The Great Himalayan National Park Manali
The Great Himalayan National Park is the natural habitat for many flora and fauna and has become one of the most popular places to visit in Manali. Apart from enjoying the wildlife watching at this park, one could try out various adventure sports like trekking, hiking and camping etc. in this region.
About the Great Himalayan National Park
The Western Himalayas is blessed with diverse flora and fauna and this ecological factor was the main reason behind the creation of the Great Himalayan National Park, one of the most popular national parks for wildlife conversation. The park was built in 1984 and is spread over an area of 754 sq km. The altitude of this park varies between the ranges of 1500 m to 6000 m.This park is the home of more than 375 types of fauna including about 31 types of mammals. There are about 3 species of reptiles, 181 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians and 127 species of insects found within this national park. No hunting is allowed within this park premise and all the flora and fauna within its premise. The protection of wildlife is done as per the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
For enjoying the wildlife the most, it is advisable to ask for experienced guide from the forest office. This park is the main source of water for the areas around including the rural and the urban both. Four important rivers have their origins from the glaciers located in this park. The park is also a source of livelihood for the local people. Local people get fuel wood, fruits, nuts, honey and many medicinal herbs from this park. Local people enter this park to collect flowers and the bark of trees like yew and birch.
Trekking Activities within Great Himalayan National Park
Adventure enthusiasts could enjoy wonderful trekking routes within this park. These routes are:- Across Sainj Valley
- Sainj-Tirthan Vally Trek
- Gushaini to Shilt Hut
- Jiwa Nala-Parbati River Valley
- Raktisar in Sainj Valley
Trekking through the Pin Parvati Pass is one of the most amazing treks for which adventure lovers come to this national park.
Flora and Fauna of GHNP
Wide varieties of mammals are found in the Great Himalayan National Park. These include endangered species like Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Musk Deer. The Himalayan Tahr is found in great numbers in this national park. The other animals found here are Ghoral, Serow, Bharal, Brown Bear and Leopard. The common birds found here are the Cheer, Koklas ,Tragopan, Snow Cock Khaleej, and Monal etc.
Wide varieties of plants are also found here. Pines and Spruce trees are found in great numbers. In the lower areas, Horse Chestnuts are found.
The forest type includes Sub-Alpine, Alpine Meadows and Upper Temperate types. Blue Pine, White Oak, Birch, Fir, Cedar, Poplar etc. are the other trees that are found at various altitude of this national park. Lichens and fungi grow on the trees and are used as the food by many mammal species residing in this national park.
Contact Address of the Great Himalayan National Park
Park Director
The Great Himalyan National Park
Shamshi
Manali - 175126
Phone No.: 1902 265320
Email Id: dirghnp@gmail.com
Entry Fees and Timing of the GHNP
The Great Himalayan National Park remains open from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Here is the list of entry fee for this park.
- Indian Citizens - Rs. 50/person
- Foreigners - Rs. 200/person
- Indian Students - Rs. 30/person
- Foreign Students - Rs. 100/person
- Still Camera - free
- Video Camera - Rs. 150 for Indian Citizen / Rs. 300 for Foreigners