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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.
The
Ecozone is an area adjacent to the Park which contains villages that have
historically had some economic dependence on the resources of the land
incorporated into the Park. The formal designation of the Park boundaries
and the resulting loss of these resources has economically impacted these
villages. In recognition of this adverse economic impact, various programs
have, and are being, developed by the state government of Himachal Pradesh,
NGO's (non-government organizations), and the villagers themselves to
create alternative sources of economic well-being. EcoTourism, one such
program, offers rewards to both the visitor and the villagers and helps
protect GHNP.
At
GHNP, there are numerous habitats for exploration: from lush forests of
oak, conifer, and bamboo, to gentle alpine meadows; from swift flowing
rivers to high elevation glaciers. The terrain and geology are diverse.
If one is lucky there are opportunities to observe endangered species
of the Western Himalayas in their natural habitat.
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Climate
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.
At higher elevations, unexpected thunderstorms can soak the unprepared
trekker. Just as quickly, the storm can pass, leaving the sky saturated
with azure blue.
The Seasons
Spring: April-May. Temperate weather and a good time
to visit.
Summer (Rainy Season): June to August. Sunny mornings, possible
afternoon thunderstorms and cool nights. Rains are mostly confined to
this period. Heavy downpours can cause landslides and soil erosion. GHNP
receives moderate (1100-1500mm) precipitation over most of the year and
heavily during monsoon season in June-August. These factors can complicate
trekking.
Fall: September to mid-November. The weather is temperate and,
like Spring, is an optimal time to visit.
Winter: Mid-November to March. Cool to blizzard conditions
with extreme low temperatures. Snowfall in winter occurs throughout the
Park. Snow persists above 3,000 m from November to March with profound
effects on the distribution of fauna and flora. Like Summer, these weather
factors prohibit trekking.
Note: Weather conditions change quickly in mountainous areas and snow
is possible year-round.
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Gear
Wear appropriate dress for each season and dress in layers for maximum
comfort. Your trekking will be as comfortable as your boots. Make sure
they are sturdy (with good ankle support and sturdy soles) and broken-in
(new boots can often cause hot spots or blisters). Rain gear and sunscreen
are essential. A warm hat, scarf, and gloves must also be part of your
dress. Additional clothing items should include:
(1) down or insulated vest/jacket, (2) rain-proof parka, (3) socks and
sock liners, (4) sun hat, (5) T-shirts, (6) slippers or sandals for inside
tent, (7) thermal under-wear, (8) sunglasses, (9) down sleeping bag.
Other Items
(1) adjustable walking stick, (2) water bottle, (3) high-grade water
filter, (4) Multi-blade knife. Over-night stays have additional requirements,
including, tents, sleeping bags, insulated mats, cooking utensils, food,
etc. GHNP requires entry permits for treks. Society for Scientific Advancement
of Hill and Rural Areas (SAHARA) is a non-governmental group organized
by local village people and provides full logistic trek support. SAHARA
offers guides, porters, tents, cooks, and coordinates different trek tours
with GHNP staff.
This is not a fully comprehensive gear list and you should consult with
knowledgeable individuals or appropriate trekking books (e.g., Trekking
in the Indian Himalayas, Lonely Planet) if you are planning a multi-day
trek to ensure you are properly equipped and informed.
Trek Preparation
 A
trekker to the GHNP should be in good physical condition and the choice
of the trekking route should match the levels of one's physical fitness.
A trekker in good health can easily go up to 4000 m. Some trekking routes
are strenuous to very strenuous and are indicated as such. For example,
crossing of the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m.) demands excellent physical
health and stamina, basic mountaineering skills, serious trekking experience,
snow-walking, and orientation (see Personal Impressions, Dr. G.S. Rawat).
The trekker is expected to respect both the mountain environment and local
village customs. As you trek, it is important to do one thing at a time.
When you're going up and down the steep trails, your attention has to
be on the next step (see Personal Impressions, Arnold Lippin). Periodic
rest stops provide opportunities to appreciate the environment. It is
essential to find the next overnight camping site well before the sunsets.
There are a few designated camping sites in high altitude pastures. Your
local guide will be of help in selecting a place to camp, which is close
to water and safe for the night rest.
Failure to set careful limits for oneself can result in tragedy. Know
your limits--don't endanger yourself or others!
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Travel
Basics
Reaching GHNP
The starting point for any trekking or visit to GHNP is the Kullu
Valley region
in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This region is best accessible by road
and air. A pre-trek meeting at GHNP headquarters in Shamshi (near Kullu)
is recommended.
By Road from Delhi
Approximately 500 kms by road (14+ hour trip). Take Delhi to Chandigarh
by National Highway 1, then to Aut in Mandi district by NH 21. The towns
of Chandigarh and Swarghat can be targeted to stay for staging the trip.
Road journey in the mountain terrain of Himachal provides good views of
Gobindsagar Lake near Bilaspur, followed by lush and wide Bahl Valley.
The drive continues through the outskirts of Mandi which leads into the
Pandoh gorge. After Pandoh comes the small town of Aut from where a link
road goes across the bridge over Beas River into the Banjar valley, where
the Park is located. This trip can be made by private vehicle. Private
and state run buses to the region are also available. Check with tour
guides and books for details from major Indian cities to Bhuntar and Kullu.
By Air
Airline service is available from Delhi and Chandigarh to Bhuntar.
Approximate distances from GHNP
Air Port : Bhuntar (Kullu), 50 kms.
Railhead : Joginder Nagar (Mandi), 100 kms. Town : Kullu (District HQ),
60 kms.
