Located in the Seraj Forest Division amidst the beautiful snow-capped Himalayas, the Great Himalayan National Park is a charming habitat of alpine flora and fauna. This location is encircled by the Pin Valley National Park, Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary at an altitude of approximately 1500 to 6000 meters. Tagged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park is one of the largest national parks in India.
Activities you can perform
The Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu offers a range of activities which are as follows:
Treks
The below treks in this park are quite popular among explorers:
- Tirthan Valley Morahani Trek: This trek is a 5-day expedition ranging from moderate to strenuous where trekkers can view lovely apple orchards, local agricultural fields, and flora and fauna.
- Tirthan Valley Tirath Trek: This 7-day trekking expedition allows trekkers to view Tirath, a pilgrimage site for the local community.
- Shreekhand Mahadev Trek: A strenuous trek only meant for expert hikers, it includes a 9-day expedition to the holy site of Shreekhand Mahadev.
- Sainj Valley Raktisar Trek: This moderate to strenuous 7-day expedition allows you to hike to the source of the Parvati River.
- Tirthan Valley Gushaini-Rakhundi Trek: This 5-day hike lets you explore the dense forests, and amazing meadows and observe some rare wildlife.
- Sainj Valley Neuli to Homkhani Trek: A 5-day trekking journey, this trek takes you through lush green forests and allows you to explore the landscape.
- Sainj Tirthan Valley Trek: This 9-day trekking expedition allows you to experience the amazing transitions between two valleys, Sainj and Tirthan.
Season-based activities
Besides trekking, several season-based expeditions you can indulge in when travelling to this place are as follows:
- Bird watching: This Park is home to the endangered western tragopan and four other pheasant species. This attracts birdwatchers from across the globe. The best time for this activity is from April to May and from October to November.
- Trout fishing: Tirthan and Sainj River are famous locations for trout fishing. Beginners can enjoy this relaxing activity from April to June and from October to December.
- Camping: You can also pitch your tents out under the sky and enjoy gazing at the stars. April to June and September to November is the best time for camping here.
Ecozone activities
Below are some ecozone activities that tourists can enjoy here:
- Rappelling and rock climbing: A group activity, there are a few natural walls suitable for this activity. Beginners can enjoy this sport and there are instructors to guide you. March to May and September to November is an ideal time to indulge in this sport.
- River crossing: A refreshing activity, you can enjoy river crossings from March to May and September to November.
- Village walks: Enjoy exploring the nearby villages and get a glimpse of the daily life chores such as cooking, weaving, basket-making, and weaving. Participate in the local fairs and admire the local artefacts that you can carry as souvenirs.
Local sightseeing
Besides enjoying the local adventure activities around this park, you can also enjoy travelling to the offbeat attractions here. These include:
Sainj Valley
Sainj is a lovely local shopping centre having a forest rest house, overlooking the market area. Some of the popular tourist attractions here include:
- Shangarh
- Dehuri & Nahi
- Panihar
- Raktisar
- Shainsher
Banjaar Valley
Promising breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the valleys around, Banjaar Valley offers three major landmarks that are a must-visit. These include:
- Bala temple of Markanday Rishi and Durga Mata
- Shringa Rishi temple, Bagi, has a statue of Rishi Shringi and unique wood carvings depicting 24 different births of God (Narsimhan Barah, Rama, Krishna, etc.)
- Chehalis Fort, Chehani, approximately 1000 years old and rising 11 stories into the air.
The other popular tourist attractions here include:
- Shoja Village
- Jalori Pass
- Raghupur Fort
- Sareulsar Lake
- Lambhari Top
- Sakiran Top
- Srikhand Mahadev Peak
- Bahu
- Gadagushaini
Tirthan Valley
The Tirthan stream is famous for its trout and hence attracts several tourists to this location. This stream rises from the cold spring of Hanskund Peak and flows through enchanting Rohla terrain.
Larji
One of the top tourist attractions near the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, this place comes to life, especially during fishing season. A traveller’s paradise, Larji serves as a base camp for trout fishing.
Some tips for travellers
- When you are planning a trek to this location, ensure you are physically fit.
- Appoint certified guides and porters and carry the forest permit when hiking.
- Wear appropriate trekking gear and shoes, as many routes are steep here.
- Carry dry food, essential medicines, and water during the journey.
- Accommodation is limited. Therefore, try booking in advance.
- For camping, carry sleeping bags, tents, and other necessities.
So, now you have a detailed idea about the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu and the best time to visit it. About 60 km from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, this Park is a habitat protecting more than 1000 plant species, including medicinal herbs. Besides, it protects 209 bird species, 31 mammal species, and several insects, amphibians, molluscs, and reptiles. However, beware of prickly plants and refrain from bothering the wild animals in the Park. Additionally, always gather permission before photographing the tribal living in the ecozone.
