Top 3 National Parks in Himachal Pradesh
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The beautiful lush green hills and calm and gentle rivers of Himachal Pradesh are also the pride of many wildlife sanctuaries. There are many national parks in Himachal Pradesh to choose from. For all these enthusiasts, here’s another reason to head to the Himalayas. The Himalayas were listed by UNESCO in 2014 as “Extraordinary Natural Beauty and Conservation of Biodiversity”. The forests of Himachal offer you the most exciting experience by providing you with a wonderful landscape where you can see the wild and wild side of the animals. This place has always been of interest to all hikers and adventure lovers to experience the pristine side of the Indian animals it breeds. Check out some of the wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh that you need to put on your list right now.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Himachal Pradesh:
Exploring wildlife is a whole new adventure. For those looking to see some exotic animals on a trek or visit Himachal Pradesh, here we have listed 3 of the most interesting parks you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Greater Himalayas National Park:
The Greater Himalayas National Park is 75 km from Kuru. It is recognized as one of the best national parks in India and is home to more than 375 species of animals, around 31 species of mammals and 180 species of birds. The most common animals are Himalayan vultures, eagles, Himalayan brown bears, snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tars, musk deer. There are also more than 15,000 inhabitants, including some 160 villages that are located in the buffer zone here and depend on the natural resources of the park. Accessible only by hiking, the park has four main entrances, Gushaini being the main entrance and Barshaini being the preferred hiking point to enter the park. The best way to enjoy the whole trip is by hiking.
When should you visit: April-June and September-October are the best times. Avoid the rainy season. The park charges 50 rupees for Indians and 200 rupees for foreigners.
how can I get there: The best way to get there is on foot. From Barshaini, hike to Pin Parvati valley.
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2. Pingu National Park:
This national park is about 250 kilometers from Shimla. It is located in Spiti district which is probably the most beautiful trek in Himachal Pradesh. It stretches over 1150 square feet and its elevation ranges from 3500m near Ka Dogri to 6000m at its highest point. Despite its high altitude, the park is still home to about 400 species of plants, including herbs and spices. It also has pika, snow rooster, bearded vulture, red fox, mink, Siberian goat, etc. Open daily from 6am to 6pm.
When should you visit: July to October is the best time to visit the park.
how can I get there: Kaza is the closest town to the park and also has tourist accommodation. You can reach Kaza from Bhuntar Airport and then take a bus to get there. Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station, approximately 350 km away.
3. Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary:
This reserve is located in the Chamba District, with elevations ranging from 3910 to 9164 feet. It’s usually a popular spot in Dalhousie. The park has dense oak forests, deodar and blue pines. It also barks orangutans, leopards, bears, jackals, Himalayan sables and sero are some of the common animals. Eurasian jays, chestnut-billed stonethrushes, white-winged blackbirds and more are some of the birds you can find here.
When should you visit: March to May and September to November are the best times to visit the sanctuary.
how can I get there: The Wildlife Sanctuary is only 10 km from Dalhousie, so you’ll find plenty of local buses to take you here. You can also rent a taxi. Pathankot is the nearest railway station to Dalhousie and Gaggal Airport in Kangra is the nearest airport, approximately 13 km away.
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Things to do when visiting Himachal Pradesh National Park:
Check out these extra tips on what to do and what to avoid when in national parks and wildlife areas:
- Always make sure you know the place well by talking to the forest ranger
- Visit the visitor center to learn what to avoid in the national park to avoid danger.
- Always plan your trip in advance to avoid disaster
- Never ignore warning signs
- Do not interfere with animals and keep a safe distance from them
- Never feed animals or try to get too close to them
- Keep an eye out for animals like bears that can smell food
- Always bring appropriate supplies, such as medicines
- Do not smoke or leave fires unattended in national park areas
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If you thought the Himalayas were just about trekking and sightseeing, then exploring the national parks will change your perception. Get ready to explore wild and free-spirited animals. Watch out and make sure you always join a gang. Remember to put safety first!