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.