Pin Valley

Uniting nearly 30 old states of the area, formed the present state of Himachal Pradesh, after India gained independence. At the same time, some areas were merged into Patiala and East Punjab State Union (PEPSU). With the reorganization of Punjab on 1st November 1966, certain areas belonging to it were included in Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged state.  

The Pin Valley National Park is one of the most exquisite sights gifted to the Indians by Mother Nature. It owns its exquisiteness mainly to the fact that the park is not much travelled, thereby making it all the more alluring. This mystic place holds within itself hidden treasures of immeasurable natural wealth. It is situated in the Lahaul - Spiti district of the state. Lying between altitude 3300 m - 6632 m, the park encompasses an area of 675 sq. km. To the south-west of the park is the Great Himalayan National Park and to the south lies the Rupi Bhabha Sanctuary.

The entire area of this exotic park is a cold desert undisturbed by human interference. It supports a sparse vegetation consisting mainly of the dry Alpine Scrub and dwarf Timber Scrub. Within the tranquil environs of the place reside a variety of animals including a number of rare and endangered species. Amongst the mammals found here are the Tibetan Gazelle, Wooly Hare, Himalayan Marmot, Ibex, Bharal, Snow Leopard, Fox, Wolf, Wild ass, Asiatic Wild Dogs etc. As it is not much explored, it is a haven for wild animals that like to be left alone. During the summers, you will find yourself charmed by lots of colorful birds like the Red Billed Chough, Hollow Billed Chough, Blue Necked Pigeons, Snow Partridges, Himalayan Snowcock, House Sparrows etc.

The remoteness of the park coupled with the policy of restricted entry, which is due to its strategic location (international border with Tibet in the east) and also inadequate transportation facilities within the park, have contributed to its being not fully explored. Through the park flows the Parahio, which adds to the beauty of the park. The river is a vital source of water here. A positive aspect, which emerges from this isolation, is that the pristine beauty of the park is maintained.

Due to the extremely cold climate, the park can be ideally explored only during the summer months i.e. May-October. Indian tourists require inner line permits and foreign nationals are generally not allowed in the area. The nearest town is Tabe, which is at a distance of 48 km. The nearest railway station and airport are at Shimla, (Rly. station-443 kms, and airport-458 kms). Accommodation is restricted to 3 Rest houses.

Pin Valley National Park has a distinct identity and provides a pleasurable trip with its Alpine and Juniper meadows scattered in the region.

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State Himachal Pradesh
District Lahaul - Spiti
Area 675 sq. km
Year of Notification 1987
Altitude 3300 m - 6632 m
Longitude 77045' - 00" - 780 06' - 09" E
Latitude 31044' - 55" - 320 - 00" N
Topography Cold desert
Period of Visit May - October
Nearest Town Tabe (48 km)
Nearest Railhead Shimla (443 kms)
Nearest Airport Shimla (458 kms.)
Accommodation Three rest houses
Great Himalayan

Located in the wondrous Kulu district of H.P, lies the high altitude Great Himlayan(Jawahar Lal Nehru) National Park. To its north-east lies the Pin Valley National Park, to its north-west the Kanawar Sanctuary and the Rupi Bhabha Sanctuary to the east. The Park area extends from altitude 1500 m - 5805 m. The Eastern area of the park remains permanently under glaciers and ice. The area was notified as a National Park in 1984.

The climate can be classified as moist temperate, which supports diverse vegetation. Oak, Deodar, Conifers, Rhododendrons grow here. The forests are interspersed by alpine meadows, which provide good grazing ground for the diverse wildlife found here.  

The Snow leopard, Musk deer, Blue Sheep, Ibex, Yak, Chir Pheasant and the Western Tragopan represent the fauna. The largest remaining population of the Himalayan Tahr in Himachal Pradesh can be found here. 

A large variety of birds can also be sighted here. The Monal pheasant is a special attraction. The ideal period to visit the park is during April to June and September to October. Due to heavy monsoon rains it is best to avoid visiting the Park during July - August. It is a good region for photography.

The nearest town is Kulu, which is nearly 60 km from the park. The nearest airport is at a distance of 50 km at Bhuntar and the nearest railway station is at Ropar, Chandigarh. The Park has forest rest houses. Information regarding the park can be obtained from the director of the park stationed in Shamshi (Distt - Kullu).

State Himachal Pradesh
District Kullu
Area 620 / 1736 sq. km.
Year of notification 1984
Altitude 1500 m - 5805 m
Latitude 310 38’ 28" - 310 54’ 58" N
Longitude 770 20’ 11" - 770 45’ 52" E
Vegetation Deciduous Coniferous
Climate Moist temperate
Period to visit April to June & September to October
Nearest Town Kullu (60 km)
Nearest Railway Station Ropar, Chandigarh
Nearest Airport Bhuntar (50 km) Wildlife Authority
Wildlife Authority
  1. Director, Jawaharlal Nehru (Great Himalayan) National Park, Shamshi -
    Dist. Kullu, H.P.
  2. Range officer (WL), GHNP, Sainj.
  3. Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt. of H.P., Shimla (H.P).
Valuable Reference Tourist Office, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla Secretary, Forests and Wildlife, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.
Wildlife Authority
  1. Director, Pin Valley National Park.
  2. D.F.O (WL), Sarahan,Division Sarahan, Bushehar 72101, Distt. Shimla , Himachal Pradesh.
  3. D.F.O. Kaza.
  4. Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).

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