Great Himalayan National Park
A UNESCO Wilderness Experience in India
Altitude : 15,00-5805 meters.
Climate : MIN. -5ºC Max. – 30ºC
Best Time to Visit : April to June, September to October
Location : 60 km southwest of Kullu town, Himachal Pradesh
Wildlife Attractions : Snow leopard, Tibetan kiang, ibex, serow and Tibetan antelope.
Explore one of India’s most unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the “Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)“ —a pristine wilderness hidden deep in the western Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Kullu region near the eco-friendly villages of Gushaini, Tirthan Valley, and Sainj Valley, this protected landscape spans 1,171 square kilometers within a globally recognized Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Ranging from lush river valleys and dense forests to high alpine meadows and snow-covered peaks, GHNP offers international travelers a rare opportunity to experience raw Himalayan beauty, exceptional biodiversity, and authentic mountain culture far from commercial tourism. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 for its outstanding significance in biodiversity conservation, the park is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including valuable medicinal herbs, along with 31 species of mammals, 209 species of birds, and a rich variety of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. GHNP is defined by four major river valleys—Parvati Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley, Tirthan Valley, and Sainj Valley—each named after rivers that originate within the park. Popular eco-treks, such as the route from Gushaini to Rolla along the Tirthan River, allow visitors to walk through lush forests, expansive meadows, pristine glaciers, and dramatic Himalayan peaks. Activities like birdwatching, wildlife photography, and guided nature walks in the ecozone further enhance the experience, making the Great Himalayan National Park an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and conscious travelers seeking meaningful and sustainable travel experiences in the true heart of the Indian Himalayas.
Why Great Himalayan National Park Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
GHNP earned UNESCO status due to its exceptional ecological value and remarkable variety of flora and fauna. The park protects entire mountain ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine zones, creating a safe haven for endangered Himalayan species.
Key highlights include:
- Over 800 plant species
- More than 375 fauna species
- Rare Himalayan wildlife in its natural habitat
- Intact river systems and glacial landscapes
Unlike crowded national parks, GHNP allows visitors to experience wildlife without artificial enclosures or mass tourism, offering a genuine wilderness encounter.
Flora of this Park
Fauna of this Park
Nearest Access
Visiting Season
Wildlife and Biodiversity of Great Himalayan National Park
The park is internationally recognized for its high-altitude Himalayan wildlife. Travelers may encounter rare and elusive species such as:
Snow Leopard
Himalayan Brown Bear
Blue Sheep (Bharal)
Musk Deer
Himalayan Tahr
