National Parks in Himachal Pradesh, Know Their Names

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, a state in Northern India, is blessed with pristine natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. Home to a plethora of flora and fauna, the state boasts several national parks that serve as havens for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the 5 national parks in Himachal Pradesh:

How many National Parks in Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh boasts a total of five national parks, each offering a unique and diverse landscape teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Himalayan National Park to the serene ambiance of Simbalbara National Park, these sanctuaries showcase the state’s rich biodiversity and serve as havens for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

List of National Parks in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh boasts a total of five national parks, each offering a unique and diverse landscape teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

Here is the complete list of national parks in Himachal Pradesh:

Great Himalayan National Park

Location: Banjaar, Kullu

Area: 1,171 sq. km

Established in 1984 and recognized as a National Park in 1999, the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. With over 10,000 plant species, it boasts diverse fauna including 31 mammal species and 209 bird species. Popular for its scenic beauty, it offers trekking paths amidst Deodar and Oak trees, attracting numerous visitors annually.

Pin Valley National Park

Location: Lahaul and Spiti

Area: 807.36 sq. km

Pin Valley National Park, established in 1987, sits majestically in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, within the serene confines of the Lahaul and Spiti District. This pristine sanctuary encapsulates a rich tapestry of biodiversity, spanning elevations from 3,500 meters to over 6,000 meters. Within its expanse lies a haven for endangered species, including the elusive Himalayan snow leopard and the noble Siberian ibex. But the park’s significance extends beyond its charismatic inhabitants; it serves as a sanctuary for rare Alpine vegetation and stands of Himalayan Cedar, lending an ethereal charm to its landscape. Furthermore, this sanctuary serves as a guardian for 22 endangered plant species, nurturing them amidst its rugged terrain. In the summertime, the park welcomes a vibrant array of unique bird species, adding a symphony of colors to its already captivating vista.

Inderkilla National Park

Location: Kullu

Area: 104 sq. km

Inderkilla National Park, established in 2010, graces the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a mere 46.1 kilometers from Kullu Manali Airport. Encompassing a vast expanse of 104 square kilometers (40 square miles), it shelters a plethora of native and exotic plant and animal species, thriving within its mountainous terrain. Despite being one of India’s least visited parks, it harbors numerous rare and endangered species, offering a tranquil retreat for wildlife enthusiasts. A central track invites visitors to witness its rich biodiversity firsthand, while also showcasing plants with potent medicinal properties.

Khirganga National Park

Location: Kullu

Area: 710 sq. km

Khirganga National Park, nestled in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, lies 50.5 kilometers from Kullu Manali Airport, within the sprawling Parvati Watershed spanning 710 square kilometers (270 square miles) at an altitude of approximately 5,500 meters. Established in 2010, it stands as a beacon of natural splendor, revered for its breathtaking beauty. Offering a mesmerizing landscape adorned with lush green hills, dense foliage, towering trees, and rustic rest houses, it hosts a diverse array of biological species. The park beckons adventurers, especially those embarking on the Kheerganga Trek, promising an unforgettable journey through its verdant embrace. Optimal visits occur from April to June or September to November, with October boasting favorable weather and fewer crowds. Encounter wildlife like wild bears in this cherished gem, counted among Himachal Pradesh’s premier national parks.

Simbalbara National Park

Location: Sirmour district

Area: 27.88 sq. km

Simbalbara National Park, nestled in the picturesque Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, Himachal Pradesh, was originally established as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary in 1958, spanning 19.03 square kilometers. Expanded in 2010 to encompass an additional 8.88 square kilometers, it now sprawls across 27.88 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Travel and Tourism administration, this sanctuary-turned-national park remains a haven for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Embraced by the natural beauty of the Shivaliks, it features sal woods, verdant grasslands, and meandering streams. Optimal visitation months, October and November, offer glimpses of Indian muntjacs, gorals, sambar deer, spotted deer, Himalayan black bears, and Hanuman langurs.