Great Himalayan National Park Treks

Trekking in the Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park offers the causal hiker and serious trekker a wide range of experiences in the natural wonders of the Park. Trails range from relatively easy day walks in the Ecozone to challenging week or longer treks through arduous and spectacular terrain. GHNP ranks as one of the best national parks in the world and reveals its beauty, diversity, and depth through time spent in exploration.

Tirthan Valley

Photo: Gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park in Tirthan Valley

The general climate of the Park is quite temperate and the best time for visiting is in Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October). Summer brings monsoon rains and winter brings colder temperatures and the possibility of dangerous snow storms, especially at higher elevations. Being remote and insulated within the Kullu valley, the Park has its own microclimate.

Photo: A trekking party near GB's Hippo

(on the periphery of boundary in Tirthan Valley)

Photo: A Gur (priest) delivering sermon near Tirath, the origin of Tirtahn River

Photo: A trek in progress through a landslide area on Tirthan River

Photo: Trekkers nearing Tirath, the origin or Tirthan River

Trek upto Tirath in Tirthan Valley
Day 1: Gushaini (1500m) to Rolla (2100m): Walk through Ecozone of GHNP. Gentle gradient at the beginning of trek. Distance: 10 kms.
Day 2: Rolla to Nada (3300m) Thach: Moderate to strenuous climb through oak and conifer forests. A prominent tree god near Chalocha (2450 m) from where the climb starts. Possible sightings of Himalayan Tahr or Black Bear. Nada thatch (meadow) very good for bird watching. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 3: Nada Thach to Majhoni (3800m): Gradual to steep decent through forests. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 4: Majhoni to Tirath (4000m) and back Majhoni: Moderate gradient leading into the vast meadow of Tirath offering views of magnificent mountain panoramas. Tirath, the origin of Tirthan river has a glacial lake which is sacred to the villagers of Tirthan valley. Vegetation is stunted showing influence of extreme cold temperatures. Distance: 8 kms.
Day 5: Trek from Majhoni to Nada Thach. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 6: Rest day at Nada. Bird watching.
Days 7: Nada Thatch to Rolla- descent. Distance: 12 km.
Day 8: Rolla to Gushaini. Distance: 10 km.


Sainj Valley

Photo: A camping site in Parkachi Meadow of Sainj Valley

Photo: A petrolling hut in Dhel Meadow (3737 m altitude) in Sainj Valley

Photo: A trekking party in Sainj Valley

Photo: A trekking party at Rakti Sar, origin of Sainj river

Raktisar in Sainj Valley
Day 1: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m) village. Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 Km
Day 2: Shakti to Parkachi (3000m) thach. Trek along the Sainj river. Gradual ascent. Distance: 10 kms.
Day 3: Parkachi thatch to Rakti Sar (4500 m): Along the river, quite a strenuous ascent through rocky portions. Crossing of streamss along the route is tricky. Distance: 14 kms.
Day 4: Trek from Rakti Sar to Parkachi thatch. Strenuous descent. Distance: 14 kms.
Day 5: Rest day at Parkachi. Bird watching. Medicinal herbs.
Day 6: Parkachi thatch to Shakti village. Gradual descent. Distance: 10 kms.
Day 7: Shakti village to Neuli. Distance: 22 kms.
Total Distance: 92 kms.


Jiwa Nal Valley

Photo: Adventurous river crossing near the headwaters of Jiwa Nal

Photo: Jiwa Nal River near its origin in Khandedhar

Photo: A camping site in Khandedhar, near the origin of Jiwa Nal river

Photo: Unique shapes of mountains at Khandedhar in Jiwa Nal valley

Jiwa Nala to Parvarti River Valley
A seven-day, very strenuous, dramatic hike crossing the mountain passes at Kandi Galu (3627m), and Phangchi Galu (4636m). Incredible vistas. Must be in excellent physical condition as very demanding with elevation ascent of 2000 meters and 1500 meters descent in one day (total up-down, 3,500 m in one day!).
Day 1: Neuli (1650m) - Bhagi Kashahri (2600m). Morning visit to Manu (2200 m) Temple. Evening at village school site. Moderate ascent. Distance: 23 kms.
Day 2: Bhagi Kashahri to Subli (3300m). Strenuous ascent in early morning (3600 m). Pass through Kandi Galu notch (3627m). Distance 17 kms.
Day 3. Subli to Dwada (3150m). Relatively easy hike passing through birch forests and meadows. Distance 6 kms.
Day 4: Rest Day at Dwada: Beautiful meadow surrounded by steep mountain valleys and flowing Jiwanal River. Peaceful and good place to rest after long hike from Subli.
Day 5: Rest Day Dwada: Day hike up to Surtu Glacial Pond in Khandedhar with dramatic mountain backdrops. Opportunities for wildlife observation including Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, etc. Distance: 20 kms. round trip.
Day 6: Dwada to Chippi (3550m): Very strenuous day. Crossing Phangchi Galu Pass (4636 m) below Khandedhar into Parvarti Valley. Continuous steep ascent over rock scree, boulders, and very narrow paths into high alpine meadows, then higher lichen environments. Can be cold and windy. Descent from Phangchi Galu can have deep snow pack and should be done with great care as steep drops and potentially very dangerous. Sublime peace at the higher elevations. Stressful on knees coming down! Distance: 23 kms.
Day 7: Chippi to Pulga: Easier descent back into forests and meadows, ending at village of Pulga. Distance: 18 kms.
Total Distance: 110 kms.

