Women's saving and credit group

Women’s Saving and Credit Groups (WSCGs) are institutions that strive to promote equitable access to natural resources within the ecozone, as well as social and environmental justice, and gender sensitivity. They provide both poor women and men with the opportunity to make their own choices about income generation activity, and to raise their voices regarding GHNP planning.

GHNP’s management has assisted local WSCGs in forming Biodiversity and Tourism Community Advancement (BTCA), an NGO that facilitates asset building, rationalises the use of natural resources, helps with socio-economic development and fundraising, and provides market support ‒ all with the aim of reducing dependency on the park’s resources.

GHNP assisted BTCA’s schemes include:

Briquettes & Basket Making Using Pine Needles

Pickle, Jam and Juice Making

Each group has been given training on jam & juice production. Women use Rhododendron flowers for juice making, and use fruits  jam making.

Saving and Lending in Groups for Production Purposes

WSCG started with savings of one rupee each per day or (Rs. 30/ month )into joint account. Woman gives inter loaning for the income generation, they gives loan for other purpose like as medical purpose, domestic use , specially loan for income generation activities etc.

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting creates rich, organic fertiliser through the processing of plant waste by worms. This is a good start-up business as it requires an investment of only Rs 1500. 18 WSCGs currently prepare vermicompost.

Organic Farming

Farming with vermicompost eliminates the need for artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Surplus vermicompost is used in fields by WSCGs, and long-term use is expected to produce top-quality cereals, fruits and vegetables.

Conservation and Propagation of Medicinal Herbs

The recent growth in demand for medicinal herbs has resulted in over-exploitation of many high-value Himalayan species. The aim of this scheme is to:

• Regulate and monitor herb collection.
• Register authorised herb collectors within the ecozone.
• Support collective marketing of herbs and other income-generating activities.
• Provide training on sustainable harvest regimes.
• Link the cultivation of medicinal plants with vermicompost production.

Community-Based Ecotourism

Some of the WSCGs male members now belong to an ecotourism group, which provides wage labour to porters, cooks and guides.

Craftwork and Souvenirs

Hemp fibre has traditionally been used by villagers for local requirements. WSCGs now also make crafts and souvenirs from the material, which are sold in shops and at local fairs and exhibitions. 15 selected groups were given training for handloom, like shawl & pattu making. Also women of the group knit socks, globes etc for winter sales.

Wage Employment

GHNP works with the ecozone’s WSGCs to provide employment in medicinal plant nurseries, and construction and repair work within the park.

Street Theatre

Indigenous knowledge of GHNP’s natural environment is reflected in the folk songs and dances of the ecozone. A theatre group comprised of children who belong to the WSCGs has been formed and performances in remote villages, which spread a wildlife-conservation message, promise to be a valuable source of income.

Trekking in GHNP

Tirthan valley – Morahani Trek

Trek name		Tirthan valley – Morahani trek
Trek duration		5 days
Trek difficultly		Moderate to strenuous
Trek description		From the starting point, one can see the local agricultural fields, apple orchards, local deities, pasture lands and forest.

Tirthan valley – Tirath Trek

Trek name	Tirthan valley – Tirath trek
Trek duration	7 days
Trek difficultly	Moderate to strenuous
Trek description	A beautiful hike with many habitat transitions. Tirath, the origin of the River is a pilgrimage site for the local community
Total distance covered	Total Distance: 76 Km.

Shreekhand Mahadav Trek

Trek name	Shreekhand Mahadev trek
Trek duration	9 days
Trek difficultly	Strenuous
Trek description	Shreekhand Mahadev is a holy place of Lord Shiva
Total distance covered	About 100 Km (round trip)

Sainj valley – Raktisar Trek

Trek name	Sainj valley – Raktisar trek
Trek duration	7 days
Trek difficultly	Moderate to strenuous
Trek description	A trek to the source of the Parvati River
Total distance covered	92 kms

