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> Great Himalayan Sanctuary |
| Great Himalayan Sanctuary
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Vegetation |
The vegetation is a hybrid of temperate and alpine
regions, a mix of oak and conifers. The Sainj and Tirthan valleys
are similar, with densely forested northern areas, dominated
by blue pine at altitudes below 2,000 m and by deciduous broad-leaved
forests on moderate slopes in the higher ranges. Fir trees grow
on steep inclines. In the Tirthan Valley, between Bandal and
Rolla there are small oak forests. Much of the forests on the
northern slopes contain a thick, impenetrable understorey of
bamboo at about 2,500 m. Stands of blue pine and cedar dominate
the south, interspersed among grass and shrub-clad hillsides.
Extensive meadows cover the area above the tree line, on the
south side of the Sainj Valley above Shangarh and at Dela Thach,
above Lopah. Vegetation on these high altitude alpine meadows
above 3,800 m is diverse, and include plants such as Iris, Frittilaria,
Gagea and Primula not seen elsewhere. Medicinal plants like
Aconitum heterophyllum, Salvia moorcroftiana, Viola serpens,
Jurinea macrocephala and Rheum emodi grow here. Juniper and
rhododendron shrubs occur extensively in the sub-alpine zone,
at an altitude of about 3,700 m. At altitudes less than 2,500
m, you can see extensive oak Quercus semicarpifolia forests,
including a rare stretch of yew in the Jiwa Valley, the only
patch of this species in the park and its surrounds.
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Take a Break |
As already mentioned, the park is connected to
the Pin Valley National Park, the Kanawar Sanctuary and the
Rupi Bhabha Sanctuary. Treks along these paths offer rare sightings
of bharal and other high altitude animals. Places of religious
significance in and around the park include the hot springs
at Khirganga and Mantalai Rakti Sar, the origin of the Sainj
River and Hans Kund, which is the source of the Tirthan River.
The Parvati Valley is well known for Manikaran, which is revered
as a place of pilgrimage by Hindus and Sikhs alike. It is also
famous for its hot sulphur springs. Trekking through the park
to Rakti Sar is one of the most spectacular natural trails imaginable.
Locals in search of morel mushrooms also called guchchis, visit
the Tirthan sanctuary constantly.
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Contacts |
Field Director Great Himalayan National Park,
Shamshi 175125, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Tel.: 01902-65320
Range Officer (Wildlife), Tirthan Wildlife Range, Banjar 175123,
District Kulu, Himachal Pradesh.
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Insider Tips |
The park lies in the Seraj Forest Division, in
the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, south-west of Kullu
town. At the southern boundary of the park, lies Tirthan Sanctuary.
Mountain ridges with altitudes of 1,500 m to 5,800 m surround
the park on all sides except the west. The Mathaun Dhar/Rakti
Dhar ranges to the north-east and Sirikand Dhar to the south-east
are especially rich and impressive. The catchments of Jiwa,
Sainj and Tirthan rivulets fall within the borders of the park.
The Sainj and Tirthan valleys are narrow with steep sides with
little glaciation. The upper portion of the Sainj abuts on the
upper Parvati Valley towards the north, while the upper Tirthan
forms part of the watershed separating the Beas and Sutlej catchments.
The eastern part of the park is permanently covered with snow
and ice. Palachan Gad, a tributary of Tirthan Gad, drains the
Tirthan Sanctuary. The Sainj and Tirthan rivers join at Larji,
in the Mandi district, from where they both meet the Beas.
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Survival Guide |
| Travel light. Although porters are available,
it is best to be self-reliant.
Walk with minimum noise and do not disturb the habitat with
your presence.
Don't poke about under rocks where vipers and scorpions may
be hidden.
Carry high altitude tents, sleeping bags, altimeters and
woollens. Also carry binoculars, a camera, compass and dry
packed food. It is imperative that you take a local guide
with you.
Carry only biodegradable foodstuffs or bring your non-biodegradable
waste out of the park.
Don't collect plants as it is against the law.
Permits must be obtained from the Park Director at Shamshi,
Kullu. If you 'forget', you would have walked more than 20
km. for nothing, as the guards will simply turn you back!
Do not attempt the climb unless you're medically fit.
Carry first aid for frostbites and breathlessness.
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