The hilly terrain and dense woods are perfect for hikes and camping opportunities here. The park falls within the Trans-Himalayan zone, with the Beas River flowing through it, providing water for wildlife. Rare mammals such as brown and black bears, snow leopards, mountain deer and goats, and over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the park. In terms of flora, the park consists of mixed coniferous forests, alpine pastures, and oak forests, but you are also likely to see junipers, rhododendrons, spruces, firs, walnuts and maples, too. As it is one of the least explored national parks in Himachal Pradesh, you will find fewer crowds and hopefully have a deeper engagement with the landscape around you.

Getting There

Take a flight to Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU) or the train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JDNX). Take a taxi or bus from these places to Prini Village, the gateway to the national park.