In the Himalayas sits the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is in northern India. The pristine valleys covered in thick forest, the snow-capped mountains, and the raging rivers provide the ideal natural habitat for a variety of wildlife. Himachal Pradesh’s forested environments are home to several unique migratory bird species, endangered indigenous animals, and reptiles.
A wide variety of exotic flora, many of which are also medicinal, are likewise concealed by the natural vegetation. In Himachal Pradesh, these natural beauties are conserved and guarded within boundaries that have been set aside as national parks. Make sure to visit these national parks if you ever travel to this breathtaking paradise in the Himalayas to see the true splendour and diversity of this Indian state.
National parks in Himachal Pradesh you must visit for a great holiday
Himachal Pradesh has five National Parks that preserve and protect some of the Himalayas’ most endangered animals and plants. Here are Himachal Pradesh’s top 5 national parks.
1. Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu
One of Himachal Pradesh’s well-known national parks is the Great Himalayan National Park. The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh is a natural paradise and is situated in the Banjaar sub-division of the Kullu district. This was established in 1984 and was formally recognised as a National Park in 1999. One of the recent additions to the network of wildlife reserves in the Himalayan region is this national park, which is situated in the extreme Western Himalayas.
The Great Himalayan National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the preservation of wildlife. There are about 10,000 different plant species here, including herbs with therapeutic potential.
A vast array of fauna, including 31 mammal species, 209 bird species, and several different amphibians, reptiles, and insects, may be found throughout the national park. Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus monkey, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red Fox, Mongoose, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Plum-headed Parakeet, Black-chinned Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Grey-hooded Warbler are among the species that can be found here.
The Deodar and Oak trees make this national park’s stunning location even more alluring. It is also one of Himachal Pradesh’s most visited national parks. They can also create some of Himachal Pradesh’s top trekking paths.
Location: Forest Office Rd, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh 175126
Area: 1,171 sq km
Entry Fee: Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 200 for Foreigners, for Indian Students Rs 30 for International Students Rs 100
Ideal months for a visit: April to June
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Highlights: Eco-conservation
Camping: Available
Source: Pinterest
2. Pin Valley National Park, Spiti
The Pin Valley National Park is a lush hilly area in the Himachal Pradesh state and is situated in the Lahaul and Spiti District. On January 9, 1987, India established the park that stretches south of Dhankar Gompa and is close to the Tibetan border. Pin Valley National Park is situated at a height ranging from over 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) near Ka Dogri to over 6,000 metres (20,000 feet) at its highest point and is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve of the Himalayan Region.
The higher elevations of the region, which are still covered in snow and unexplored, are where many endangered species, such as the Himalayan snow leopard and its prey, the Siberian ibex, find their native habitat. Higher altitudes also prohibit more vegetation from growing, leaving just Alpine trees and Himalayan Cedar groves.
Additionally, the area is home to about 22 rare and endangered plant species with considerable therapeutic potential. During the summer, the Pin Valley National Park is home to a few unique bird species. Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Himalayan snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Snow Partridge, and Snowfinch are among the species that can be found here.
Location: Kaza, Valley, Himachal Pradesh 172117
Area: 807.36 sq km
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Ideal months for a visit: May to October
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm, Monday to Saturday
Highlights: Medicinal plant species, Snow Leopards
Camping: Available
Source: Pinterest
3. Inderkilla National Park
Inderkilla National Park in Himachal Pradesh was established in 2010. The Kullu Manali Airport is 46.1 kilometres from the national park, which is situated in the Kullu district. The national park in the Himalayan region covers a huge area of 104 square kilometres (40 square miles), is home to a variety of native and foreign plant and animal species, and is known for its thriving, diverse biodiversity.
Numerous rare and endangered plant, animal, bird, and insect species can be found in these national parks due to their densely forested and mountainous environment. The park, which is one of India’s least visited, also includes a short track that runs through its centre that you may walk to see wildlife and flora in their natural habitat. Additionally, there are plants that have a rich therapeutic potential.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175140
Area: 104 sq km
Ideal months for a visit: October and November
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Highlights: Endangered plant, animal, bird, and insect species
Camping: Available
4. Khirganga National Park, Kullu
Khirganga National Park, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is located 50.5 kilometres away from the Kullu Manali Airport in Kullu. The Parvati Watershed’s 710 square kilometres (270 square miles) of land is where the national park is located, at the height of roughly 5,500 metres. Khirganga National Park was established in 2010 and is regarded as one of the most stunning parks in the nation, well-known for its beauty. This must be added to your itinerary because it is among the top sites to see in Himachal Pradesh.
A visit to the national park is an adventure in itself because it is blessed with a mesmerising landscape, glossy green hills, dense green shrubs and trees, tall trees, and rusty old rest houses. It preserves a large range of biological species. You can combine your journey through Kheerganga Trek with a visit to this national park. Either April to June or September to November are the ideal months to visit this location. The month of October features excellent weather and is not very crowded. Here, you can find animals like wild bears. It is also one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular national parks.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175134
Area: 710 sq km
Entry Fee: No entry fees
Ideal months for a visit: May to June and September to October
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Hot-water springs, wild bears Camping: Available
5. Simbalbara National Park
Simbalbara National Park is an area that is protected in Himachal Pradesh, and it is situated in the Paonta Valley in the Sirmour District. The 19.03 square kilometre Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is now a national park, was first established in 1958. By including an additional 8.88 square kilometres of the region into its limits, which now span 27.88 square kilometres, it was transformed into a national park in 2010.
The Himachal Pradesh Travel and Tourism administration has kept the park in its pristine state. One of Nahan’s hotspots, this wildlife sanctuary is home to several migratory birds and other animals. This natural area of the Shivaliks is composed of sal woods, lovely green grassland, and roving streams. In Himachal Pradesh, October and November are the ideal months to visit these national parks. The neighbouring forested region offers walking trails that you can take pleasure in. Here, you may find animals like the Indian muntjac, the Goral, the Sambhar, the Spotted Deer, the Chittal, the Himalayan Black Bear, and Hanuman Langurs.
Location: State Highway 6A, Dhaula Kuan, Himachal Pradesh 173021
Area: 27.88 sq km
Entry Fee: Rs 50
Ideal months for a visit: April to November
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Highlights: Trekking trails Camping: Not available
FAQs
What is the best time to visit the national parks in Himachal Pradesh?
Any of the national parks in Himachal Pradesh are best visited between March and September when the weather is favourable, and you may go on safari and take long walks through the parks.
Which is the biggest national park in Himachal Pradesh?
The Great Himalayan National Park, which was formed out of the stunning mountainous topography of the Kullu district, is the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh.
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