About Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP):
- It is a high altitude national park located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.
- Nestled in the far Western Himalayas, the park comprises four valleys: the Tirthan Valley, the Sainj Valley, the Parvati Valley, and the Jiwa Nal Valley.
- It is surrounded by steep ridges and permanent snow on its northern, eastern, and southern
- The GHNP is situated adjacent to Pin Valley National Park, Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tirthan and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Topography: The park is a stunning mix of lush coniferous forests, meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
- It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014.
- Flora:
- Vegetation grows in well-defined altitude zones, beginning with rather open, subtropical forests at the lowest valley bottoms, gradually grading to mixed forests of horse chestnut, evergreen oak, spruce, and deodar, then to rusty-leaved kharsu oak, spruce, and fir in the upper temperate zone.
- Further up is a subalpine zone of birches, stunted firs, and rhododendron bushes, followed by the higher alpine areas where vegetation is reduced to grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, such as juniper.
- Fauna:
- The park is home to 31 mammals, including the elusive snow leopard, the majestic Himalayan brown bear, and the vibrant blue sheep, or bharal.
- Other notable residents include the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and serow.
- Birdlife in the park is equally diverse, with 209 species recorded, such as the endangered western tragopan and the impressive lammergeiers, alongside the Himalayan griffon vulture and golden eagle.
