While browsing for nature parks of Himachal I came across The great Himalayan national park website, which is a group of nature adventurers working for the conservation of the this vast park.
Himachal has more than 50% green area and is major source of herbal medicines and is famous for various nature treks thousands of people criss cross all of the Himachal on foot, whether it is ManiMahesh annual trek or you take Parvathi valley trek famous with foreigners, almost all of Himachal carries huge forests.
However with ever growing population, forests are in grave danger, I think the efforts of volunteers come here, people need to be made aware that their own existence depends upon nature.
I think it is a great effort by this group and we need to be a part of it.
Here is little information about the park from http://www.greathimalayannationalpark.com:
GHNP is a major source of water for the rural and urban centers of the region with four major rivers of the area originating from the glaciers in the Park. It is also a source of sustenance and livelihood for the local community living close to GHNP. In addition to lumber, the forest environment provides local people with Non- Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) such as honey, fruit nuts, bark of birch and yew, flowers and fuel wood.
Globally, as well as locally, the Great Himalayan National Park has a very high public profile. The international community regards at it as a pilot site where the community based Biodiversity Conservation approach is being tested. The local people in the Ecozone (or Buffer Zone adjacent to the park) of GHNP recognize the fact that they have overexploited the medicinal herbs and NTFPs, and their sheep and goats have overgrazed the pastures.
In 1980, the Himachal Wildlife Project (HWP) surveyed the upper Beas region to help establish the boundaries of the park. An area comprising the watersheds of Jiwa, Sainj, and Tirthan rivers became the Great Himalayan National Park in 1984. Starting from an altitude of 1,700 metres above mean sea level, the highest peak within the Park approaches almost 5,800 metres. The area of the National Park at the moment is 754.4 sq kms and it is naturally protected on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries by permanent snow or steep ridges. To facilitate conservation a 5 km wide buffer area, extending from the western periphery of the Park, has been classified as theEcodevelopment Project Area (EPA) or Ecozone.
The EPA has an area of 326.6 sq km (including 61 sq kms of Tirthan wildlife sanctuary) with about 120 small villages, comprising 1600 households with a population of about 16,000. Since, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 does not permit any habitation in the National Park, an area of 90 sq. kms. in Sainj valley encompassing the two villages of Shakti and Marore has been classified as Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). These two villages although technically “outside” the National Park, are physically located between two parts of GHNP. Thus the total area under the National Park administration is 1,171 sq km.
An IT professional for 17 years, based in the US since the last 12 years. Founded NGO My Himachal and then Himachal Media Pvt. Ltd.. A Himachali forever. Always trying to bring together people whose hearts beat for the state.
Adventure Camps
TIRTHAN VALLEY (GHNP), SOLANG VALLEY, CHUHAR VALLEY
This is a week long camp for people of all ages. Camps are separated into age groups of grade school, junior high, senior high and adult By:
Trail Blazers India – T.B.I. Eco Camps
An Eco-unit of Trailblazers Holidays Pvt. Ltd,
VasantKunj, New Delhi-110070
Phone No (Tours) : ++91-11-55737879 / 55730702
Fax No: ++91-11-26896306
Mobile No : ++91-9891166566 / 9899454424 / 9818575165
Web link: http://vikeshsharma.tripod.com/
If you have any questions about their camps, please e-mail at [email protected]. Thank you.
ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS
These adventure camps for school students are organized from early May to end June and then again from September to October every year. The camp is a set up of tented colony in the lap of nature with own kitchen.
TBI own beautiful locales in the Himalayas, equipped and ever ready with the promise of perfect base to your ramble.
BAROT CAMP:
Barot is a lovely place in Chuhar Valley at an altitude of 1830 mts. Here we have our yet another wonderful Base Camp just outside the village where river Uhl flows by. Having similar climate to Manali, it has its own Flora & Fauna that attracts one and all.
With base at Barot one can move around many places of interest such as Water Reservoir, Traut Hatching farm, Hauge Trolly (at a walking distance). You can also take short treks from here to Suhar (8Kms) and Kothikot (14 Kms).
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
SUHAR TREKKING: Morning after breakfast trek to Suhar – surrounded by pine and deodars and overlooking beautiful Lohardi valley. The region is rich of temperate zone forest, with concentrations of conifers at upper level and deciduous trees at the lower elevation.
CHUHAR VALLEY TREK: Barot lies in the heart of Chuhar valley along the bank of river Uhl, which is famous for Trout and Mahasheer fishes. This trek goes deep into the Chuhar valley along the river Uhl, one can do angling with prior permission.
HAUGE TROLLEY EXPLORATION: Trek along the electric trolley track which takes the visitor up the steep, rockey face of a 2,500 metres-high mountain and drops sharply on the other side to Jogindernagar, where the big hydro-electric project is located. Return trek along the same trolley track till Barot.
SOLANG CAMP:
Solang Nallah (altitude 2480 Mts) lies in the midst of Solang Valley flowing between Manali and Kothi. This is one of our Base Camps equipped with modern amenities.
