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Unique Pic 8 Well-preserved low-altitude broadleaf mixed forests, Tirthan Valley.JPG

Trekking Experience in GHNPCA

Great Himalayan National Park, Linked Protected Areas and the Future of Biodiversity Conservation

A Walk Through Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

Be it ecotourism, ecodevelopment, or participatory forest management, ecologically sustained activities are of supreme importance to the local communities. This booklet is an overview of trekking an ecotourism activity developing in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Ecotourism is nature friendly, sustainable, involves environmental education, and provides an alternative source of income for communities living close to the Park. Visitors coming to GHNP have the rare opportunity to experience the Park’s pristine beauty and at the same time help villagers to improve their livelihood options.

 

The Great Himalayan National Park offers the causal hiker and serious trekker a wide range of experiences in the natural wonders of the Park. Trails range from relatively easy day walks in the Ecozone to challenging week or longer treks through arduous and spectacular terrain. GHNP ranks as one of the best national parks in the world and reveals its beauty, diversity, and depth through time spent in exploration.

 

The Ecozone is an area adjacent to the Park which contains villages that have historically had some economic dependence on the resources of the land incorporated into the Park.  The formal designation of the Park boundaries and the resulting loss of these resources has economically impacted these villages.  In recognition of this adverse economic impact various programmes have, and are being, developed by the state government of Himachal Pradesh, NGO's (non-government organizations), and the villagers themselves to create alternative sources of economic well-being. Ecotourism, one such program, offers rewards to both the visitor and the villagers and helps protect GHNP.

 

At GHNP, there are numerous habitats for exploration: from lush forests of oak, conifer and bamboo, to gentle alpine meadows; from swift flowing rivers to high elevation glaciers. The terrain and geology are diverse. If one is lucky there are opportunities to observe endangered species of the Western Himalayas in their natural habitat.

Trek Routes

  • Tirthan Valley → Rolla → Shilt → Rakhundi Top (Alternate Route to Tirath):

    • Distance: Approximately 30 km from Tirthan to Rakhundi Top.

    • Highlights: Stunning views of the Tirthan Valley, dense forests, and alpine meadows.

    • Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for the Western Tragopan, Monal, Himalayan Black Bear, Bharal and various bird species.

  • Sainj Valley → Lapah → Dhel Thach (Alternate Route to Rakti Sar):

    • Distance: About 28 km from Sainj Valley to Dhel Thach.

    • Highlights: Beautiful rivers and streams, lush green landscapes.

    • Wildlife Sightings: Observe the Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Serow, Brown Bear and if lucky elusive Snow Leopard and diverse flora.

  • Jiwa Nal → Dwada → Sartoo:

    • Distance: Approximately 35 km trek.

    • Highlights: Rare flora and fauna, serene landscapes.

    • Wildlife Sightings: Look for Western Tragopan, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard and various wildflowers.

  • Parvati Valley to Mantalai to Pin Valley National Park:

    • Distance: Roughly 60 km trek.

    • Highlights: Glacial lakes, rugged mountains, and diverse ecosystems.

    • Wildlife Sightings: A great chance to see the Western Tragopan.

What You Might Encounter

  • Forests: Dense coniferous and deciduous forests hosting a variety of species.

  • Alpine Meadows: Vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers, especially in summer.

  • Glaciers: Awe-inspiring glacial formations, particularly in the higher regions.

  • Wildlife:

    • Birds: Western Tragopan, Koklas, and numerous migratory birds.

    • Mammals: Snow leopards, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Serow, Bharal,  Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, and more.

    • Flora: Rare medicinal plants and diverse wildflowers.

Suggested Trekking Routes 

All four valleys of GHNP offer moderate to strenuous treks. Serious, multi-day trekking in the Park requires adequate preparation, physical training, good health, and stamina as all routes contain serious up and down terrain. The potential for unexpected cold weather also demands proper outfitting.

There are two main options for visiting GHNP: (1) the Ecozone, and (2) GHNP.

Ecozone Tours

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The Ecozone areas are adjacent to the Park and provide a combination of natural and cultural experiences. The trails go through villages and are generally easy to moderate. The best time to visit is during the Dushera Festival (usually in October). This is a major Hindu cultural and religious event celebrating the victory of good over evil in the Ramayana. Hundreds of  local village deities are brought to Kullu from the surrounding villages. An exciting display of people, music, costumes, special exhibitions, foods, etc., fill the mountain roads and towns. Not to be missed!

The Spring festivals (generally in April) also offer opportunities to watch and participate in important, local cultural events. Holidays include: Basant Panchami, Phagli, Sainj mela, Banjar mela.

Half- and One-Day Tours

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These offer an opportunity to interact with villagers and observe their daily activities, including weaving, basket-making, cooking, farming, etc. Check with SAHARA for options and availability.

Multi-day Tours

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These combine trekking in the Ecozone countryside and through villages. They offer a glimpse into the general habitat of the Park but have easier trails and often include sleeping in Rest Houses rather than tents.

