Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a hikers and trekkers paradise close to Kullu and Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Trekking, camping, wildlife & culture tour, adventure activities are what you can do with us in and around the GHNP in a very safe and friendly atmosphere.
Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) offers a stunning experience of the Himalayan range. The landscapes are breathtaking, the ecosystems are well preserved and it shelters many ayurvedic plants and rare Himalayan animals like the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, rare Himalayan Brown Bear, and the Phantom of the Mountains - the Snow Leopard. The colourful Western Tragopan (Jujurana) and the Monal Pheasant represent the birdlife.
Trekking is the only way to enjoy and explore the Great Himalayan National Park. There are several trekking and hiking routes in the Great Himalayan National Park. A short 2 day trek is a gentle introduction to the park. Longer treks of upto 9 days take you deep into the heart of the park to the source of rivers.
Himalayan Ecotourism takes you for amazing treks in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Your trekking crew are members of the local cooperative that we have encouraged and supported from its creation. Your visit actually supports conservation of the Great Himalayan National Park.
Since its inception in April 2014, Himalayan Ecotourism has been operating towards the preservation of the Himalayan ecosystem by engaging the local community in managing their invaluable resources.
For non-trekkers who want to enjoy the experience of camping in the Himalayas we also offer "Night under the stars" in the ecozone of the GHNP.
For adventure seekers we offer activities like rappelling, river crossing, rock climbing and fishing!
Himalayan Ecotourism also organizes exploration tours around the Great Himalayan National Park specially designed for birdwatchers and for people interested in the rich traditions and culture of the Himalayas.
As a community-based initiative, Himalayan Ecotourism offers the unique experience of discovering the Great Himalayan National Park and the remote corners of the Western Himalayas with people welcoming you to their Home.
Great Himalayan National Park GHNP
EnquireThings to do in the Great Himalayan National Park
Multi day treks
Meet the mighty Himalayas and explore the National Park wilderness.
One day hikes
Wanna enjoy the Himalayan nature in one day only ? Select one of our day hikes.
Fixed dates departure
Don't want to feel lonely ? You can join one of our group of trekkers to the GHNP.
Easy camping in the wild
Not fit for a trek ? You can try our camping experience in the wilderness without an effort
Adventure activities
Ready for a rush of adrenaline ? We can make for a lot of fun and in very safe conditions.
Wildlife treks
Our selection of treks in the GHNP for observation of wildlife. Get your camera ready !
Women trek
So much fun and so liberating ! Our women staff will make your trek an experience of a lifetime.
Nature therapy
You should really offer a forest bathing experience to your loved ones with diasbilities
Travel responsibly
Travelling with us you contribute to a real sustainable development in the Himalayas.
A practical guide to the Great Himalayan National Park
About your trek
Everything you need to know before going on a trek with us to the GHNP.
How to reach GHNP ?
Know about the best ways to reach us at the Great Himalayan National Park.
Maps of the GHNP
Trek maps, road maps and more. A quick visual insight of the GHNP.
Best time to go
Planning a trek in the GHNP ? Better to know the best time for the best experience !
Your trekking equipment
Select your equipment for your trek. Be sure to have the best with Himalayan Ecotourism.
Our services
What do we do for you before, during and after your trek.
Homestay
For a great experience of the people's culture around the Great Himalayan National Park.
Corporate events
Offer your team a rejuvenating time in the Himalayas. We are with you to organize your event.
Why to choose us ?
Trek and travel with a social enterprise who really cares about you and the locals !
About the Great Himalayan National Park
Great Himalayan National Park Videos
Trekking in the GHNP
All you need to know for planning your trek in the GHNP with us
Trek in GHNP by Janisha
A moving video narrated by Janisha among our cooperative members.
Women trek to the GHNP
Our women empowerment program on trek !
Great Himalayan National Park photos
Great Himalayan National Park conservation area
The Ecozone is the buffer zone between the Park and the rest of the region. It comprises villages and lands within a 5km radius around the Park. Villages located in the Ecozone are supposed to be closely associated to the protection of the park. Their culture and traditional livelihood have to be protected and a special emphasis is normally given to the development of the villages.
