Pin Valley a National Park is situated in the terrain region of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh India. The cold desertinvades the park in the Spiti Valley of Lahul and Spiti district of the state.

In the year 1987 it attained the status of a National Park which is the residence of variousendangered animals like the Snow Leopard and the Siberian Ibex. The park serves as the border line between the Lahul and Spiti district of the state.It spreads over a large area of south Dhankar with an elevation of about 3,500 meters near the Dogri region and almost 6,000 meters at its highest region.

The park is covered by alpine, cedar and several medicinally important trees in the region. And this is due to the varied climatic condition in the region. Flowers blossom in the season of summer adding colors to the valley and some animals and rare breeds of the birdlike the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukor, Snow Partridge and the Tibet Snow Finch help in too.

General Information

History

Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh was initially governed by the Nonos, the ruler of the terrain, believed to be from the family of the rulers of Ladakh was handed over to one of the kings inamidst of 10th century. The condition of the terrain was pathetic at the intial stages but it gained its glory after attaining its freedom in the Ladakh- Tibet war in 1681-1683 when it came in the hands of Raja Mansingh from Kulu in the 18th century.After this the East India Company started handling it in the year 1846.

The actual picture of the park was drawn in January, year 1987. The varied geographical condition of the terrain is the reason for varied flora and fauna in the region, may it be rare or common all types are found here.

Best Time To Visit

The time from April to May is suited best for the visit to this magnificent park as when thewinter starts the climate becomes unbearable and even the wildlife tends to hide itself out of cold in the lower altitude.

The best of the best times to visit the Pin Valley National Park is in the month of July and August as it is the time when both flora and fauna of the region blossoms most

Distance From -Pin Valley National Park

Kullu-60kms

390 Km north east from Shimla

248 Km South East of Manali.

Dhankar Gompa (Monastery)

DhankarGompa, a region with high medicinal value as a large amount of herbs known to effective against Lungs and Heart diseases. It was established some 1000 years ago and has suffered a large amount of ups and down starting from being the capital of Spiti and then that of Jail. It is situated at an elevation of about 3870 m and is distanced 23km from Tabo.

Tabo Gompa

Toba Gompa, largest monastery of Buddhism is located at an elevation of 3500 m and is distanced 48km from the Pin Valley National Park. It was constructed by Ringchen Zangpo and presently the residence of Dalai Lama.An architecture from the 10th to 16th century like the stucco images, the nine temples and the wall paintings invades the place. The structure resemble the ones present in the Ajanta-Ellora caves. One of the beautiful piece of architecture is that of its assembly hall which is surrounded by 33 Bodhisttva statues and four faced statue of Sarvarid Vairocana, one amongst the famous five Dhyani Buddhas.

KyilKhor Or Mystic Mandala Temple

Famous for its two chapels namely DromtonLhakang and Maitreya is situated in the backyard of the park and consist of some awesome mandals.

Dhankar

A fort, located at the bank of river Spiti, distanced 32km downstream was constructed to to keep a watch on every move of the opponent to strive back.Dhankar consist of an old temple known as Lha- O- pa Gompa constructed more like a fortress.

How To Get There

By Air

The park can be visited by airplanes and for this the most nearby airport is the Bhuntar airport in Kullu. There are a number of connecting flights from Delhi for the same.

By Rail

Shimla is the most nearest railway station to the park situated 443km away from the Sipti.

By Road

The park can be visited via road in two ways one is through the Manali- Rohtang Pass-Kunzum La in the months of July to October and other via Shimla- Tapri – Kaza in the months of March to December. The Park can also be visited. The park can also be visited on foot by the road terminus at Mikkim.

Things To Do In - Pin Valley National Park

Trekking

The Park is surrounded by some reasonable and zealous routes appropriate for trekking. The rocky terrains of the Park serve as the best site for the trekkers all over the world. The trekking routes are at an altitude of over 3600 meters.

Camping

The best way to enjoy at night for the tourists is Camping. And Camping is also the most enjoyable activity.

Archery And Horse Racing

The Park also provides an experience of Archery and Horse Racing.

Devil Dance

The traditional Devil Dance fills the tourists with loads of energy.

Permits And Reservations For Pin Valley National Park

Visitors are supposed to take due permission from the Wildlife Administrative Office situated in Kaza in order to visit the Park.

Special permission and sponsorship is required by the foreigners to visit the Park. There is noentry fee in the park.

Entry of vehicles is banned in the Park. Tourists can only be explored on foot. In order to walk around in the Spiti area special permissions are required and in some area foreigners are not allowed to visit.

Location Map

Accomodation

The wildlife authorities have constructed bunkers in the Park region in order to stay there. Camping proves to be the best activity for campers. The Administrative centre of Spiti i.e. Kaza also provides accommodation and it is also the nearest town from the Park.

Guesthouses And Hotels

Hotel Himalaya,

Gulling Village,

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

Tariff: Rs.120/-

Tourist Lodge

Kaza, Himachal Pradesh.

On an offer there are four bedrooms and five tents with double beds available. Facilities like parking and catering are also available.

Tariff: Double room: Rs. 400/-

Tents: Rs. 250/-

Ibex Guesthouse

Sagnam Village,

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

Tariff: Rs.35/-

Narzang Guesthouse

Sagnam Village,

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

Weather

The park experiences a varied type of temperature condition ranging from heavy snowfall in winters to humidity in monsoon. The terrain is moist in climate causing difficulty in reaching the park in winter season .hence the ones who wish to visit the Pin Valley National park must carry warm clothes to beat the climate.

Photo Gallery