Pin Valley National Park

The glorious Pin Valley National Park is located in the cold desert area of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Predesh and is home to more than 20 species of animals and birds, including the endangered Snow Leopard. Set in the freezing landscpaes of Spiti Valley, this amazing park was established in 1987 as a part of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. Perched at an altitude that ranges between 3,300 and 6,632 meters above sea level, the Pin Valley National Park is a gem of an attraction, which is bestowed with an amazing assortment of flora and fauna.

Fauna There are many animal species in the park, but it is the endangered Snow-Leopard that attracts tourists from all over the country, tourists who are keen to have a view of this exotic animal. The park comprises of about 12 big cats and wild animals like Siberian Ibex, Bharal, Weasel, Red Fox, Marten, Woolly Hare, Tibetan Gazzle, Himalayan Marmot, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, etc. There are many bird species in the park, including the Himalayan Snow Cock, Chukor, Golden Eagle, Griffon, Cough, Raven, Blue Rock Pigeon, Snow Pigeon, and more.

Flora The Pin Valley National Park is characterized by alpine pasture or dry alpine Scrub Forest that offers a good collection of flora, including Juniper & Birch trees, Salix spp. & Myricaria spp., Myricaria Shrubs, Bhojpatra (Betula Utilis), Bhutal (Juniperus mecropoda), Populus Spp, etc. Some of the plants found here are rich in medicinal quality and spices that are collected by local Pharmacists for the preparation of medicines. For those interested in plants and geology, can visit the park in the month of July and August.

Accessibility The severe cold and extreme snowfall in winters may block your route and stop you from reaching this amazing park, so the best time to visit Pin Valley National Park is summer, from July to October. However, if you are adventurous and can trek even in the most freezing atmosphere, then Tapri to Kaza route keeps open in the winter and distance between Kaza and park area is 32 km + 10 km on foot. It is very difficult and dangerous to approach the Park during winter as the climate is severely cold, but November and early December are quite good seasons for animal sightseeing, because during these months the animals occupy the lower altitudes.

Important Info The park's core zone stretches over 675 sq km and the buffer zone extends over 1150 sq km. No foreign tourist is allowed inside the park and the Indian tourists can enter with a permit of the park. The park is very popular with trekkers, who come to see its natural beauty and exquisite wildlife.