Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary lies in the hill state of Uttarakhand. This park is situated in the upper reaches of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi District. Located in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi, this national park is special in the sense that it is home to the famed snow leopard. Those with interest in exploring medicinal flora of the region will find the park of special significance.

Har Ki Dun valley, a trekker’s paradise in Uttarakhand, is also located within the national park. The total area of this national park is 958 square km and the altitude within the park ranges from 1400 to 6323 metres.

History

To start with, Govind Pashu Vihar was a wildlife sanctuary. The national park was only in established in 1955 to conserve the flora and fauna of upper Himalayan region in Uttarakhand which used to be a part of Uttar Pradesh at that point. The national park has been popular among Ayurveda practitioners and people working towards the promotion of conservation initiatives particularly in Medicinal Plant arena.

Owing to its geographic location, the park is home to numerous precious species of medicinal plants almost all of which are endangered. The elusive Snow Leopard is also found in this park and this is one of the reasons for the national park being so popular among conservationists since its inception.

Geography

The national park spreads through an area of 958 square km with altitudinal variation ranging from 1400 to 6323 metres. The core and buffer zone of the national park is covered by River Tons which is a reason for the floral and faunal richness of the national park. The national park lies between Longitude 78.05 E and Latitude 31.00 to 31.25N.

Climate

The national park has a wide altitude variation from 1400 to 6323 metres. The upper reaches of the national park experience extreme snowfall during winter season. May to October is the best time to plan a visit to Govind Pashu Vihar national Park and Sanctuary as the temperatures are pleasant and the faunal wealth of the region can be seen at its best during this period.

Flora & Fauna

Flora

Plant species like Oak, Rhododendron and tropical Euphorbia scrub abound in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. In addition, a large number of important medicinal plant species are also found in the national park.

Fauna

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary is home to several endangered species including snow leopard. Other animals in the national park include Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Indian Porcupine, Goral, Himalayan Rat, Himalayan Palm, Western Tragopan and Golden Eagle.

Safari

As the national park is located in upper reaches of Garhwal Himalayas, the option of undertaking a safari ride is not an option. Visitors have to trek through large areas of the national park.

Trekking Routes

The national park has four trekking routes with the 38 km Sankri Taluka-Osla-Har ki Doon route being the most preferred one. For the brave heart a 60 km trek route which starts from Naitwar and passes through Himri, Droni, Rupin Pass and Sangla in Himachal Pradesh is the best option.

Attractions

Har ki Doon Valley

Har ki Doon valley is admired by tourists for its ambiance. True to its name, the Har ki Doon valley has extensive growth of flower species and the sight is a real treat for the eyes, especially during the summer months.

Ruinsiyara Lake

Reaching Ruinsiyara Lake located high up in the Garhwal Himalayas in the national park can give you a sense of accomplishment. Nature abounds here in plenty and only the hard ones of the lot can reach the lake.

Charges

Charges for entry into Govind Pashu Vihar national Park and Sanctuary are minimal and you can get in touch with Deputy Director of the national park at Purola for all the necessary permits and permissions for entering the national park.

Visitor Information

• Get in touch with the Deputy Director of the park ay Purola before entering for a deeper insight of the park.
• Boarding facilities are available at various rest houses located within the national park. However, the visitors have to cook the food themselves as no catering facility is available.
• May to October is considered to be the ideal time for visiting the national park.
• Avoid visiting the park in severe monsoon as minimal facilities are available at higher altitudes in the park.
• Opt for trekking in group as it can be dangerous to venture alone into the national park, especially if you are planning for a trek to high altitude areas in the park.

How to Reach

Air

Dehradun airport located at a distance of 190 km from the national park is the nearest air link.

Rail

Dehradun is the nearest rail link to the national park and taxis can be hired from the railway station for a comfortable ride to the national park.

Road

The entry point of the national park, Naitwar is connected by an all weather road. Regular bus service is available from Dehradun to Naitwar.