BNHS-India (www.bnhs.org) will hold a National Camp in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) from April 22-28, 2017. The trip involves moderate grade trekking and camping in the wilderness with basic facilities. But if you are willing to rough it out, this camp is a great opportunity to explore the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh.
Located in the Kullu district and spread out over three river valleys—the Tirthan, Sainj and Parvati valleys—GHNP is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the bharal, ghoral, serow, the Himalayan brown bear, leopards and even the rarely-seen snow leopard. During the trek, you are likely to spot birds such as the Himalayan pied kingfisher, the brown dipper, the bearded vulture, or the Himalayan parakeet. The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2014.
The trip begins and ends in Delhi. Travel from Delhi to Kullu and back will be by road. To reach the park, participants will have to hike for three days, from the Ecozone (Ecodevelopment Zone), which is a buffer zone adjacent to the Park.
Participants will be covering 8-10 km daily through hill forests, walking five to seven hours over a gradual gradient. Participants will be accommodated in simple homestays or twin-sharing tents (with trench toilets), depending on the route. The organisers will provide sleeping mats and bags. Camp charges are ₹25,000 for members and ₹26,500 for others. It includes Delhi-Kullu-Delhi transport by Volvo, local transport in Kullu, food (except during the Volvo journey), accommodation in homestays and tents, permits to the GHNP, and BNHS expertise. Porters for the trek may be arranged on prior notice and separate payment. For more details and registrations, e-mail to bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.