How National Parks in Uttarakhand come into existence- The beautiful Indian state of Uttarakhand is a center of not only vibrant culture and scenic landscapes but also a biodiversity hotspot that supports many threatened and endangered species. Around 45.44% of its geographical area comes under Forest Cover, making it a significant site for conservation in the country. Over the years, the government has made several efforts by establishing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to preserve the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
There are six total national parks in Uttarakhand that attract adventurers, botanists, and nature lovers alike. The state government promotes eco-tourism around these national parks to support conservation efforts and improve visitor experiences without harming the purity of the dense forests. These national parks in Uttarakhand offer diverse trekking and adventure options like glacier treks, lake treks, alpine and technical climbing, scenic nature walks, and jungle safari options.
Given below, is a list of national parks in Uttarakhand, to help you plan your next adventure destination in the lap of nature.
List of National Parks in Uttarakhand
1. Gangotri National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Uttarkashi |
| Area | 2390.02 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1989 |
| Best Time to Visit | Remains open from May to October |
| Nearest Town/City | Gangotri |
| Entry Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 250-300 per person |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 600 per person | |
| Altitude Range | 2,497 m-7,135 m/ |
Gangotri National Park is one of the largest National Parks in India and the largest in Uttarakhand, covering an area of around 2390 km2 in the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi District. It is home to the holy site of Gangotri Dham and Gaumukh Glacier, the snout from where the Ganga River originates. GNP is placed in the upper catchment area of the Bhagirathi River with Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary towards its south and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park towards the east.
GNP lies on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh on one side and the international Sino-Indian boundary on the other. This strategic location makes it an important protected area, with a diverse and threatened species of flora and fauna. The park is famous for spotting Snow Leopards in the higher parts of its tall mountains. The Gangotri National Park has many trekking and adventure options in and around it like Gaumukh Trek, Gartang Gali Trek, and Kedartal Trek, among others.
How To Reach Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand is easy to reach from two major cities: Dehradun, which is about 206 kilometers away, and Haridwar, about 189 kilometers away. You can travel to the park by road by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from either city. Both Dehradun and Haridwar have train connections to other major cities in India. Additionally, Dehradun has Jolly Grant Airport for flights.
Special Features of the Gangotri National Park
- Flora: Ban oak, rhododendron, moru oak, kharsu oak, horse chestnut, cypress, deodar, blue pine, spruce, fir, walnut, maple, birch, yew, sorbus, aconite, and dactyl orchid and more.
- Fauna: Snow leopard, black bear, brown bear, musk deer, blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan tahr, Himalayan monal, koklass, and Himalayan snowcock.
- Birds: Rufous-vented tit, Himalayan rubythroat, house sparrow, Himalayan beautiful rosefinch, white-rumped vulture, and olive-backed pipit, among others
Trekking And Adventure Activities Near Gangotri National Park
- Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- Nandanvan Vasuki Tal Trek
- Kedartal Trek
- Patagnidhar Trek
- Kalindi Khal Trek
- Auden’s Col Trek
- Rudugaira Trek
- Dodital Trek
- Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
- Chaturangi Glacier Trek
- Kyarkoti Lake Trek
- Gartang Gali Trek
2. Raja ji National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar |
| Area | 820.42 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1983 |
| Activities | Trekking. Hiking, Birding, Jeep safari, Rafting |
| Best Time to Visit | November to June (April to June for bird watching) |
| Nearest Town/City | Dehradun and Haridwarar |
| Entry Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 150-250 per person |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 600 per person | |
| Timings | Morning: 6 am to 9 am, Evening: 3 pm to 6 pm |
| Altitude Range | 247 m-1,914 m/ 810.4 ft-6280 ft |
Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand is the second-largest protected area, spread across Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Haridwar districts. It is named after Sri C. Rajgopalachari (Raja ji), a great freedom fighter, and was formed in 1983 by merging the three wildlife sanctuaries–Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. It represents the natural beauty of the Shivalik ranges with dense Indus-Ganga monsoon-type forests and wildlife diversity.