Tirthan valley – Gushaini to Rakhundi Trek

Trek name	Tirthan valley – Gushaini—Rakhundi  top trek
Trek duration	5 days
Trek difficultly	Easy to moderate
Trek description	Nice trek through dense forest up to beautiful high and wide meadow Great vistas and opportunities for observing wildlife
Total distance covered	56 Km (round trip)

Sainj valley – Neuli to Homkhani Trek

Trek name	Sainj valley – Neuli to Homkhani trek
Trek duration	5 days
Trek difficultly	Moderate to Heavy
Trek description	Nice trek through dense forest up to beautiful high and wide meadow. Great vistas and opportunities for observing wildlife.
Total distance covered	Total Distance: 56 km (round trip).

Natural beauty of GHNP

The Himalayan region, with its diverse climatic conditions, is home to many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Fauna

The Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 375 faunal species. So far species of 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects belonging to six orders have been identified and documented. Most of the Himalayan fauna has been given protection under the high priority protection category of Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The state government of Himachal Pradesh has banned hunting in the state for more than ten years. A trek of 35 to 45 km in any of the park's valleys brings one into the high altitude habitat (3,500 m and above) of animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. Best sightings can be made in autumn (September–November) as animals start their seasonal migration to lower altitudes.

Ochotona royeli 

Mongoose

Rhesus monkey

Ficedula strophiata

Flora

The GHNP also supports a great diversity of plant life thanks to its wide altitude range and relatively undisturbed habitats. From the lofty pinesand spruces and the great, spreading horse chestnuts of the lower valleys, to the dense cushions and prostrate branches of the alpine herbs and junipers, the park presents an endless variety of vegetation. Although some areas have been modified by grazing, this is one of the few areas of the Western Himalayas where the forests and alpine meadows can be seen in something approaching their original state. The subalpine zone is richest in species, followed by the alpine and upper temperate zones.

The mighty valleys

“Of the immovable things, I am the mighty Himalayas”.

VALLEYS OF GHNP

Great Himalayan National Park is spread across four valleys, each of which offers wide variety of endemic and exotic flora and fauna. Himalaya is a home to world’s and  India’s endemic plant species.

Sainj Valley
The V-shaped Sainj Valley rises from the lower ranges of the main Himalaya to the east of Kullu. The Sainj River flows past a series of interlocking spurs and widens as it travels southwest to join the River Beas at the small village of Larji. The Valley is around 90 sq. kms in area and  35 KMs from Kullu district headquarters. It is a designated wildlife sanctuary encompassing the villages of  Shakti and Maror. Both the villages lie outside GHNP’s boundaries.

Sainj valley houses one of the most unique temples in Himachal, these are known as tower temples owing to their height and were also used to protect the clan from invader. Constructed using locally available materials like wood and stone, these structures still stand strong after hundreds of years. Shangarh Village is a must visit location in Sainj valley for its meadows and scenic beauty. Temple tower found here was recently reconstructed after it was destroyed in fire in 1998. Nearby attractions include Sainj River, Manu Temple Sensher, Shangharh Meadows and Natural Forest area.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Forest Rest House Ropa/ Sainj

Located on the Banks of Sainj River Forest rest house Ropa provides a great place for travellers to spend the night at. Ropa guest sits at a central point between both valleys

Forest Rest House Shangharh

Located between the Dense Deodar forests in Sainj Valley, Forest Rest House Shangarh is an ideal place to spend the night at while travelling through the valley.

Parvati Valley

 The Parvati Valley rises Eastwards from the confluence of the Parvati and Beas Rivers, at Bhuntar in Kullu District and goes up to 5000m of height above sea level in Great Himalayan Range. Several tributaries in the Valley feed the main Parvati River. Numerous waterfalls are observed cascading down the steep valley sides.  From Khirganga to Tunda Bhuj (3,285m), the valley cuts a gorge through the mountains. As the altitude increases towards the Basuki Nal tributary, thick coniferous forests and silver-birch groves gradually make way for patches of alpine meadows with scattering of boulders.

