Positioned in the rugged Himalayan terrains of Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh,Pin Valley National Park, established in 1987 is an abode of several endangered and rare species of wild animals
including the celebrated ibex and the snow leopard. The park is cradled at an elevation of 3,500 meters to 6,000 meters varying upon the rugged terrain and is spread over an area of 675 square km. The park has less vegetation and wildlife owing to its unique vegetation and harsh conditions.
including the celebrated ibex and the snow leopard. The park is cradled at an elevation of 3,500 meters to 6,000 meters varying upon the rugged terrain and is spread over an area of 675 square km. The park has less vegetation and wildlife owing to its unique vegetation and harsh conditions.
Flora: The Park is home to dwarf juniper scrub, dry alpine, bhojpatra, bhutal, Salix spp, and populas spp.
Faunas: Wooly hare, Tibetan gazzle, snow leopard, ibex, fox, wolf, bharal, Himalayan marmot and red fox reside inside the park. The park has an estimated twelve snow leopard inside its premises.
Avian Fauna: Chukor, snow partridge, Himalayan snow cock, bearded vulture, raven, Tibet snow finch, golden eagle and some other reside inside the park.
Adventurous Activities:
Apart from wildlife spotting, the park offers various opportunities to check your stamina.
The park is home to some of the strenuous and moderate trekking routes. Almost all the trekking routes are at an elevation of more than 3600 meters. All you have to do, is carry your bag and every essential including energy capsules, drinking water, first aid kit, camera and head on for a suitable or heavy trekking according to your desire. Carry your own food and snack items while inside the valley.
Camping is another option to spend an adventurous night inside the park where you can gaze at the stars and feel the presence of the chilly breeze.
Special Facts: The song Intezaar Intezaar from the Bollywood movie Paap which has John Abraham and Udita Goswami in the lead cast was shot in this place.
Accommodation: Bunkers provided by the Forest Department and camping at Mud Farka are the best option to stay close with nature while on a tour to this place or you can be greeted by the villagers to stay at their homes. If you want to stay in hotels then you can stay in Tourist Lodge (Kaza), Hotel Himalaya (Spiti) and Narzang Guesthouse of Sangam Village (Spiti). Try some authentic foods o the local area during your stay.
Best time to Visit: The best time to visit this park is during the month of July to August when the temperatures are most welcoming and friendly for visitors, botanist and zoologists. During monsoon this place is dry, chilly with negligible rainfall; during summer temperatures reach 25 degree Celsius though the nights may be still icy and profound snowfall makes it dicey to visit during winter season.
The park is accessible from July to October.
How to reach:
Either you can reach the park from Manali or from Shimla. Buses and taxis are available from Shimla and Manali to reach Kaza. The route from Shimla to Kaza is about 412 km and is open from May to October. So, it is better to reach the park via Manali.
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is the Bhuntar Airport.
By Train: Joginder Nagar is the closest railhead.
By Road: From Manali (115 km), you can take buses and taxis to reach Kaza and from Kaza you have to hire a jeep to reach Mikkim and walk a distance of 10 km to reach the Pin Valley.
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