The majority of inhabitants of the Ecozone are agriculturalists ; they are almost self-sufficient for their own subsistence. They grow wheat, corn, rajma, (organic beans) and many vegetables and spices. They also grow fruits that are sold to larger markets in India. The region is well known for its apples and apricots.
Many of the villagers have large herds of sheep and goats. Both are used for wool and for their meat. Goats are often offered to the local Devatas (gods) on special occasions and also served as one of all-time-favourite delicacies of the region.
Since the creation of the Great Himalayan National Park, local community’s access to the Park has been prohibited. The park used to be an important source of livelihood for local communities be it by collecting medicinal plants, wood, or grazing their cattle.
Hence creation of the Park resulted in an important loss of income for the local community. Himalayan Ecotourism social and environmental objectives aim at facilitating availability of alternative sources of income so that welfare of the locals and protection of the Park are ensured.
The GHNP and the Tirthan Valley Ecozone are a hub of biodiversity. It only takes a glance to spot exceptional species of birds. The more patient and experienced naturalists can see the rare and ‘difficult-to-spot’ mammals. Many are on the Red List of threatened species. The process of conservation of these species by the Park is essential to their survival.
A trekker must respect the environment he travels in. The main cause of extinction of animal and plant species is the destruction of the ecosystems. The GHNP and the Ecozone community are dedicated to protect and manage these exceptional natural environments.
Map of conservation area, treks and hikes
Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) consists of 3 valleys: Tirthan, Sainj and Jiwa Nala valley
Best time to visit Great Himalayan National Park
Avoid the monsoon between July and August as it rains a lot and the paths become slippery and there are chances of landslides.
Avoid the winter months of December to March. GHNP receives heavy snowfall in winter.
How to reach Great Himalayan National Park
Inform the conductor of the bus that you need to be dropped at Aut town just after the tunnel. We can arrange a taxi to pick you up from Aut from where it is 1.5 hours to Gushaini - the main starting point for treks to the Great Himalayan National Park.
See next section for more information and maps for getting to GHNP.
Traveling to GHNP
Deluxe Volvo Bus
DEL
Delhi ISBT
Aut
Kullu valley
Departure Time
6 pmArrival Time
6 amFare
1200Class
Semi-sleeper
Breaks
2Distance
480kmTravel options
A bus is the preferred option to travel from Delhi to GHNP via Aut.
There are comfortable Volvo buses (min Rs 1000) from Delhi to Manali. Most of the busses start in the evening from Delhi. You have to get off the bus at Aut early morning, and take a taxi (about Rs 1000) or local bus to Banjar or Sainj. Or we can arrange your transportation from Aut by sending our own taxi.
You can also come from Shimla going through Jalori pass (Shimla - Banjar, 8 hours drive). Be aware that Jalori pass is closed in winter because of snow (December to March).
If you come by your own vehicle, the shortest route goes through Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi and Aut. Then you need to move to Banjar or Sainj, the two main entries to the Park (Delhi - Banjar, 12 hours). The road to GHNP diverts before reaching Aut. Just before Aut, there is a tunnel (the only tunnel on the road from Delhi).
Do not enter the tunnel.
Just at the entrance of the tunnel there is a smaller road on the right. Take this one. After crossing a dam and then a bridge, either you continue straight to Sainj (for Sainj valley), or if you need to go to Banjar (for Tirthan valley), you need to cross the next bridge on your right to reach the small town of Larji. Turn right after the bridge and continue straight to Banjar (about 20 km from Larji).
Road map
Road map of the Great Himalayan National Park showing how to get to GHNP
Flora and fauna in Great Himalayan National Park
Among the mammals, we can note the Himalayan Musk Deer, the Himalayan Tahr, the Blue sheep, the Himalayan Brown Bear, the Barking Deer, the Goral, and even the Snow Leopard.
Among the incredible diversity of birds, we can note the Western Tragopan which is an endangered species. Apart from the Tragopan, there are many other species of pheasants, the most common being the Monal, but also note the Koklass, the White-crested Kaleej and the Cheer Pheasant.