Parvati Valley is famous among tourists and adventurers for its scenic beauty and treks. Parvati valley tour usually begins from Bhuntar and leads to Kasol, this is where the Trek begins and can include destinations likeRashol, Grahan,  Kheerganga, Malana, Tosh and Chalal. Travellers can get indulged in activities like bird watching, Meditation, Rivercrossing, Village living, Photography, Visit to ancient temples, Shopping of organichorti/agri produce etc.

Tirthan Valley
The Valley is named after a sacred water spring called “Tirth” which originates at Hanskund Peak (4800m) and flows down, through deep forested areas. The feeder channel to Tirthan River is fed by deposits of ice, almost all round the year. After covering a distance of 70Kms from the source, it joins Palchan Nallah at Gushaini. The Tirthan River forms the Valley in its origin at Tirth and continues till Larji, where Tirthan and Sainj streams merge with the Beas River. Some of its tributaries rise from aquifers and come out, on the surface, as springs.

Tirthan River flows along a deep V- shaped valley in its upper reaches. The Valley is fairly open and wide near its confluence with the Beas River. The main geomorphic features of the Tirthan valley are incised meanders, river built and river-cut terraces, cliffs, and steep slopes. The entire catchment of this river is covered by alpine, sub-alpine, temperate and sub-tropical coniferous and deciduous forests. Human habitation is there in the form of small villages that exist along the river. The Valley is scenic, full of secluded hamlets, waterfalls, cedrus and pine forests. The valley covers an area of 754 Sq. Kms and the same constitutes Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and part of GHNP.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Forest Complex – Shai Ropa

With the backdrop of tall steep mountains, Sai Ropa (Shai Ropa) Information Centre, has been the favourite stop for trekkers and nature lovers.

Jiwa Nal Valley
This Valley nestles along the Jiwa Nal River and lies next to Sainj Valley. The source of the river, a small pond, Sartoo, is fed by glacial and snowmelt water. The river flows Westward to the village of Siund, where it joins the River Beas. Trekking in Jiwa Nal Valley begins at Siund, around 35kms from Aut. Jiwa Nal – Parvati Valley trek is a difficult one and only recommended for those whit prior experience.

It is one of the remotest places in middle Himalayas and since the park is only accessible by foot, it is one of the best places to be at for those who enjoy solitude. Due to limited to no presence of locals or other travellers it is advised that only those who have good knowledge of geography and can estimate their path correctly in absence of manmade landscape markings should embark on such a trek.  Permit is to be obtained from office of GHNP before starting with this trek.

 

Getting around the GHNP

GHNP’s lowest altitude is 1,700m above sea level, rising to 5,800m at the highest peak.
The park is open for most of the year. During the winter, some areas are inaccessible due to snow. Please check the current conditions  or call the park authorities before beginning your journey.
There are four different starting points for trekking within the park, depending on which valley you wish to visit. 

Road Access to GHNP

From Delhi: Approximately 480km, 10 to 12 hrs journey
Route	Delhi > Ambala > Chandigarh > Roopnagar > Kiratpur > Bilaspur > Mandi > Pandoh > AutDelhi to Chandigarh by National Highway 1, then to Aut in Mandi district by NH 21. The towns of Chandigarh and Swarghtat can be targeted to stay for staging the trip. Road journey in the mountain terrain of Himachal provides good views of Gobindsagar Lake near Bilaspur, followed by lush and wide Bahl Valley. The drive continues through the outskirts of Mandi which leads into the Pandoh gorge. After Pandoh comes the small town of Aut from where a link road goes across the bridge over Beas River into the Banjar valley, where the Park is located.
From Dharamsala: Approximately 170km, 6-8 hrs journey
Route	Dharamsala > Palampur > Baijnath > Joginder Nagar > Mandi > Pandoh > Aut
From Shimla: Approximately 185km, 6-8hrs journey
Route	Shimla > Darlaghat > Brahamphukkar > Jukala > Ghaggas > Sundernagar > Mandi > Aut
From Manali: Approximately 70km, 2- 3hrs journey
Route	Manali > Naggar > Kullu > Aut