Four Valleys
1. Tirthan Valley
The motorable, all-weather road from Aut to Gushaini is about 52 kms.
Gushaini is the roadhead for trekking in this valley. Sainj Valley starting
from Aut, the 46 kms road in Sainj valley ends at Neuli where the trekking
trail starts. About 5 kms short of Neuli, is the village Ropa. Here, a
gravel road climbs up to Shangarh which is famous for its large meadow
surrounded by the cedar trees. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles can use
this gravel road which is very narrow and not generally advised for travel
by car. Check with GHNP officials about access to Neuli by road. There
is a bus service to Neuli.
2. Jiwa Nal Valley
On the Sainj Valley road, about 35 kms from Aut, is the Siund village
where the Jiwa river meets Sainj. Siund is the starting point for treks
in Jiwanal Valley.
3. Parvati Valley
Beyond Aut follow NH 21 up to Bhuntar then take the link road to Manikaran
and up to Barshaini. Start the trek from Barshaini or the more popular
village of Pulga (with an old Forest Rest House). This is the starting
point of very popular treks up to Mantalai and further up to cross the
Pin-Parvati Pass (5319 m altitude). From Kullu, Bhuntar (Airport connection
from New Delhi), and Aut, there are regular taxi and bus services to the
Sainj and Tirthan valleys. Consult a guide book for places to stay in
the Kullu or Bhuntar area while you stage your trek.
Trekking Routes
All four valleys of GHNP offer moderate to strenuous treks. Serious, multi-day
trekking in the Park requires adequate preparation, physical training,
good health, and stamina as all routes contain serious up and down terrain.
The potential for unexpected cold weather also demands proper outfitting.
There are two main options for visiting GHNP: the Ecozone, and the Park
itself
Communication Facilities
To ensure effective Park management, a wireless communication system covering
all important points within and around the Park was established in 1993.
At present the communication network is comprised of nine base stations
at Shamshi, Sairopa, Kharoncha/Dingcha, Banjar, Sainj, Lapah, Diar, Panjain
and Kullu. This system will usually be available to multi-day trekkers,
as the accompaniment of a Park Ranger is a requirement for such treks.
Insurance
All multi-day foreign visitors must provide evidence of insurance coverage
in the event that emergency medical or evacuation procedures are needed.
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GHNP Rules
• Access to GHNP is limited due to the fragile ecosystem.
• All entry to the Park requires prior permission.
• All multi-day trekkers must be accompanied by certified
guides and porters.
• Check in and consult at an interpretation facility
(e.g.,Sai Ropa) for tourist
guides, literature, brochures etc.,
before entering the Park/Sanctuary.
• Obtain necessary permission from the Park official and
pay Park entry fees.
• Pay fees for personal photography and/or video
and filming.
• Commercial filming and videos require additional
permits and fees.
• Do not disturb the animals.
• No harvesting, picking of plants, flowers, pinecones, etc.
• When ever possible move silently through the forest.
• Keep silent or talk in a low voice during outings
to view wildlife.
• Report the death orinjury of any wild animal that you
may encounter to the nearest Forest Officer.
• Report any incident of forest fire to the nearest
Forest Officer
• Pack out you non-degradable litter and deposit it
at the appropriate place when exiting the Park.
• No open fires are allowed.
• Cooking fires must remain under trek leader control.
• Use pits for personal elimination. Depth should be two feet.
Burn toilet paper if used.
• Elimination pits should ideally be 100 meters from
any water source.
• No green (live) wood to be used for fires.
• All fires must be extinguished before leaving camp
with water and by smothering the ashes.
• Leave campsite cleaner than you found it.
• Respect the Ecozone villagers privacy. Ask permission
before taking photos or entering property.
• Respect religious sites, temples, outdoor shrines.
Remove shoes if requested.
• Dress modestly.
Absolute
Prohibitions within GHNP
• No firearms, weapons, bows and arrows, or fire crackers.
• No pets allowed.
• No kindling fires (except cooking fires) or smoking.
• No shouting, teasing, or chasing wild animals.
• No molesting or feeding animals
• No electronic radios, tape recorders, CD players
(unless confined to personal
earphones) or musical
instruments (except within a rest house and only at
a low pitch).
• No parties.
• No fishing or hunting.
• No damaging or removal of any wildlife, tree, display signs,
or the boundary marks of the Park/Sanctuary.
Trekkers must show their trekking route to a GHNP
Range Officer before entering the Park.
Disruption of Trekking Routes and Trails
Main Park trails are commonly impacted by floods and landslides. They
are often impassable and/or re-routed. In the Sainj Valley, the trail
beyond Shakti and the section between Neuli and Bah, are in quite poor
condition and require care while trekking. Trails and bridges are constructed
and maintained by the Park staff. They should be contacted for trail status
when planning a trek in these areas.
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Entrance Fees
There are fees for entering the Park and additional fees for cameras,
video, and filming. Rates for Indian nationals are lower than foreigners.
Check with Park officials for the latest entrance fees and requirements.
Entry Ticket
Current Rates for the entry into the Great Himalayan National Park:
Category: Indian/Foreigner
Per person: Rs. 10 per day/Rs. 200 per day
Student Charges: Rs. 5 per day/Rs. 100 per day
Still Camera: Rs. 50 Rs./150
Video Camera: Rs. 2,500/Rs.5,000
Feature Film: Rs. 20,000/Rs. 20,000
Security money per feature film: Rs. 25,000/Rs. 40,000
Documentary Film: Rs. 2,500/Rs.5,000
Security per documentary: Rs. 15,000/Rs. 40,000
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