Neuli-Shangarh Loop

A three day trek traversing mountain trails and the villages of Shangarh and Lapah. Includes a visit to a GHNP nursery where medicinal plants and trees are cultivated. Opportunities for interactions with students, farmers, and women weavers. Hiking through traditional villages and architecture, beautiful vistas, meadows, sacred groves, and terraced fields. Moderate elevation gain.

Distance: 24 Km

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Neuli- Manu Temple

One- to two-day trek visiting a 200 year old Hindu temple with intricate wood carving. Opportunity to listen to Hindu prayers (puja) if a local pujari (priest) is available. Moderate to steep elevation to the temple.

Distance: 12 Km. (round trip).

An additional side trip of 4 Km takes you to a tower-like monument at Talyara village, built about 250 years ago.

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Gushaini-Tinder Village

One or two days trek from Gushaini to Tinder village which offers an insight into the village life, its cultural aspects and a walk through forests up to Kharongcha.

Distance: 12 kms.

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Siund-Saran-Ghat Seri- Pashi Villages

One- or two-days treks in Sainj river valley which includes steep climb to the ancient villages of Saran and Pashi villages with very old houses, and distinct local architecture. Ghat Seri has a 6 hectare (appoxi 12 acres) sacred grove and is an example of local biological diversity conserved in the forest area.

Distance: 10 kms.

GHNP Treks

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Some of the following GHNP routes have been trekked by Park staff with foreign visitors. Other routes may be explored but visitors must check with Park officials for entry and route permits for obvious safety reasons.

Sainj Valley

A five day trek crossing through the Sainj river valley.
General route:
Day 1: Neuli (1500 m altitude) to Shakti (2100 m altitude). Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 Km
Day 2: Shakti to campsite at Lower Meadow Bridge in Homkhani Forest (2800 m). Moderate through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, etc. Distance: 6 kms.
Day 3: Rest Day at lower Meadow. Day excursions.
Day 4: Return to Shakti.
Day 5: Return to Neuli.
Total Distance: 56 Km (round trip).
To Dhel (3737 m)- heavy moderate through dense forest up to beautiful high and wide meadow. Great vistas and opportunities for observing wildlife.
Distance: Neuli to Dhel round-trip: 66 kms.
Sainj-Tirthan Valleys
 

A eight-day trek crossing two valleys. Moderate to strenuous.

Experience the transitions between two magnificent valleys.

General route:

Day 1: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m). Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 Km

Day 2: Shakti to Dhel (3737 m) – Heavy-moderate ascent through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, etc. Distance: 11 kms.

Day 3 and 4: Rest days at Dehl. Day hikes to Jogni (outdoor prayer sites). Fabulous sunrises and sunsets. Early morning hikes with opportunities to observe wildlife (Red Fox, Himalayan Tahrs) Distance: 4 to 6 kms.

Day 5: Dehl to Guntrao (3500 m): Strenuous. Moving to higher elevations (4120 meters). Difficult trail for more than one hour through very narrow path with sheer drops of 200 meters. Good chance of seeing Himalayan Tahr. A long day on the trail. Must be in very good shape, but worth the effort. Distance: 15 kms.

Day 6: Rest Day at Guntrao: Early morning opportunities for observing Himalayan Tahr and Musk deer.

Day 7: Guntrao to Shilt (3100 m). Moderate up and down. Lush bamboo forests, streams and waterfalls. Shilt campsite offers opportunities for evening wildlife. Distance: 16 kms.

Day 8: Shilt to Gushaini. Steep descent through dense forests. Exiting GHNP into Ecozone. Distance: 15 kms.

Note: A reverse route of the above trek is also popular.

Distance from Neuli to Gushaini: About 85 kms.

Gushaini to Shilt Hut
 

Easy to Moderate three day hike from Ecozone into Park.

Day 1: Gushaini (1500 m) to Rolla (2100 m). Entry into Park. Easy day. Distance: 9 kms.

Day 2: Rolla to Shilt Hut (3100 m): side trip to Chhordwari waterfall and bamboo forest. Distance: 7 kms.

Day 3: Shilt to Gushaini: Return. Total Distance: 30 kms.

Jiwa Nala to Parvarti River Valley

A seven-day, very strenuous, dramatic hike crossing the mountain passes at Kandi Galu (3627m), and Phangchi Galu (4636m). Incredible vistas. Must be in excellent physical condition as very demanding with elevation ascent of 2000 meters and 1500 meters descent in one day (total up-down, 3,500 m in one day!).
Day 1: Neuli (1650m) - Bhagi Kashahri (2600m). Morning visit to Manu (2200 m) Temple. Evening at village school site. Moderate ascent. Distance: 23 kms.
Day 2: Bhagi Kashahri to Subli (3300m). Strenuous ascent in early morning (3600 m). Pass through Kandi Galu notch (3627m). Distance 17 kms.
Day 3. Subli to Dwada (3150m). Relatively easy hike passing through birch forests and meadows. Distance 6 kms.
Day 4: Rest Day at Dwada: Beautiful meadow surrounded by steep mountain valleys and flowing Jiwanal River. Peaceful and good place to rest after long hike from Subli.
Day 5: Rest Day Dwada: Day hike up to Surtu Glacial Pond in Khandedhar with dramatic mountain backdrops. Opportunities for wildlife observation including Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, etc. Distance: 20 kms. round trip.
Day 6: Dwada to Chippi (3550m): Very strenuous day. Crossing Phangchi Galu Pass (4636 m) below Khandedhar into Parvarti Valley. Continuous steep ascent over rock scree, boulders, and very narrow paths into high alpine meadows, then higher lichen environments. Can be cold and windy. Descent from Phangchi Galu can have deep snow pack and should be done with great care as steep drops and potentially very dangerous. Sublime peace at the higher elevations. Stressful on knees coming down! Distance: 23 kms.
Day 7: Chippi to Pulga: Easier descent back into forests and meadows, ending at village of Pulga. Distance: 18 kms.
Total Distance: 110 kms.
Up To Tirath in Tirthan Valley
 