Bus and Taxi Services

Kullu bus station

Name and address	Contact numbers
Himachal Road Transport Corporation, Bus stand, Banjar	01903-221243 (office)
Himachal Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand, Kullu	HRTC Enquiry 01902-222728, Regional manager: 01902-222452 (office)
Himachal Road Transport Corporation, booking office, Aut	81630-4547 (mobile)
Seraj Valley Taxi Operators’ Union, Banjar	President, Mr Bhagwan Singh: 94180-03138 (mobile) General Secretary,Mr Kundan Lal: 94184-12477 (mobile)
Taxi Union, Sainj	President, Mr Om Prakash Thakur: 98164-30884 (mobile) General Secretary, Mr Diwan Dogra: 98169-72358 (mobile)
Markanda Taxi Union, Aut	President, Shri Bhupender Pal: 94180-63142 (mobile) General Secretary, Shri Ravinder Kumar: 86288-32242 (mobile)

Trains

The closest major railway station to GHNP is 296km away, in Chandigarh, from where you can take a taxi or bus to District Kullu.
Alternatively, you can take a mainline train from Delhi to Pathankot, then the toy train to Joginder Nagar, near Baijnath, in District Mandi. The toy train takes around ten hours to cover 100km of beautiful countryside. From Joginder Nagar, you can take a taxi or bus to District Kullu.

Toy trains running in Himachal

From Pathankot to Joginder Nagar

Joginder Nagar railway station phone number

Flights to Bhunter, Kullu

Air India is currently the only service provider on this route, operating direct flights every morning except Tuesdays. Return flights also operate every morning except Tuesdays.
Kullu is served by Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport. Located in the heart of a picturesque valley, it offers car rental, parking, restrooms and ticketing counters.

Kullu airport

	From New Delhi to  Bhunter	From Chandigarh to Bhunter
Airlines operating	Air India (Delhi – Bhunter) except Tuesday	Himachal Holidays ( Chandigarh – Bhunter)
Airlines Contact details	Station Manager, Mob: +91-98166-34787, www.airindia.in	Station Manager, Mob: +91-98160-02323,
Airport Authority contact details	Mr Gaurav Mishra, Terminal Manager, Mob: +91-94594-08789, Kullu Airport,Bhuntar, HP 175125 Tel: 01902-265052. Fax: 01902-265062

INTRODUCTION

what is GHNP? where is it?

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) was created to protect, sustain and propagate wildlife, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It took 20 years, from inception to inauguration, for the park to be realised as part of the Indian protected area network. It was constituted in 1984 and was formally notified as a national park in 1999. It is located in Banjaar Sub-Division of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India, in the far Western Himalayas. GHNP is one of the most recent additions to a huge network of wildlife reserves found in Himalayan region in India and adjoining countries.

GHNP was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014, in recognition of its outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation. The park protects over 1,000 plant species, including many medicinal herbs, 31 mammal species and 209 bird species, as well as amphibians, reptiles and insects. Four of GHNP’s mammal species and three of its bird species are globally threatened, including the musk deer and the western horned tragopan.

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is at the junction of the world’s two major faunal realms – the Indomalayan to the south and the Palaearctic to the north.
The park’s temperate forest flora and fauna mark the westernmost limit of the Sino-Japanese region, and its high-altitude ecosystem has floral affinities with, amongst others, the Mediterranean, Tibetan and Cis-Himalayan regions

The Himalaya as a whole is listed as one of Conservation International’s 34 major biodiversity hotspots. The Himalaya Hotspot contains not only the world’s highest mountains and associated alpine ecosystems but also large expanses of lower-elevation temperate and subtropical forests and grasslands. It spans 3,000km east to west, and 300km to 500km north to south.
Hotspots are defined by various criteria, including the presence of high percentages of endemic plants and animals, and high biodiversity. GHNP easily fulfills these criteria, and is home to 832  & 386 number of floral and faunal species, respectively, which includes the rarest Himalayan blue poppy, the western tragopan and the Himalayan tahr.