The Five Spectacular National Parks Of Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most scenic states of India. Here, nature is bountiful and full of hidden treasures. Many perennial rivers flow in the mountainous terrain of this state. The rivers support the growth of lush, green forests. Himachal Pradesh has rich biodiversity and many endangered medicinal plant species grow here. About 463 species of birds, 77 mammalian species, 80 fish and 44 reptilian species call this state their home. There are five national parks, 30 wildlife sanctuaries, and 3 conservation reserves in Himachal Pradesh. The national parks are listed below:

Simbalbara National Park

This national park is located in the Sirmour District’s Paonta Valley. The park is covered with dense forests of Sal trees and grassy pastures. The Simbalbara National Park was set up in 1958. Initially, it had an area of 19.03 square km and 8.88 square km of area was added in 2010. The park’s fauna includes the Himalayan black bear, spotted deer, goral, langurs, Indian muntjac, etc. A great variety of birds are also found here. Trekking is one of the best ways to explore the scenic landscape of the park that consists of waterfalls, streams, mountains, and lush, green forests.

Inderkilla National Park

Very little information is available online related to this national park. It was established in 2010 and covers an area of 104 square km.

Pin Valley National Park

This national park is located in the Spiti and Lahaul districts of Himachal Pradesh. The park was established in 1987 in the Spiti Valley where it is a part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. The elevation of the Pin Valley National Park varies from 11,500 ft to 20,000 ft. The park is also known for its cultural features including several monasteries and stupas that represent the Tibetan Buddhism culture. Several species of endangered fauna including the snow leopard and the Siberian ibex are residents of this park. Due to the high altitudes, the vegetation of the park is sparse and consists of mainly alpine trees and groves. Some of the birds living here include the Himalayan snowcock, snowfinch, snow partridge, etc.

Khirganga National Park 

Established in 2010, this national park is located adjacent to the Great Himalayan National Park. It has an area of 710 square km and has an average elevation of 5,500 m. There are now plans to merge the Khirganga with the Great Himalayan National Park to allow for better management of the area. 

The Great Himalayan National Park

This is the most well-known national park in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the state’s Kullu region. The park was founded in 1984 and encompasses an area of 1,171 square km. The elevation of the park varies from 1500 to 6000 m. Over 375 species of fauna reside here. Many of these species are threatened. In 2014, the national park was recognized by the UNESCO as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the most notable mammals found here include the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, and the Himalayan brown bear.