Rajaji National Park is famous for bird-watching, rafting, and jungle safari in the natural habitat of Indian Tigers and Asian Elephants. Its location in the transition zone of the central and western Himalayas makes it a biodiversity hotspot for about 23 species of wild animals and 300+ bird species. There are a few forest rest houses inside the Rajaji National Park with beautiful views of the ranges like Mundal, Mithawali, Khara, Gohari, and others with birding activities. You can also attempt rafting on the streams of the Ganga River under expert guidance.
How To Reach Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is situated on both sides of the Ganga River and spans three districts in Uttarakhand. You can access the park easily from Dehradun, which has an airport. The closest railway stations are in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. If you’re traveling by road from Delhi, you can take the route through Meerut, Khatauli, Muzaffar Nagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar, reaching Chilla, about 8 kilometers from the park.
Special Features of the Rajaji National Park
- Flora: Rohini, Amaltas, Shisham, Sal, Palash, Arjun Khai, Baans, Semul, Sandan, Chamaror, Aonla, Kachnar, Ber, Chilla, Kadam, and Bel.
- Fauna: Tigers, leopards, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, sambar, cheetal, barking deer, wild boar, langur, goral, sloth bear, Indian porcupine, king cobra, woodpecker, nilgai, Indian hare, rhesus macaque, Hanuman langur, Asian elephant, and many more.
- Rajaji National Park is a conservation sanctuary for the Royal Bengal Tiger under Project Tiger and the Leopard and other carnivores like the Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Civets, Himalayan Black and Sloth Bears.
- Birds: Greater scaup, white-naped woodpecker, great hornbill, scaly thrush, snowy-browed flycatcher, rusty-flanked treecreeper, black-bellied tern, Pallas’s fish eagle, northern goshawk, black-necked stork, yellow-billed blue magpie, pale-footed bush warbler, Tytler’s leaf warbler, green avadavat, and reed bunting, among others.
Trekking And Adventure Activities In Rajaji National Park
- Jungle Safari- Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari
- Chilla Barrage
- Jhilmil Jheel
- Cycling Trails
- Nature Walks in the dense forests
- Bird Watching
- Easy hikes in the lower altitude of the park
- Camping
- River Rafting
3. Nanda Devi National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Chamoli |
| Area | 624.60 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1982 |
| Best Time to Visit | Remains open from May to October |
| Nearest Town/City | Joshimath |
| Permit Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 50 per person |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 150 per person | |
| Altitude Range | 7,782 m-1,937 m/ 25532 ft-6355 ft |
Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand is located in the upper reaches of the Garhwal region of the Chamoli district. It is famous for its iconic Nanda Devi Peak (7817 m), the second-highest peak in India and the highest in Uttarakhand. Its glacial basin is drained by the Rishi Ganga River and encircled by notable peaks like Dunagiri, Trishul, and Nanda Devi East.
Nanda Devi National Park is a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (spread across Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique terrain and biodiversity, it is divided into two main areas: an inner and outer sanctuary. The inner sanctuary features the Uttari and Dakshini Rishi Glaciers, while the outer sanctuary includes the basins of the Trishul and Ramani Glaciers.
How To Reach Nanda Devi National Park
It is located in northeast Uttarakhand and is an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts, known for its rare wildlife, dense forests, and technical climbing on the Nanda Devi peaks. To reach the park, you can drive to Joshimath from Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh, and then continue to Lata Village, about 26 km away. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh, while Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport.
Special Features of the Nanda Devi National Park
- Flora: Deodar cedar, Himalayan cypress, fir, juniper, sacred fig, wild Himalayan cherry or sour cherry, rhododendrons or buransh, thuner, bhootkeshi, Himalayan birch, Brahma kamal, and phen kamal, and more
- Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, serow, bharal (blue sheep), common leopard, brown bear, Himalayan langur, Himalayan goral, Himalayan weasel, and yellow-throated marten
- Birds: Himalayan monal, Himalayan snowcock, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon, lammergeier, snow pigeon, Himalayan tree creeper, white-throated tit, rufous-bellied woodpecker, and brown-fronted woodpecker.
