The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, is a large and beautiful area with an altitudinal variation of 5,000 to over 20,000 feet.

The park lies adjacent to the Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park and Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary, the latter connected to the park through the proposed extension in the Parvati river catchment. Together, these areas constitute one of the largest tracts of relatively undisturbed Western Himalayan Eco-system in India.

The terrain is characterized by high ridges (over 4000 m), deep gorges, precipitous cliffs, rocky crags, glaciers and narrow valleys. Its stunning wildlife supports diverse Himalayan species like Tahr, Serow, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Goral, the much sought-after Musk Deer and the Snow Leopard. The park is renowned for its rich community of pheasants such as the endangered Western Tragopan, Himalayan Monal and the Cheer Pheasant, all of which nest here.

The best months to visit are September to November (when the rainy season is just over) and April to June. Scenic treks let you explore this unique eco-system in great detail.

Fauna:
Notable mammals include Serow, Himalayan Thar, Goral, Bharal, Indian Pika, Giant Indian Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black and Brown Bear, Leopard, Red Fox, Himalayan Palm Civet, Yellow Throated Marten, Musk Deer and Snow Leopard.

Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Great Himalayan National Park that includes spectacular pheasants such as Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Koklass, Khaleej Pheasant and the endangered Western Tragopan. Other birds are Black and Yellow Grosbeak, Rufous Breasted Accentor, White Collared Black Bird, Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Hobby, Himalayan Griffon and the Lammergeier.

Flora:
The park has extensive forest cover with numerous tree species that include subtropical Chir Pine, Coniferous and mixed deciduous woods of the temperate zone. Green and white oaks mingle with horse chestnut and walnuts amidst tall deodar and blue pines. The forest gradually transforms into smaller sized birches and rhododendrons with occasional grassy patches of the sub-alpine zone. Above this level are alpine meadows, splashed with a great variety of tiny flowers and medicinal herbs. Still higher is the realm of rock, ice and strong winds.