Five Must-Visit National Parks in Himachal Pradesh

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Himachal Pradesh caters to the needs of travel enthusiasts with a variety of beautiful tourist attractions. Here are the top National Parks in Himachal Pradesh you need to add to your bucket list to make memories for a lifetime.

Himachal Pradesh is located near the Himalayas in North India. It houses valleys, breathtaking landscapes, and tranquil rivers that provide a natural habitat for enthralling animals.
Did you know that Himachal Pradesh is packed with wonderful national parks? The five national parks in Himachal Pradesh are home to a variety of rare creatures from reptiles and birds to enthralling flora and wildlife that appear ethereal. Below, you will find all the information you need to plan a visit to the national parks in Himachal Pradesh

Ways to reach Himachal Pradesh

By Rail
Due to its rough terrain, there are only two railway stations in Himachal Pradesh: the Solan and the Una railway stations. If you ever want to experience travelling on a toy train, you should try the toy trains on the Himachal to Kalka, and Anju to Barot routes. Trains are affordable and comfortable compared to road journeys.

By Road
Himachal Pradesh offers excellent access to both national and state roads. Travelling by car or bus is easy and cheap, and the routes are also quite picturesque. It is well-connected with major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Also, there are numerous buses operated by HRTC, or other private companies.

By Air
You can easily fly from and to all major destinations across India. The important airports in Himachal Pradesh are the Kangra Airport (DHM) in Dharamshala, Shimla Airport (SLV) in Shimla, and Kullu Airport (KUU) in Bhuntar. There are no international airports in Himachal Pradesh. For international travel, you can choose between the Delhi and Chandigarh Airports, as these are well-connected to the city.

National parks in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is home to 5 national parks, which are dedicated to conserving and protecting the vulnerable and endangered species in the Himalayas. The following are the five national parks in Himachal Pradesh:

1. The Great Himalayan National Park
2. Pin Valley National Park
3. Inderkilla National Park
4. Khirganga National Park
5. Simbalbara National Park

1.The Great Himalayan National Park

Do you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
If so, you have to visit The Great Himalayan National Park.
This National Park is one of those lovely sites amid Kullu’s magnificent vegetation. It is also known as “Nature’s Heaven.” It was designated as a national park in 1999 and was formally designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The blooming property stretches across 754 Km of lush greenery, and is one of the most recent additions to the list of wildlife reserves in the Himalayas in India, and its neighbouring countries.
Entry fee: INR 50
Visiting time: 10 am to 5 pm
Species: 350 species of flora and 800 species of fauna. Some of the animals found here include the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow leopard, Serow, the Himalayan tahr, Musk deer, Western tragopan, Koklass, Cheer pheasants, Red fox, Indian Pika and more.
Ideal months for a visit: September to November

2.Pin Valley National Park

Are you someone who enjoys adventure and wildlife? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Pin Valley National Park is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
It is located near the Tibetan border, south of the Dhankar Gompa. The Pin Valley National Park, established on January 9, 1987, is a pure and evergreen destination for nature enthusiasts. The lush wilderness and magnificent majesty of the Himalayan cedars are a treat to the eyes. This is an ideal spot for hiking, and spending the day strolling and talking. Here, you can discover endangered plant species across 10 diverse habitats.
Entry fee: Free
Visiting time: 6 am to 6 pm
Species: 22 endangered plant species across 10 different habitats. Some of the animals found here are the Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Snow Partridge, and Snowfinch
Ideal months for a visit: July to December

3.Inderkilla National Park

Do you enjoy the sight of fresh air and lush greenery? This is your spot.
Inderkilla National Park is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, approximately 45 Km from the Manali Airport (Kullu).
Established in 2010, the Inderkilla National Park is a flourishing and rejuvenating destination for wildlife lovers. The spectacular wilderness and sun-drenched majesty of snow-capped mountains are a mesmerising sight. It’s an ideal place for spotting wildlife and medicinal plant species. Here, you can discover the undiscovered, in addition to the 250 species of birds.
Entry Fee: Free
Visiting Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Species: Endangered plant, animal, bird, and insect species
Ideal Months for a Visit: July to December

4.Khirganga National Park

For any travel enthusiast, the Khirganga National Park should be at the top of your list.
It is a must-visit location in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, located approximately 50 Km from the Manali Airport (Kullu). It shares its wilderness boundaries with the Great Himalayan National Park, and spreads across 710 sq Km.
Established in 2010, the Khirganga National Park is a stunning and wonderful destination for adventure-seekers. The ethereal wilderness and breathtaking views of nature are truly a great sight for nature lovers. When the weather is pleasant, it’s an ideal spot for trekking trails and hot water springs.
Entry Fee: Free
Visiting Time: 6 am to 6 pm
Species: Famous for wild bears
Ideal Months for a Visit: April to June and September to November

5.Simbalbara National Park

Simbalbara National Park is a must-see sight in Sirmour District’s Paonta Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
It spans across a large land area of 28 sq Km. Set up in 1958, the Simbalbara National Park is a breathtaking and amazing place for adventurers. The protected wilderness and grassland environment seen here are breathtaking. When the weather is calm, it’s a perfect spot for hiking as it’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery and has a beautiful stream.
Entry fee: Free
Visiting time: 6 am to 6 pm
Species: some of the animals found here include Himalayan black bear, spotted deer, Indian muntjacs, Sambar deer.
Ideal months for a visit: October to November

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is sunny and crisp during summers. The temperatures can range between 22 and 37°C. The state sees good rainfall from July till September. Therefore, to get the most out of your visit, it is best to visit the place between March and June or October and December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, thus aiding in sightseeing and other tourist activities, like enjoying the waterfalls, trekking, and more. With the summer heat gone, this is the time of year when the location is suitable for a memorable trip.

Travel tips

Travelling to new tourist attractions can be thrilling and exhausting at the same time. Even if you have planned your trip to bits and made sure of every tiny detail, it can get scary.
It’s okay! You don’t have to worry. Here are a few safety tips and health precautions for you to take:

1. Avoid wearing short-sleeved clothing in Himachal Pradesh during the summer.
2. Keep a water bottle or an energy drink in your bag at all times.
3. Leave each place exactly as you found it. Carry a polybag with you to throw all your trash.
4. Keep cash and other valuables safe and locked at your place of stay. Avoid carrying them to busy places or markets.
5. Carry your documents, or one government-issued ID card, with you at all times.
6. When visiting tourist attractions, pay attention to the rules.

Conclusion

These National Parks in Himachal Pradesh provide some of the most spectacular and beautiful views, in addition to an interesting environment. If you want to discover the wild side of this attractive Indian state, book a vacation to Himachal Pradesh with your loved ones and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Check our website for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

FAQs

How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh houses 28 wildlife sanctuaries and is considered to be one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.

How many rivers are there in Himachal Pradesh?

Five popular rivers flow through Himachal Pradesh: Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, Beas, and Yamuna. These rivers are ideal for river rafting.

How many national parks are there in Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh is home to 5 national parks.

Which animal is Khirganga national park famous for?

The Khirganga National Park is famous for wild bears.

What are the ideal months to visit Himachal Pradesh’s national parks?

March to September is the best time to visit any of Himachal Pradesh’s national parks