Trekking And Adventure Activities Near Nanda Devi National Park
- Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek
- Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath Trek
- Kuari Pass Trek and Pangarchula Peak
- Nandi Kund Trek
- Dharansi Pass Trek
- Kankul Pass via Kagbhusandi Lake Trek
- Roopkund Trek
- Bagini Glacier
- Rudranath Temple Trek
- Ali Bedni bugyal Trek
4. Jim Corbett National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Nainital |
| Area | 520.82 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1936 |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-October to Mid-June |
| Nearest Town/City | Ramnagar |
| Timings | Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Evening: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (depending on the season) |
| Permit Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 200 per person |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 1000 per person | |
| Altitude Range | 224 m-1825 m/735 ft-5,988 ft |
Previously named Hailey National Park in 1936, this protected area is one of the oldest in India and Asia. Its name was later changed to Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 after a noted naturalist and conservationist of the same name, to commemorate his contributions to the conservation activities in the country. Spread across the beautiful districts of Almora, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal, it has around eight zones with different entry gates. These are the Dhikala zone, the Bijrani zone, the Jhirna zone, the Durgadevi zone, the Sonanadi zone, the Garjiya zone, the Dhela zone, and the Pakhro zone.
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is popular for its Tiger reserves, day jungle safaris, camping, Girija Temple, and other eco-tourism activities. In winter, only four tourist zones are open for visitors- Bijrani, Dhela, Garjia, and Jhirna, the remaining four will be accessible during the summer. Many government and private rest houses are available for the explorers to enjoy the ambiance of jungle life.
How To Reach Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is located near Ramnagar, a small city in Uttarakhand. It is easily reachable by road and rail from major cities like Delhi, Nainital, Moradabad, and Bareilly. The park is only 15 km from the Ramnagar railway station, making it accessible within half an hour. Several state-operated buses connect Ramnagar with other cities, and trains run directly from Delhi, Bareilly, and Moradabad to Ramnagar.
Special Features of the Jim Corbett National Park
- Flora: Sal, khair, asan saj or Indian laurel, kumbhi or wild guava, chironji tree, shisham, fig tree, amaltas, dhauri or crape myrtle, godambi or the dhobi nut tree, rohini, chamrod, murraya or the curry leaf tree, jamun, silk cotton tree, monkey face tree, and haldu.
- Fauna: Chital deer, leopard, sambar deer, elephant, rhesus monkey, wild boar, tiger, langur, hogg deer, barking deer, jackal, rabbit, otters, and yellow-throated marten, and others.
- Birds: Crested serpent eagle, the great hornbill, Indian pitta, kingfishers, Himalayan bulbul, grey-headed fishing eagle, and Indian peafowl.
Trekking And Adventure Activities Near Jim Corbett National Park
- Mukteshwar Trek
- Bhovali Ramgarh Trek
- River Rafting in Kosi River
- Nainital Sight Seeing
5. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Uttarkashi |
| Area | 472.08 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1983 |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June and September to November |
| Nearest Town/City | Dharkadhi |
| Permit Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 200 per person |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 1000 per person | |
| Altitude Range | 3,812 m/ 12,507 ft |
Govind National Park, also known as Govind Pashu Vihar National Park has a number of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging ascents. The park is named after Govind Ballabh Pant, an Indian freedom fighter, and is located in the Spuin Range in the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi district.
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand is famous for the endangered Snow Leopards and was created under Project Snow Leopard by the Indian Government. If you are lucky, you can spot threatened species of Bearded Vulture in the upper reaches of the park. It includes beautiful villages like Osla, Sankri, Taluka, and Gangad that attract visitors and adventurers with their simple life and rich culture.
Geographical Location of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
Govind National Park is located in Uttarkashi district, about 225 kilometers north of Dehra Dun, the capital of Uttarakhand. The park includes the entire Supin Range in the Tons Forest Division. It is bordered to the north by Himachal Pradesh, to the east by mountain peaks, and the south by the Tons-Yamuna watershed. Two main rivers, Rupin and Supin, flow through the park and meet at Naitwar to form the Tons River. This region features diverse forests and serves as the upper catchment area for the Tons River, an important tributary of the Yamuna.
