TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
3 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
10,170 feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
26 KM
BASECAMP
Himachal Pradesh
BEST TIME
April to June
PICKUP POINT
Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in our country. GHNP is situated in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. This national park is situated in the western Himalayas. It is a part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Great Himalayan National Park is rich in flora and fauna. Its rich cultural heritage makes it unique. This national park was established in 1984. Great Himalayan National Park is globally known for its biodiversity and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The variations of flora and fauna make this national park a famous spot for trekking.
Trekkers love the Great Himalayan National Park as it offers a wide range of ecosystems. The altitude of this national park ranges from 1500 m to over 6000 m. This makes it adventurous as the trekkers find alpine meadows in lower regions and snowfields in the higher areas. The GHNP has over 375 fauna species and over 1000 fauna species. The national park covers 1171 square km of area which includes big valleys, flights, deep gorges, etc. These beautiful valleys not only look majestic but also provide habitat to various wildlife.
The concept of establishing a national park emerged in the 1970s when some researchers understood the value of the Himalayan region. They learned about the high-altitude valleys like Nal, Tirthan, and Parvati Valley is home to lots of wild animals and plants. This talk gained potential in the 1980s after lots of conservation moments. It officially became a national park in 1984 with an area of 620 square kilometers.
After becoming a national park, new changes were made like relocating local communities and banning various commercial activities. However, it created conflict between the government and local people. Many livelihoods depended on the forest for grazing cattle, fodder, etc. After making few notations, in the 1990s, people from small hamlets relocated from the designated areas, meanwhile some locals stayed in the buffer zone with limited access. A new project was launched, funded by international agencies to improve eco-tourism. Some alternative livelihood means were introduced like handicrafts and beekeeping.
Today, the Great Himalayan National Park is expanded to 1171 sq km. The human activity inside the national park is very controlled and limited. In 2014, the park became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich flora and fauna.
The difficulty level of the GHNP trek depends on trails, altitude, and seasons. Some of the areas below 3000 m are rated easy to moderate. Trekkers can complete these treks without any worry. Meanwhile, some parts of the national park are difficult due to remoteness, high altitude, and rough terrain.
You can plan your visit to Great Himalayan National Park around the year. The national park always offers a beautiful landscape to the visitors. Meanwhile, the experience in every season will be different.
This is the best time to plan your trip. The weather is beautiful and cool. The snow starts melting in the higher areas and most trekking trails start opening. You can also witness rhododendrons and wildflower blooming.
This is the monsoon season and most of the treks can be risky. You can plan low-altitude treks as the trails will be quiet and less crowded. People who love trekking in lush green areas can plan the trip. But trekking at high altitude can be very risky.
Post-monsoon, the weather becomes pleasant with clear mountain views. This is the best time for trekking. The air will be crisp and you can see beautiful snow-capped peaks. The trails will be dry and the landscape will start turning golden.
This season is good for snow lovers. Trekking at high altitudes is difficult with limited reachability. The trekkers will require special snow gear and guidance. However, the lower-altitude regions offer an excellent space for witnessing a magical winter.
You have to reach Aut to trek the Great Himalayan National Park. Most people start the trek from Gushaini which is the main and most popular entry point. You can also enter the national park via Sainj Valley which is quieter but has a very remote point.
Delhi is connected to almost all the big cities of our country. You can take a flight or train to Delhi. After reaching Delhi, take a bus to Aut. Both HRTC and private bus services are available.
Chandigarh is also a well-connected city and you can find trains and flights from various locations. You can take a train to Chandigarh and then complete the journey via bus. HRTC buses and other private services are available from Chandigarh to Aut.
You can also take a flight to Bhuntar Airport. You can find regular flights from Delhi and occasional flights from Chandigarh. Various local bus and private taxi services are available from Bhuntar Airport to Aut. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station (110 km from Aut). However, the railway connectivity to this station is limited.
Day 1: Reach Aut early morning and have breakfast. Start your trek from Aut to Rola via Goshaini. The trek distance is 9 km and will take 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Start your trek from Rola to Shilt. After a short halt, trek back from Shilt to Rola. The trek distance is 8 km and will take about 4 hours.
Day 3: Start your trek from Rola to Aut. The trek distance is 9 km and will take about 4-5 hours. You can stay at Aut and enjoy the locality or you can take a bus back to your city.
The GHNP is one of the most beautiful Himalayan national parks. Plan your tailored Great Himalayan National Park trek with us. The Himalayan Shelter team offers a customized and well-planned trek to you. We believe in humble group size and maximal experience. You can plan your trip with your friends and family to enjoy the trek at its best.
The Himalayan Shelter trek is for people who are craving adventure and zeal. Our team ensures safety and eco-friendly practices. We provide customized stay, meals, and activities. The guides are certified and have good experience in high-altitude trekking. Our team will design the trek as per your interests, pace, and fitness level. We believe in an authentic experience and try our best to keep everything local and beautiful. With the Himalayan Shelter team, you will enjoy the beauty and thrill of mountains.
Day 1: Aut to Rola via Goshaini | Trek: 9 km in 5 - 6 hrs
Day 2: Rola to Shilt; and back to Rola | Trek: 8 km in 4 km
Day 3: Rola to Aut | Trek: 9 km in 4 - 5 hrs
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Trek Inclusions
Trek Exclusions
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
You can plan your trip from April to June or September to November for the best experience.
Yes. You need an entry permit from the GHNP office. For trekking, you need to hire a registered guide.
Yes. You can do low-altitude treks like Rolla Trek or Shilt Hut Trek as a beginner.
Yes. The national park opens in the winter but with limited access.