Place Details:
Surrounded on three sides by towering Himalayan Mountains, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) hosts some of the densest population of Himalayan wildlife species. Located 50 km from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, GHNP was built in 1984 and is spread over 755 sq km. In 1999, it was accorded the status of a national park.
It boasts of over 375 fauna species, including 31 species of mammals and 181 species of birds. The fauna of the park includes some of the most exotic species of animals like snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, goral and many others.
Variety of birds found in GHNP includes golden eagles, Himalayan griffon vultures, lammergeyers, raptors, etc. It is also home to the endangered species of western tragopan and over 50 species of migratory birds
The flora of the national park includes trees, shrubs, herbs and medicinal plants. Rare species of spurge, buckthorn, yew, valerians, leycesteria, balsams, etc. are found here.
A major source of water for the neighbouring regions, the park has Beas, Sainj, Jiwa and Tirthan rivers flowing through it.
The park is also famous destination with trekkers. Neuli- Sarangarh loop, Neuli- Sainj valley, Sainj- Tirthan valley, Gushaini-Tinder village, Gushaini- Shilt Hut, Neuli-Manu temple, Siund- Pashi villages, Jiwa Nala- Parvati River valley, Gushaini- Tirthan valley and Shamshi- Kaza are some of the famous trails.
Its remote location has ensured villages situated inside the park have developed a culture of their own. Almost every village or community within the park has their own distinct deity. Many communities worship sacred groves.
Various fairs are held during April, May, August and September.
GHNP offers limited accommodation options. There are 14 guesthouses inside the park. Apart from that, forest guest houses are also available at Aut, Sainj, Sairopa, Banjar and Shangarh.
However, most tourists who visit the park prefer staying at Kullu, 50 km away. There are a lot of accommodation options available in Kullu ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury hotels. Apart from hotels there are also resorts, guest houses and home-stays in Kullu.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KULLU
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Kullu is as given below. The best time to visit Kullu is also specified.