Hemmed
in on three sides by the towering peaks of the Himalayas,
Himachal Pradesh's Great Himalayan National Park is
undoubtedly the place to go for a rendezvous with the
wildlife of these mountains. Here, amidst dense forests
of blue pine and cedar, in high alpine meadows and mountain
slopes which remain covered with snow throughout the
year, lives one of the densest and most impressive populations
of Himalayan wildlife. Created in 1984, the Great Himalayan
National Park (officially known as the Jawaharlal Nehru
Great Himalayan National Park) includes, in a wide swathe
of land covering 765 sq km, the previously-established
Tirthan Sanctuary. |
Appreciating
Nature
This
park is an investment in the physical, metal and spiritual
well being of Indians as individuals and of Himachalis
in particular. This gainful investment in something
as simple and fundamental as citizenship, love of country
and an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric
of the Western Himalayas. Bounded on three sides by
the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, the westerly entrance
to the park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to
the Pin Parvati Pass (5,800m) in the Great National
Himalayan Park is considered to be one of the most sacred
places in the western Himalayas.
The Wildlife Attractions
The
secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys sanctuaries together
enrich Himachal by their unparalleled splendour. Each
of these highlights a unique niche in the rich mosaic
of our natural heritage. And the common animals that
abound this area include - the wild mountain goats like
the Bharal, Goral and Serow, the Brown Bear and predators
such as the Leopard, Tigers and the rarely seen Snow
Leopard. Varieties of colourful pheasants - Monal, Khalij
Cheer, Tragopan and other Himalayan birds are also part
of its rich bird population.
Adventure Activities
Bringing
out some added pleasure of seeing wildlife in this spectacular
natural environment is Trekking through the Park to
Rakte Sar, the origin of the Sainj River. Visitors can
contact: Director, National Park at Shamshi or Range
Officer wildlife at Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life
at Sai Ropa, Banjar for assistance and guidance. The
Forests Department provides camping equipment and guides
for tourists. |