Special Features of the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
- Flora: Chir pine, Nepal alder, kamala tree, red cedar, oak species, deodar cedar, walnut, rhododendron, and Himalayan spruce.
- Fauna: Asiatic black bear, brown bear, leopard, snow leopard, musk deer, barking deer (Indian muntjak), sambar, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and wild boar.
- Birds: Cheer pheasant, western tragopan, kaleej, Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, chukor, black francolin, and common hill partridge
Trekking And Adventure Activities In Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
- Kedarkantha Trek
- Phulara Ridge Trek
- Har ki Dun Trek
- Dhumdar Khandi Pass Trek
- Ruinsara Lake Trek
- Har ki Dun Ruinsara Trek
- Bali Pass Trek
- Vijay Top Trek
- Borasu Pass Trek
- Fachukandi Trek
- Sarutal Trek
- Bamsaru Khal Trek
- Dev Kyara Trek
- Baradsar Trek
- Rupin Supin Traverse Trek
- Maldaru lake Trek
- Swargarohini Peak Expedition
- Black Peak Expedition
6. Valley of Flowers National Park
| Attributes | Details |
| District | Chamoli |
| Area | 87.50 km2 |
| Year of Establishment | 1982 |
| Best Time to Visit | Remains open from June to October |
| Nearest Town/City | Joshimath |
| Timings | 7.00 AM to 5.00 PM |
| Permit Charges | Indians: Approx. INR 150 per person for three days |
| Non-Indians: Approx. INR 600 per person for three days | |
| Altitude Range | 2,659 m-6,410 m/ 8,724 ft-21,030 ft |
One of the most beautiful national parks in Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers National Park is the second core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and another Unesco World Heritage Site. A trek inside this protected area takes you through the endangered wilderness along the streams of Pushpawati River, well-maintained terraced fields, stunning waterfalls, bridges, and vibrant alpine meadows.
The Valley of Flowers National Park has diverse vegetation due to its placement in the transition zone between the eastern and western Himalayas and between the Zanskar and Himalayan Ranges (north-south). You can catch lovely views of peaks like Nar Parbat, Nilgiri Parbat, Rataban, Gauri Parba, and Saptasring along the gentle slopes of the Bhyunder Valley dotted with rhododendrons, primroses, and wildflowers with your ascent. The spring season is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers to experience the natural beauty of the national park in full bloom.
Geographical Location of Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is situated at the head of Bhyunder Valley with Hemkund Valley running parallel to it in the south. The national park is near the sacred site of Badrinath, about 300 km from Rishikesh. Govindghat village is the last motorable point and one has to trek further to reach this beautiful valley filled with over 600 species of diverse flora and medicinal plants.
Special Features of the Valley Of Flowers National Park
There are three vegetation zones in the Valley of Flowers: the sub-alpine zone with trees, the lower alpine zone, and the higher alpine zone.
- Flora: Monkshood/wolfsbane, Himalayan maple (Acer caesium), blue Himalayan poppy, Louisa saw-wort, daisy, Himalayan fir, Himalayan white birch, rhododendron, Himalayan yew, junipers, and redberry honeysuckle.
- Fauna: Grey langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, red fox, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, Himalayan goral, Himalayan musk, Indian chevrotain, Himalayan tahr, serow, bharal (blue sheep), leopard, and brown bear.
Trekking And Adventure Activities Near Valley Of Flowers National Park
- Valley of Flowers Trek
- Hemkund Sahib and Hemkund Lake Trek
- Bhyundar Khal Trek
- Hike to Ghangaria
- Kagbhushubdi Lake Trek
- Tipra Bamak Glacier Trek
- Kankul Pass Trek
Final Thoughts on National Parks in Uttarakhand
National Parks in Uttarakhand offer unique experiences with some of the most diverse terrains in the country. The untouched beauty of Gangotri National Park, Rajaji National Park, Govind National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, and Valley of Flowers National Park draws visitors from India and abroad due to the sight of rare species of flora and fauna in their forests. The diverse trekking options add thrill to the other activities of bird-watching, rafting, rock climbing, and camping. Plan your visit and experience the wild beauty of these amazing National Parks of Uttarakhand!
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