From the park's very long list of birds, we will note the Long-tailed Minivets, Yellow-bellied Fantails, Wallcreepers, White-collared and Gray-winged blackbirds, variegated laughing thrush, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Spectacled Finch and Golden Bush Robin, Blue-capped Redstart, Black-throated Thrush and Black-throated Accentor, Little Forktail, Crested Kingfisher, Blue Whistling Thrush, the Yellow-billed Magpie, the Greyheaded and Black-crowned flycatcher-warblers, the Bar-tailed Treecreeper, the Lammergeiers, the Himalayan Griffon Vultures and the Golden Eagles.
Great Himalayan National Park stay
Himalayan Ecotourism has excellent quality imported light-weight European made tents with comfortable sleeping mats and sleeping bags. The tents are carried by porters and you only have to carry your personal items. The tents are suitable for camping in the wilderness of the park. They are comfortable and resistant to the most harsh weather conditions.
See accommodation in Great Himalayan National Park for detailed information about accommodation in GHNP.
Accommodation
Great Himalayan National Park stay in imported European made tents
Accommodation
Great Himalayan National Park stay in imported European made tents
Robens tent
Himalayan Ecotourism is an authorized importer of Robens tent from Germany
Great Himalayan National Park hotels
Great Himalayan National Park does has Forest Rest House, guest houses or homestays outside the park. You will likely stay at these places at the start of your trek and at the end.
We will arrange hotels or home stays for you at the start and end of the trek depending on your preference and budget.
There is also a government managed very basic Sai Ropa Tourist complex in the Tirthan valley. It is about 30 minutes from the start of the trek at Gushiani. It has comfortable rooms and a dormitory. Bookings can be arranged. However, there are other more convenient homestays and guest houses closer to the start of the trek.
See accommodation in Great Himalayan National Park for detailed information about accommodation in GHNP.
Accommodation
Guest houses and home stays are available at the start and end of the trek in the ecozone
Great Himalayan National Park GHNP map
Map
Great Himalayan National Park map with main trekking trails
Tours around GHNP
FAQs
How to get to GHNP
The best is to go to GHNP by Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali and get off the bus at Aut.
Is it accessible for kids.
Kids from the age of 6 are welcome on our treks. Below this age please inquire.
What is the level of physical fitness required.
For the most easy treks (2 to 3 days), everyone with an average fitness is welcome.
Can Himalayan Ecotourism book accommodation for before and after the trek.
Yes, please specify dates, budget, numbre of people and food preference.
What is included in the trek cost.
We offer trek packages that include the wages of trekking staff, all the food, all the camping equipment and the kitty for supporting the social projects.
GHNP visitors’ experiences
Testimonials
“
An unforgettable adventure in the Tirthan Valley...
The staff were very professional and offered us excellent food. They were very friendly and received us with an amazing hospitality.
Many thanks to them and to Stephan.
I strongly recommend anyone to go with "Himalayan Ecotourism" to visit the GHNP.
Thierry Leneveu,
Professor of Geology at Lycée Français,
Munich,Germany
“
Himalayas are one of the great places to observe scenic landscapes...
The management of our trek was amazing. It was certainly the most delightful experience with the people of Himalayan Ecotourism...
Ashish Kambale,
Research Fellow,
BNHS’s Bird Migration Study Centre,
Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu
About us
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Press coverage of Himalayan Ecotourism
More info about Great Himalayan National Park
Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) treks
There are several treks and hikes ranging from 1 day to 14 days.
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Recognition of Himalayan Ecotourism
Our awards
Himalayan Ecotourism is the winner of the To Do award 2022 in the field of "Socially Responsible Tourism".
We are also the Overall Winner of the Indian Responsible Tourism Award 2019 and the Gold winner in the Best Adventure Operator category.
We have been declared winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award 2019 by Skal International and Biosphere.
Our cooperative-based model of social enterprise and our efforts to conserve the Himalayas are the main reasons for winning these awards.
Thank you to all our cooperative members, our customers, our friends and well-wishers !
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