Four Valleys

1) Tirthan Valley
 

The motorable, all-weather road from Aut to Gushaini is about 52 kms. Gushaini is the roadhead for trekking in this valley. Sainj Valley starting from Aut, the 46 kms road in Sainj valley ends at Neuli where the trekking trail starts. About 5 kms short of Neuli, is the village Ropa. Here, a gravel road climbs up to Shangarh which is famous for its large meadow surrounded by the cedar trees. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles can use this gravel road which is very narrow and not generally advised for travel by car. Check with GHNP officials about access to Neuli by road. There is a bus service to Neuli.

2) Jiwa Nal Valley

On the Sainj Valley road, about 35 kms from Aut, is the Siund village where the Jiwa river meets Sainj. Siund is the starting point for treks in Jiwanal Valley.

3) Parvati Valley

Beyond Aut follow NH 21 up to Bhuntar then take the link road to Manikaran and up to Barshaini. Start the trek from Barshaini or the more popular village of Pulga (with an old Forest Rest House). This is the starting point of very popular treks up to Mantalai and further up to cross the Pin-Parvati Pass (5319 m altitude). From Kullu, Bhuntar (Airport connection from New Delhi), and Aut, there are regular taxi and bus services to the Sainj and Tirthan valleys. Consult a guide book for places to stay in the Kullu or Bhuntar area while you stage your trek.

Trekking Routes
 

All four valleys of GHNP offer moderate to strenuous treks. Serious, multi-day trekking in the Park requires adequate preparation, physical training, good health, and stamina as all routes contain serious up and down terrain. The potential for unexpected cold weather also demands proper outfitting. There are two main options for visiting GHNP: the Ecozone, and the Park itself

Communication Facilities

To ensure effective Park management, a wireless communication system covering all important points within and around the Park was established in 1993. At present the communication network is comprised of nine base stations at Shamshi, Sairopa, Kharoncha/Dingcha, Banjar, Sainj, Lapah, Diar, Panjain and Kullu. This system will usually be available to multi-day trekkers, as the accompaniment of a Park Ranger is a requirement for such treks.

Insurance

All multi-day foreign visitors must provide evidence of insurance coverage in the event that emergency medical or evacuation procedures are needed.

GHNP Rules

• Access to GHNP is limited due to the fragile ecosystem.

• All entry to the Park requires prior permission.

• All multi-day trekkers must be accompanied by certified guides and porters.

• Check in and consult at an interpretation facility (e.g.,Sai Ropa) for tourist guides, literature, brochures etc., before entering the Park/Sanctuary.

• Obtain necessary permission from the Park official and pay Park entry fees.

• Pay fees for personal photography and/or video and filming.

• Commercial filming and videos require additional permits and fees.

• Do not disturb the animals.

• No harvesting, picking of plants, flowers, pinecones, etc.

• When ever possible move silently through the forest.

• Keep silent or talk in a low voice during outings to view wildlife.

• Report the death orinjury of any wild animal that you may encounter to the nearest Forest Officer.

• Report any incident of forest fire to the nearest Forest Officer.

• Pack out you non-degradable litter and deposit it at the appropriate place when exiting the Park.

• No open fires are allowed.

• Cooking fires must remain under trek leader control.

• Use pits for personal elimination. Depth should be two feet. Burn toilet paper if used.

• Elimination pits should ideally be 100 meters from any water source.

• No green (live) wood to be used for fires.

• All fires must be extinguished before leaving camp with water and by smothering the ashes.

• Leave campsite cleaner than you found it.

• Respect the Eco-zone villagers privacy. Ask permission before taking photos or entering property.

• Respect religious sites, temples, outdoor shrines.

• Remove shoes if requested.

• Dress modestly.

Absolute Prohibitions within GHNP

• No firearms, weapons, bows and arrows, or fire crackers.

• No pets allowed.

• No kindling fires (except cooking fires) or smoking.

• No shouting, teasing, or chasing wild animals.

• No molesting or feeding animals

• No electronic radios, tape recorders, CD players (unless confined to personal earphones) or musical instruments (except within a rest house and only at a low pitch).

• No parties.

• No fishing or hunting.

• No damaging or removal of any wildlife, tree, display signs, or the boundary marks of the Park/Sanctuary.

Trekkers must show their trekking route to a GHNP
Range Officer before entering the Park.

Disruption of Trekking Routes and Trails
 

Main Park trails are commonly impacted by floods and landslides. They are often impassable and/or re-routed. In the Sainj Valley, the trail beyond Shakti and the section between Neuli and Bah, are in quite poor condition and require care while trekking. Trails and bridges are constructed and maintained by the Park staff. They should be contacted for trail status when planning a trek in these areas.

Entrance Fees
 

There are fees for entering the Park and additional fees for cameras, video, and filming. Rates for Indian nationals are lower than foreigners. Check with Park officials for the latest entrance fees and requirements.

Entry Ticket: Current Rates for the entry into the Great Himalayan National Park
 

Category: Indian/Foreigner

• Per person: Rs. 10 per day/Rs. 200 per day

• Student Charges: Rs. 5 per day/Rs. 100 per day

• Still Camera: Rs. 50 Rs./150

• Video Camera: Rs. 2,500/Rs.5,000

• Feature Film: Rs. 20,000/Rs. 20,000

• Security money per feature film: Rs. 25,000/Rs. 40,000

• Documentary Film: Rs. 2,500/Rs.5,000

• Security per documentary: Rs. 15,000/Rs. 40,000