Parvati Valley

Photo: A trek across Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m altitude)

Photo: Crossing of Pin Parvati Pass on 9.9. 1999

(an expedition of HP Forest Department led by Sanjeeva Pandey)

Photo: On the Pin side of the trek

Photo: A crevasse en route to the Pin Parvati Pass

Photo: The full trekking party

Crossing the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 meters altitude)
Main attractions: village house architecture; tree deities; old Forest Rest House at Pulga; panoramic views; alpine and sub-alpine pastures; huge glacial structures at Man-Talai onwards; about 7 to 8 kms. long stretch of snow fields on the Pass; changing vegetation and distinct bird, mammal, butterfly life.
Day 1: Shamshi (1100 m) to Barsheni (2150 m): by road
Trek from Barsheni to Khirganga (2960 m) Distance: 10 kms. A busy trekking route. The sulfur springs at Khirganga are very famous in the area. A number of Sadhus (holy men, hermits) can be seen camping in the vicinity of the springs.
Day 2: Khirganga-Tunda Bhuj (3285 m) to Thakur Kuan: Trek is less disturbed, goes through conifer forests, open meadows and birch forests. The journey may be broken in two days, up to Tunda Bhuj (area with high altitude birch forests) in one day and then from there to Thakur Kuan, the next day. Distance: 19 kms
Day 3: Thakur Kuan to Pandupul (3700 m) to Mantalai (4200 m): This part of trek is above tree line in high altitude meadows full of medicinal herbs, alpine grasses, bees and butterflies during Summer season. It should be done in two days: up to Pandupul in one day and next day to Mantalai. Distance: 20 kms.
Day 4: Mantalai to Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) to base of the snow field in Pin Valley (4075 m): This is the most strenuous part of the Pin Parvati Pass trek. It involves a steep ascent from Mantalai to the Pass and then a descent into the Pin valley. About six to seven kms trek is on snow fields filled with potentially dangerous crevices. Weather may change any time at the Pass. Distance: 14 kms
Note: Assistance of a guide to cross the Pass..
Day 5: Rest day at the base of Pass in Pin Valley.
Day 6: Base of the snow field in Pin Valley to Tariya or near Mud: Trek through arid zone of the cold desert in Pin Valley. The arduous part of the trek is over, but watch out for crossing of streams on the way. This part of trek can be done in two days with a stopover in between. Distance: 11 kms.
Day 7: Tariya/Mud to Maling road head onwards by road to Kaza (3600 m): Mud is the first village to come by. The trekker may hire a pony or one of the famous Chamurti bred Tibetan horses to ride up to the roadhead. Distance: 15 kms.
Total Distance: 90 kms.

Great Himalayan National Park: Four Valleys

Four Valleys of the Grea Himalayan National Park

1. Tirthan Valley
Hanskund: a little pond at the headwaters of the Tirthan river is revered as a secred place

2. Sainj Valley

Rakti Sar: the headwaters of Sainj river is a holy place. It is a strenuous trek to reach this place.

3.Jiwa Nal Valley

Sartoo: A small glacial pond near the headwaters of Jiwa Nal is believed to be the origin of river.

4. Parvati Valley

Mantalai: A lake of considerable expanse. A pilgrimage destination and origin of Parvati river.

The features that initially attracted interest and led to the preservation of this area as Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in southern part of the Kullu Valley were its biodiversity representativeness in the Western Himalayas, low level of habitations, remoteness, inaccessibility, and local economy based on traditional undertakings.

100% of the Park remains untouched by the modern-day development, providing a wide range of habitat types that support one of the Western Himalayas largest and more varied large ecosystem. GHNP is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining in the Western Himalayas.

The Great Himalayan National Park is an investment in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals, and Himachalis in particular. It is a gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as good citizenship: love of country, and appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of western Himalayas.

There are a few things one can do to increase chances of having a rewarding visit - and help preserve the Park as well: Consider keeping the Great Himalayan National Park, clean.

Great Himalayan National Park Time Line:

By Wildlife Protection Act, (1972) of India, the Great Himalayan National Park was set apart for protecting, propogating or developing wildlife therein or its environment. GHNP is the latest and newest National Park of India.
1980: Himachal Wildlife Project-I (HPW-I) surveyed forest areas of H.P. for wildlife conservation. The survey team included Dr. AJ Gaston, Dr. PJ Garson and Dr.Hunter along with officials of Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and others.

1983: Himachal Wildlife Project-II (HPW-II) continued the wildlife surveys and recommended creation of the Great Himalayan National Park in its present location.

Ist March, 1984: Notification of intention of Government of Himachal Pradesh to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park with buffer zone.

30th July, 1990: Revised notification of intention of Government of Himachal Pradesh to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park (without buffer zone) as specified in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This is in suppression of earlier notification dated 1.3.1984.

July, 1992: Himachal Wildlife Project-III (HPW-III) re-assessed wildlife abundance, obtained information on livestock grazing and herb collection and reviewed the existing management plan.22nd Feb.,1994Notification of intention of the Government of HP to constitute the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary.

26th Feb.,1994: Notification of intention of the Government of HP to constitute the Great Himalayan National Park by including upper Parvati catchment. This is in suppression of the earlier notification dated 30th July, 1990.

October, 1994 to December 1999: Conservator of Biodiversity Project for five year duration at the Great Himalayan National Park.

1994-1999: The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun conducted a research project at the Great Himalayan National Park. The research inputs contributed to the management of the Park.

May 1999: The Govt. of Himachal Pradesh issued final notification of the Great Himalayan National Park.

2004: First ever livelihood-based management plan in India for Biodiversity conservation prepared for GHNP (author: Sanjeeva Pandey).

The GHNP Management Plan revisits the planning sequence as following:

• It prioritizes working with the local communities (their livelihoods) to reduce their dependencies on the PA’s natural resources, and

• the interventions to manage, monitor and protect the natural habitats/species and resources are facilitated when the local communities cooperate.