Pin Valley National Park, Manali - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 249 km from Manali, and 437 km from Shimla, the Pin Valley National Park is located in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most beautiful national parks in India,and among the prime place to visit as part of Manali packages.

Situated in the cold desert area of Lahaul and Spiti, the Pin Valley National Park was declared as a national park in 1987 as part of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. The park is located in the desert habitat of the Spiti Valley, within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, in the Himalayas region. Spreading south of Dhankar Gompa near the Tibetan border, the park marks the border between the formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti.

Among the famous places of wildlife in Himachal, the park's core zone is stretched over 675 square km and the overall zone extends over 1150 square km. The elevation of the park ranges from about 3500 m near Ka Dogri to more than 6000 m at its highest point. It is home to 20 species of animals and birds, including the endangered Snow Leopard. Besides snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox, marten are other animals that are the highlight of the park. It is home to birds like pika, snow cock, bearded vulture, chukor, golden eagle, griffon, and raven.

Even though it's high altitude and cold climate do not support dense vegetation, the park features around 400 plant species. Pin Valley National Park is populated with numerous medicinal herbs and spices that make it a valuable land for pharmacists. The area around the Pin Valley National Park is largely dominated by the influence of Tibetan culture. The major attractions in and around this national park are Ki Monastery. Other places include Dhankar, Pin Valley, Kunzum Pass, Langza, and Kibber. It is one of the best national parks near Chandigarh.

The National Park is most famous for its incredible trek which is a delight for all its visitors. It snows for most of the year rendering the trek a thrilling and adventurous expedition. There are two approach routes to reach Pin Valley, National Park. The first one is via Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kunzum La - Kaza - Mikkim. This route is open from July to October. The second one is via Shimla - Tapri - Kaza - Mikkim. March to December is the best time to approach the park via this route. From Mikkim, one has to trek 10 km to reach the Park.

Bunkers have been constructed by the wildlife authorities in the Pin Valley National Park region which is a suitable way to stay there. Camping is the best way to spend the night inside the park. One can also avail accommodation at Kaza, the nearest town which is also the administrative center of Spiti.

The best time to visit the Pin Valley National Park is between the months of July and October, which August is considered to be the most favorable time to visit the park. Foreigners are not allowed into the park. Indians have to take a permit to enter the park.

Timings for Entry: 6 AM - 6 PM on all days except national holidays.