Solang valley has many places of interest such as Ski School, famous treks like Beas Kund which is the source of river Beas, and a popular base for paragliding lovers.
CAMP ECSTASY
DESTINATION Solang Nallah (Solang Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh,
EXPLORE THE PARAGLIDING WORLD.
ALTITUDE 2480 meters
CLIMATE 08 —18 degrees Celsius (March –October)
CLOTHING Light woolen in summers
ACCESIBILITY
By Road Ex Delhi DELHI-[250]-CHANDIGARH-[180]-MANDI-[65] –
KULLU-[40]-.MANALI-[13]-SOLANG
ACCOMODATION Swiss cottages
AIM
The Camp Ecstasy aims to enrich spiritually the souls to feel spaceless ness and timelessness where relatively the world is moving but an individual is unconcerned about it.
To recharge the exhausted batteries and to take on the world in their strides. Feel the sensational thrills of meadows and meanderine; hear the celestial melodies of whispering winds through winding pines; glimpse the nature splendor dancing in the fluttering lights of the golden sun shimmering through leaves of forest green.
The camp lies in the midst of Solang Valley flowing between Manali and Kothi where year round snow can be seen on the friendship peak straight from the camp Ecstasy. Camp Ecstasy is very near to Solang slopes which are world famous for Paragliding in summers and skiing in winters. Solang valley has many places of interest such as Ski School, famous treks like Beas Kund which is the source of river Beas, and a popular base for paragliding lovers.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
DHUNDI TREK: Trek along the bank of River Beas for Dhundi -a vast meadow surrounded with alpine trees and from here you can see Inderasan(6220 m) and Deotibba(60001m) peaks.
ROHTANG PASS OR SNOW POINT: Morning drive to snow bound region of Rohtang-Pass( or till snow point)-a divide between Kullu and Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3,978 meters for a life time experience.
ADVENTURE GAMES: You have options to go for Adventure Games at Rohtang-Pass (3978m) like Skiing, Sledging, Snow Scooter and Tube Sliding or enjoy the magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers and have photographs with Himalayan Yak.
EXPLORE MANALI: Leave on sight seeing tour of Manali and visit nearby Tibetan refugee centre, monastery, famous Hadimba devi temple, Club house and the Mall.
PARAGLIDING ADVENTURE: You have an option to go for Para-Gliding or enjoy the magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers and have photographs with Himalayan Yak.
TIRTHAN VALLEY CAMP
The Tirthan Valley in Kullu District is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Located within the Great Himalayan National Park, the ‘pucca’ road winds its way lazily along the river through forests and past fields and tiny hamlets with quaint names like Chalogi, Mungla, Nagini, Ghushaini ….. numerous paths lead off the road to the snow fed river itself as it gushes its way over the rocks to drop into pools and spread itself out over flats where every stone is visible through its crystal clear waters, home to the wilder brown trout and its more coveted cousin, the rainbow trout.
THE CAMP FREEDOM
DESTINATION JIBHI (Seraj Valley,Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India)
EXPLORE THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK
ALTITUDE 2300 meters
CLIMATE 10 —20 degrees Celsius (March –October)
CLOTHING Light woolen in summers
ACCESIBILITY
By Road Ex Delhi DELHI-[250]-CHANDIGARH-[180]-MANDI-[50]-AUT-
[45]-JIBHI.
ACCOMODATION Swiss cottages
AIM
The Camp Freedom aims at freeing an individual from the negative elements which gets accumulated as we are living in very high paced movements of the life.
The camp freedom offers some of the purest elements of nature i.e. pure air, water, land, fire & Ether.
The Camp Freedom is a theatre where the whispering winds through the woods compose melodies which definitely gave the world the likes of Beethovan & Mozart.
Watch the falling flakes of the flowering blossoms with twittering birds and buzzing insects wafting through woodlands brown from your Camp Freedom. For you is the sojourn safeguard—free and blith like morning breeze.
Set amidst the heart of the world famous Seraj valley. The Seraj valley in Kullu District is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Located near the Great Himalayan National Park, here we have our yet another wonderful Base Camp just outside the Jibhi village where river Jibhi flows by. Having similar climate to Solang, it has its own Flora & Fauna that attracts one and all. The snow fed river gushes its way over the rocks to drop into pools and spread itself out over flats where every stone is visible through its crystal clear waters, home to the wilder brown trout and its more coveted cousin, the rainbow trout.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
GOSHIANI HIMALAYAN TROUT HOUSE: Arrive Goshiani and visit trout fishing house in river Tirthan. The river flows through Bathad, Goshaini and merges with Parvati at Banjar. Abound in trout, Tirthan offers excellent opportunities to an avid angler.
TREK TO SEREOLESAR LAKE: Trek to Sereolesar Lake through a thickly narrow path. One can get an occasional view of the meadows beyond the thick curtain of the forests. The onward trek is smooth and downhill. After lunch trek back to the camp, which is an uphill and a little taxing walk.
GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK: Morning drive to Sairopa the entrance gate of Great Himalayan National Park. Walk in to the one of the unexplored region in the world – Great Himlayan National Park and return after 3 hours pleasant walk through the forest.
SHRINGA RISHI TEMPLE & CHEHNI KOTHI: Visit Shringa Rishi temple, built in Pagoda cum Pahari style, having four roofs and elaborate wood work. Also walk up to magnificent architectural wonder of Banjar valley-Chehni Kothi. It is a 1500 years old building. Initially it was 15 storeys high but after the earthquake of 1905 only 10 storeys were left. Presently this structure stands around 20 feet high. The ground floor is bigger in area as compared to the upper storeys giving it a cone like appearance
KANASAR-CHAKRATA CAMP
Chakrata known for its serene environs and pollution-free atmosphere, is situated at a distance of 98 kms from Dehradun at an elevation of about 7000 ft(2118 mts). It is having a cantonement township and the northern part of Chakrata sub-division provides a fascinating landscape for trekkers and nature lovers. Virgin forests of conifers, rhododendrons and oaks are best suited for long walks. A vast dense forest, dotted with attractive villages of the Jaunsari tribe, the area has the 10,000 ft (3084 mts) high peak of Kharamba. On its northern slopes is situated Mundali 9000 ft (2776 mts) where in the months of November to April skiers can enjoy skiing
SPECIAL ATTRACTION
TIGER FALL: 5 kms from Chakrata by foot, it is a beautiful water fall, falling from a height 50 mts converging into a small pond which creates an enchanting effect in the scenic surroundings. It is in the north east of Chakrata and is at a height of 1395 mts above sea level. Roaring, gushing water, thickly forest and a beautiful view makes it an ideal place for enchanting outing.
JAUNSARI TRIBAL VILLAGE EXPLORATION: Morning after breakfast trek to near by Jaunsari tribal village and interact with tribal people observe their unique dress, customs & culture. This trek also provides a fascinating landscape for trekkers and nature lovers. Virgin forests of conifers, rhododendrons and oaks are best suited for long walks. A vast dense forest, dotted with attractive villages of the Jaunsari tribe, the area has the 10,000 ft (3084 mts) high peak of Kharamba.
DEV VAN TREK: Morning after breakfast trek to Dev Van, surrounded by dense forests and lies at an altitude of 9,500 ft. and provides a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan ranges.
OTHER BASE CAMPS
DHUNDI:
Dhundi is an alpine plateau at a height of 2840 Mts. from where one can watch beautiful peaks of Deo Tibba and Inderasan. We provide excellent Camping facilities with our ever reliable ground support.
PULGA: Delhi-Kullu/Bhuntar -Delhi: Bhuntar is near by airport & is well connected with Delhi. Pulga is situated in pine forest of Parvati Valley. Now electricity & phones had reached but still very few Indian visits this area. Most people turn back after visiting religious place of Manikaran. This area of camping had been made popular by ‘Western’ campers who had been visiting and some have settled in this valley. Ideal place for STUDENT & FAMILY CAMPING.
MANALI:
Manali (altitude 2050mts) is in the north of Kullu valley, girdled by pine forests and high mountains. A beginning point for various Treks, originating from here, it is also a gateway to Lahaul and Ladakh. We have our excellent permanent base camp right inside Manali.
KOTHI:
Kothi is a quite and picturesque spot (2527 Mts), at the foot of famous Rohtang Pass (3978 metres) It is about 12 k.m. away from Manali Town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti-Leh Highway.
It is now motorable though one can hire a pony from Manali Town also. Once it was an essential base camp for climbers to Rohtang Pass.
TBI camp at Kothi offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. It has an awe-inspiring gorge where the Beas river enters a chasm about 61 Mts deep and just a few metres broad. You cannot miss the beautiful Rahalla water falls(2501 mts.) just about 4kms. Away from Kothi.
ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
At the onset all participants are familiarized with do’s & don’ts during the expedition.
The permanent Base Camps have Swiss Cottages, water/insect proof tents with adequate toilets and hot & cold running water. Deluxe cottage tent has 12′ X12′ room, 12′ X 6′ dressing room, 12′ X 6′ veranda including mosquito net and ground sheet.
The Hill Safari Tents have 12′ X 12 X 8′ X 5.5′ area. Mess Tent has dining room sizing 15′ X 15′ X 9′. At some location toilet/bathroom tents are pitched separately. The permanent sites have the advantage of concrete toilets/bathrooms. Bedrolls and sleeping bags/quilts are provided in all units.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Starting from sight seeing of main town will also include river crossing, rock climbing, rappelling and soft trekking. Paragliding and rafting can be arranged at an extra cost. All adventure activities are done under the able guidance of a Qualified Mountaineering Instructor.
Nature Walks and a choice of indoor games exist for the quieter souls.
Beside every evening there is a Campfire, a sure winner. Everybody takes part to ensure that the event becomes a topping on the ice.
The First-aid facilities are available with the group coordinator where as Doctors are available on call at all our units/locations.