Top 5 National Parks to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is located in the Himalayas. The untouched densely forested valleys, snow-capped mountains, and gushing rivers make up the best natural habitat for wildlife. The wooded landscapes of Himachal Pradesh are blessed with some of the endangered and indigenous species of animals, reptiles, and rare, migratory species of birds. The natural vegetation also hides a plethora of unique flora, many of which have medicinal value too. These wonders of nature are preserved and protected within areas identified and demarcated as national parks in Himachal Pradesh. So, If you visit this gorgeous heaven in the Himalayas, make sure you also explore these national parks to witness the real beauty and richness of this Indian state.
5 National Parks in Himachal Pradesh
As a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, you can have thrilling experiences while exploring national parks in Himachal Pradesh. Witness and encounter the rarest wildlife and vegetation of the Himalayas up-close. Here’s the list of national parks in Himachal Pradesh:
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Pin Valley National Park
- Inderkilla National Park
- Khirganga National Park
- Simbalbara National Park
1. Great Himalayan National Park
Image Credit: Aji floyd for Wikimedia Commons
Great Himalayan National Park is one of the well-known national parks in Himachal Pradesh. It is a natural paradise in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district. This national park is one of the newest additions to the wildlife reserve grid in the Himalayan region. In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding contribution towards biodiversity conservation. Here, you can witness about 10,000 plant species and colossal fauna. These include Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus monkey, Himalayan black bear, and Himalayan brown bear. Here, you can do trekking as well, for a heightened experience.
- Location: Forest Office Rd, Shamshi, the Western part of the Himalayan Mountains, Himachal Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Starting at INR 200/person for Indians and INR 800/person for Foreigners
- Timings: 24/7
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2. Pin Valley National Park
Image Credit: Timothy Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Located within Lahaul and Spiti District, Pin Valley National Park is a lush hilly landscape in Himachal Pradesh. The park extends towards the South of Dhankar Gompa, close to the Tibetan border. Pin Valley National Park is within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve of the Himalayan Region and is located at an elevation ranging from approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) near Ka Dogri to above 6,000 meters (20,000 ft) at its highest point. Here, you can spot endangered species, including the snow leopard and the Siberian ibex. Around 22 rare and endangered plant species with high medicinal value have also been identified in the region. The Pin Valley National Park also sees some rare bird species during summer. Pin Valley National Park is the second most popular national park in Himachal Pradesh.
- Location: Kaza, Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
3. Inderkilla National Park
Inderkilla National Park in Himachal Pradesh was established in 2010. It covers an area of 104 square kilometres (40 square miles) and is located in the Kullu district, 46.1 kilometres from the Kullu Manali Airport. The park preserves various flora and fauna in the Himalayan region. The densely forested and hilly terrain of these national parks in Himachal Pradesh is home to many rare and endangered plant, animal, bird and insect species. A trail through the Inderkilla National Park will allow you to spot these animals in their natural habitat. You would also find plants that have rich medicinal value. This is one of the least explored national parks in Himachal Pradesh.
- Location: 6CH6+7MC, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Related Post: Trekking In Himachal Pradesh
4. Khirganga National Park
Image Credit: Robert Kedra for Wikimedia Commons
Khirganga National Park is 50.5 kilometres from the Kullu Manali Airport in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 square kilometres (270 square miles) of the Parvati Watershed. Khirganga National Park was established in 2010. Being one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, it is a must-add to your itinerary. The park shares a boundary to the North of the Great Himalayan National Park and will be merged with it to make supervision easier. Moreover, you can combine your visit to this national park with your Kheerganga trek. Therefore, the best time to visit this place is April to June or September to November. Species like wild bears are also found here. It is also one of the most visited national parks of Himachal Pradesh.
- Location: 2M48+56G, Himachal Pradesh 175134
- Entry Fee: Starting at INR 50/person
- Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 PM
5. Simbalbara National Park
Located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, Simbalbara National Park is a protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The national park was established in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 19.03 square kilometres. In 2010, it was turned into a national park by merging 8.88 square kilometres into its boundaries. The Simbalbara National Park is now spread across 27.88 square kilometres (10.76 square miles). Furthermore, the Himachal Pradesh Travel and Tourism Department has preserved the park naturally. The perennial stream in the valley also comes within the boundary of the national park. Simbalbara National Park features thick Sal forests with grassy undergrowth. The best time to visit these national parks in Himachal Pradesh is October and November. You can also enjoy walking trails through the nearby forested area. Also, Species like Goral, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Chittal, Himalayan black bear, Hanuman langurs, and Indian muntjacs are found here.
- Location: FG4W+3QV, State Highway 6A, Dhaula Kuan, Himachal Pradesh 173021
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
You May Also Like To Read: Water Sports In Himachal Pradesh
So, what are you waiting for? Explore the wilderness amidst mountains and have a breathtaking break from your hustle. Surrounded by wildlife, lush greenery, waterfalls, and streams, you can detox yourself and have the best time. Plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh with your loved one on an awe-inspiring adventure. This is going to be an unforgettable journey for life!
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Parks In Himachal Pradesh
There are 5 national parks in Himachal Pradesh: Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, and Simbalbara National Park.
Simbalbara National Park, which was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, is the oldest one.
In Himachal Pradesh, there are 5 national parks and 26 wildlife sanctuaries.
Spread over an area of 1171 km sq, the Great Himalayan National Park is the biggest one in Himachal Pradesh.
The best time to visit any of the national parks in Himachal Pradesh is between March and September when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy safaris and long walks inside these parks. Which national parks are in Himachal Pradesh?
Which is the oldest national park of Himachal Pradesh?
How many national parks are in Himachal Pradesh?
Which is the largest national park in Himachal Pradesh?
What is the best time to visit the national parks in Himachal Pradesh?
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