Day 1: Gushaini (1500m) to Rolla (2100m): Walk through Ecozone of GHNP. Gentle gradient at the beginning of trek. Distance: 10 kms.

Day 2: Rolla to Nada (3300m) Thach: Moderate to strenuous climb through oak and conifer forests. A prominent tree god near Chalocha (2450 m) from where the climb starts. Possible sightings of Himalayan Tahr or Black Bear. Nada thatch (meadow) very good for bird watching. Distance: 12 kms.

Day 3: Nada Thach to Majhoni (3800m): Gradual to steep decent through forests. Distance: 12 kms.

Day 4: Majhoni to Tirath (4000m) and back Majhoni: Moderate gradient leading into the vast meadow of Tirath offering views of magnificent mountain panoramas. Tirath, the origin of Tirthan river has a glacial lake which is sacred to the villagers of Tirthan valley. Vegetation is stunted showing influence of extreme cold temperatures. Distance:  8 kms.

Day 5: Trek from Majhoni to Nada Thach. Distance: 12 kms.

Day 6: Rest day at Nada. Bird watching.

Days 7: Nada Thatch to Rolla- descent.             Distance: 12 km.

Day 8: Rolla to Gushaini. Distance: 10 km.

Raktisar in Sainj Valley
 

Day 1: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m) village. Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 Km 

Day 2: Shakti to Parkachi (3000m) thach. Trek along the Sainj river. Gradual ascent. Distance: 10 kms.

Day 3: Parkachi thatch to Rakti Sar (4500 m): Along the river, quite a strenuous ascent through rocky portions. Crossing of streamss along the route is tricky. Distance: 14 kms.

Day 4: Trek from Rakti Sar to Parkachi thatch. Strenuous descent. Distance: 14 kms.

Day 5: Rest day at Parkachi. Bird watching. Medicinal herbs.

Day 6: Parkachi thatch to Shakti village. Gradual descent. Distance: 10 kms.

Day 7: Shakti village to Neuli. Distance: 22 kms.

Total Distance: 92 kms.

Crossing the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 meters altitude)

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Main attractions: village house architecture; tree deities; old Forest Rest House at Pulga; panoramic views; alpine and sub-alpine pastures; huge glacial structures at Man-Talai onwards; about 7 to 8 kms. long stretch of snow fields on the Pass; changing vegetation and distinct bird, mammal, butterfly life.

Day 1: Shamshi (1100 m) to Barsheni (2150 m): by road

Trek from Barsheni to Khirganga (2960 m) Distance: 10 kms. A busy trekking route. The sulfur springs at Khirganga are very famous in the area. A number of Sadhus (holy men, hermits) can be seen camping in the vicinity of the springs.

Day 2: Khirganga-Tunda Bhuj (3285 m) to Thakur Kuan: Trek is less disturbed, goes through conifer forests, open meadows and birch forests. The journey may be broken in two days, up to Tunda Bhuj (area with high altitude birch forests) in one day and then from there to Thakur Kuan, the next day. Distance: 19 kms

Day 3: Thakur Kuan to Pandupul (3700 m) to Mantalai (4200 m): This part of trek is above tree line in high altitude meadows full of medicinal herbs, alpine grasses, bees and butterflies during Summer season. It should be done in two days: up to Pandupul in one day and next day to Mantalai. Distance: 20 kms.

Day 4: Mantalai to Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) to base of the snow field in Pin Valley (4075 m): This is the most strenuous part of the Pin Parvati Pass trek. It involves a steep ascent from Mantalai to the Pass and then a descent into the Pin valley. About six to seven kms trek is on snow fields filled with potentially dangerous crevices. Weather may change any time at the Pass. Distance: 14 kms

Note: Assistance of a guide to cross the Pass..

Day 5: Rest day at the base of Pass in Pin Valley.

Day 6: Base of the snow field in Pin Valley to Tariya or near Mud: Trek through arid zone of the cold desert in Pin Valley. The arduous part of the trek is over, but watch out for crossing of streams on the way.  This part of trek can be done in two days with a stopover in between. Distance: 11 kms.

Day 7: Tariya/Mud to Maling road head onwards by road to Kaza (3600 m): Mud is the first village to come by. The trekker may hire a pony or one of the famous Chamurti bred Tibetan horses to ride up to the roadhead. Distance: 15 kms.

Total Distance: 90 kms.

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