Pin Valley National Park

National Parks provide ample opportunities to the visitors to have a close encounters with the wilds. Indian National Parks is the variance that they are equipped with. Whether it comes to the flora, fauna or witnessing various wild animals in their natural surroundings.

The Pin valley National Park is About 3 Km from Mikkiim Village (3,600). You can stop and have a panoramic view of west ward flowing Pin River turning north to meet the Paraiho River. Only a very small position of the eastern boundary of the park (About 45 Kms ) runs above the pin river the major

part is actually in the Paraiho river catchments. Pin valley national park was declared a park in 1987 Pin Valley National Park is located in the cold desert area of Spiti Valley in the cold desert area of Spiti District within Himachal Pradesh.

A snow leopard sighting is very rare and the Pin Valley National park is one of the few places in India where you can see the animal in the wild. Spread over an area of over 675 sq km, the altitude in this cold desert can range from 3,500 to 6,000m. The park is also home to the snow partridge, the Himalayan snowcock, ibex, Tibetan wolf, blue sheep and the red fox. No forest department jeep will
take you to the animals; you will have to trek. There are numerous trekking trails and the panoramic views will be worth the cold and the discomfort of the tents. Do not forget to get sleeping bags; you can sleep in the bunkers in the park. With its snow laden higher reaches and slopes, Pin Valley National Park forms a natural habitat for a number of endangered animals including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex.

Facts :

Area:

The elevation of Pin valley ranges about 3500m near ka degui to move then 6000 m at its highest point. Pin Valley National Park location in the Spiti sub-division of Lahaul and spiti District, in Pin valley in North -East Himachal.

Distance: 390 Km north east from Shimla, 248 Km South East of Manali.
Visit Time: Pin Valley National Park to be visited late March to June and September to October. this park is virtually inaccessible in winter (from Dec to early March).
STD Code: 01906
Culture:Steeped in history, the influence of Tibetan culture is prevalent in the surrounding areas of the Pin Valley National Park visible in the Buddhist lamas shrines and culture of its residents.

Things To See And Do:
* Trekking
* Bird Watching
* Archery and Horse racing
* Devil Dance

Flora & Fauna

Herbaceous and Shrub growth dominates here. The main woody species is Juniper which has become almost extinct in the park area. Shrubs which are of the dry alpine variety include wild rose, sea buckthorn and juniper. There is remarkable variety in the herbaceous vegetation with columbine, kingcup potential and primula being the dominant species. Around 400 plant species are said to thrive in the area, among them many verities of medicinal plants. In summer wild flowers create a riot of colors in some areas. The glacial heights of Pin Valley National Park are devoid of vegetation. With its snow laden unexplored higher reaches and slopes the park forms a natural habitat for a natural habitat for a number of endangered animals including the snow leopard and Siberian Ibex. The incidence of grazing of goats, sheep's, yaks and other domestic animals in Pin Valley National Park is a matter of deep concern. in the prevailing climatic conditions the rearing of these animals is indispensable. Along with animals rare birds like the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar, Snow Partridge and the snow finch also flourish in the area.