The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in India. It is located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Western Himalayan region. The park is spread over an area of 1,171 sq km and was established in 1984. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Some of the popular attractions in the park include the Tirthan Valley, Sainj Valley, Parashar Lake, and Beas Kund. The park is accessible from the cities of Manali, Shimla and Mandi.
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is the perfect escape not just for dreamers but also for adventure-seekers.
Introduction to Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayas are a volcanic range that stretch across the northern part of India and southern Tibet. These mountains form the boundary between the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region. The Great Himalayan National Park is located in the lower reaches of the Himalayas, close to the Sutlej River. Part of the Greater Himalayas, it covers an area of 2761 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest national parks in India. But don’t let this put you off because travelling through such a small patch of land will give you a real sense of how vast the world truly is. There is so much to see in these hills; from stunning waterfalls and lush forests to ancient monasteries and Chortens (stupas).
Important Scenic Points in Great Himalayan National Park
Among the many scenic points in the Great Himalayan National Park, the Chorten Kumba, the Neuwang Spire, the Kumta Waterfalls, the Rajaji National Park, the Neuwang Valley and the Ranikhet are some of the most prominent. These places are popular trekking and trekking destinations in the park, and during the winter, they draw tourists for the skiing activities as well. The Chorten Kumba is a Tibetan Buddhist stupa located in the Neuwang Valley. A short trek from Kumba, this place is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region. The Neuwang Spire is a challenge for climbers and is situated at a height of about 2552 m. The Rajaji National Park is a lovely deer reserve and is a good spot for birdwatching. The Neuwang Valley is a lovely place to visit during the trek to Neuwang Spire. The Ranikhet is the highest town in the Great Himalayan National Park. It is a beautiful town with many old temples and churches.
How to visit the Great Himalayan National Park?
Access to the Great Himalayan National Park is via the State Transport Departments (ST Departments) Himachal Road Transport Services (HRTS) and Himachal Parivartan Transport (HPT) buses. The HRTS buses ply between Shimla and Manali and Shimla and Solan, while the HPT buses run between Shimla and Kangra Valley. The HRTS buses have additional stops at various locations in Shimla, including the park headquarters. To reach the park, you can hire a cab from Shimla or Shimla airport. Another way to reach the Great Himalayan National Park is from Delhi by train. The nearest railway station is at Pathankot. You can also fly to Shimla from Delhi or Mumbai.
Things to do in the Great Himalayan National Park
While in the Great Himalayan National Park, you can enjoy trekking through the forests, visiting the Tibetan settlements in the vicinity of the park and soaking in the beauty of the waterfalls. You can also visit the folk architecture exhibits in the Tibetan Settlement and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. During the monsoon season, the park becomes an ideal spot to visit for adventure activities like rafting, rock climbing, white-water rafting, paragliding and adventure sports. You can also visit the nearby Rajaji National Park, which is a part of the GHNP, to enjoy nature-based adventure activities like trekking, wildlife watching, bird watching, etc. During winter, you can enjoy the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the frozen lakes with skating, skating and sleigh riding. You can also visit the nearby waterfalls to explore their beauty in the mist.
Where to Stay in The Great Himalayan National Park
There are many lodges and guest houses to choose from in the Park. However, the best places to stay are the Tibetan settlements. These settlements consist of Hanuman Khepa and Gagrin Gompa, which are the two most popular settlements in the Park. You can also explore the other Tibetan settlements in the vicinity of the park. There are also many hotels and homestays located in Shimla and Shimla airport. If you want to stay in the Park, you should book your hotel or guest house in advance. However, you can also stay in a homestay and experience the real Himachali hospitality. In addition, you can also go for eco-treks and stay in remote mountain villages. These are the best options to stay in the park.
Conclusion
The Great Himalayan National Park is a small yet beautiful nature reserve nestled in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. One of the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla, is also situated in the park. The park is host to many waterfalls, forests, and mountains, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The park is a great place to visit during any season, and you can explore it during the rainy season, winter, and summer. Moreover, the park is also a good place to visit if you are interested in trekking, adventure sports, and wildlife. With so much to see and do, the Great Himalayan National Park is the perfect vacation spot.
