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Notified in 1987, Pin Valley
National Park is located south
of Dhankar gompa in the cold
desert region of Spiti valley.
The park sits at an elevation of
3,500-5,800 m, not far from the
Tibetan border.
Named a!er the Pin river which
flows down to join the Spiti, the
park is connected to the Rupi
Bhabha Sanctuary to its south
and to the Great Himalayan
National Park to its southwest.
The remoteness of the park,
its majestic, stark landscape
punctuated with scanty
vegetation of mostly alpine
and cedar trees, add to its
mystique. While it is possible
to spot its most famous
inhabitants, the Tibetan wild
ass or kiang, Siberian ibex and
Tibetan gazelle, only the lucky
chance upon rare species such
as the snow leopard, Tibetan
wolf, Himalayan red fox and
Himalayan blue sheep. The park

is also home to the indigenous

and prized Chhumurti horses.
The two most popular trekking
routes in the park are from
Kullu valley in the west via the
Pin Parvati Pass (5,319 m) and
from Kinnaur in the south via
the Bhabha valley and the Tari
Khango Pass (4,900 m).
Visitors can approach Pin Valley
through Manali via Kaza, or from
Shimla via Reckong Peo and
Sumdo in Kinnaur. The last leg
of the journey is undertaken on
foot. Be prepared for an arduous
trek. Hire a local guide, carry
proper camping equipment
and a medical kit with you.
Trekkers will find company in the
inquisitive Himalayan marmot,
mouse hare and snow rabbit
peeping out of their holes to
curiously look at visitors.
ABOVE: The

rare Himalayan blue

sheep, also known locally as bharal,
in Pin Valley National Park

At a glance
District: Lahaul & Spiti
Distance: Kaza (30 kms), Tabo
(48 kms), Manali (96 kms)
....................................................
Best time to visit: March-Dec
Entry fee: Free
....................................................
Permit: Indians may apply for
permits from the sub-divisional
magistrate at Kaza.
Foreigners are not allowed.

Major fauna: Tibetan wolf,

red fox, Siberian ibex, bharal,
Himalayan snowcock, bearded
vulture
....................................................
Where to stay: Private
accommodation available at Kaza
and Tabo. One may also set up
camps at Mud Farka

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