Gangotri National Park

The geographical coordinates of the Gangotri National Park are 78° 45’ to 79° 02’ East and 30° 50’ to 31°12’ North. The northeastern part of the National Park shares its international boundary with China. The Park includes a considerable stretch of mountains clad in snow and glaciers. One can find variation in biomes from subalpine conifer forest to Himalayan alpine shrubs and meadows. Sitting proudly at an altitude of 1800m to 7083m above sea level, the Park is surmised to be a pivotal link between Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind Pashu Vihar. It comes under the biogeographical zone 2A of West Himalaya and provides a home-like feel to the wild creatures inhabiting the region.

The National Park has the typical high-altitude ecosystem and is influenced by the trans-Himalayan elements to an extent. A unique feature of this National Park is the Alpine scrub. Because the Park is close to the mountain terrain, the region is prone to landslides. The forest of this Park is mostly temperate, and one can find some clubbed areas of trees like Betula and Kharsu at different heights. Besides, the entire landscape is full of grassy area.

People looking forward to visiting Gomukh have to go through craggy mountains which is very steep, and the route is disturbed at some places by landslides. Landslides primarily occur because of uprooting trees and the consequent soil erosion by the rain.

The Gangotri National Park is known to shelter great biodiversity amidst the snow-clad mountains and lush greenery. The vast meadows of this Park are the prime attraction for the tourists. Eye-catching springs and tall dense green forests will fill the visitors with immense peace and tranquillity. The mammoth dimensions of the National Park allow an entire caboodle of wild beasts and flora thrive sturdily.

The climatic conditions of the National Park can boast of a perfect balance between cold and frigid temperatures. This, in turn, sustains an ecosystem harbouring the rarest of some species of Snow Leopards and Himalayan Monal. With 15 species of mammals and 150 varieties of birds, Gangotri National Park is known for its abundant and diverse fauna. The fauna is dependant on the vast array of flora gracing the biodiversity of this park.

Gangotri National Park houses some of the prominent species of plants and animals. Consequently, this region is a complete package for tourists who can not only go for a trek but also come across the rare species of flora and fauna.

Flora
The flora of Gangotri National park primarily comprises of Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub at high altitudes and Western Himalayan Sub-Alpine Conifer forests at lower elevations. The other very prominent species of plants are Rhododendron, Oak, Spruce, Fir, Deodar, and Chirpine. The flora often differs according to the altitude. In the lower altitudes, one can find Kharsu Oak, whereas Betula is found in abundance in the higher elevations. However, patches of alpine scrub are dominant in both the lower and higher altitudes.

Fauna
The diverse range of flora is capable of providing shelter to a swarm of fauna which includes several rare and unique species of animals existing on Earth. The Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Blue Sheep or Bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Ibex, Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), and the Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) are some of the significant species found in this region. Besides, the exotic species of birds inhabiting this park is noteworthy. Birds like Pheasants, Bulbul, Parakeet, Partridges, Doves, Himalayan Barbet, and Serow are included in the list.

This national recreational area is famous for its myriad activities. Not only a jeep safari but activities like hang gliding, mountaineering, paragliding, river rafting, trekking, and skiing are the must tick off the bucket list.

There are eleven such tourist spots in Gangotri National Park which entice travellers to spend the best of their leisure time. From rugged terrains to adventurous sites, this National Park has everything to offer to the manifold of visitors every year. Nelong Valley, Bhojbasa, Gaumukh trek, Tapovan Trek, Kedartal, Gangotri Temple, Chirbasa, Gangotri town, Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak, Gangotri glacier are the prominent spots where tourists can opt for various activities.

The entry fee for Gangotri National Park is listed below:

For Indians: INR 150 per person (three days)
For Non-Indians: INR 600 per person (three days)

Charge for extra days
For Indians: INR 50 per day
For Non-Indians: INR 250 per day

Still Camera and Videography (non-commercial use): No charge

Still Camera and Videography (commercial use)
For Indians: INR 500
For Non-Indians: INR 1500

No fee is charged for children under five years. Indian students with a valid ID Card between 5-18 years will be charged 1/4th of the ticket price. Know that the fees for entry and other purposes remain the same for all SAARC countries.

The procedure to enter the National Park is a little different from the other Parks. One needs to get the permit from the District Forest Officer (DFO) Uttarkashi before going to the Park. This form can also be filled and submitted online. Here, you need to mention the area you want to visit like Gaumukh, Nandanvan, Tapovan, Kedartaal, Sundervan, Basu ki Taal, or Raktvan along with the preferred dates.

The form will also include other important details of your entire group of people with their ID proofs. After the submission of this application, you will get the permit which you need to submit at the Forest Check Post. It is approximately 1.5km away from Gangotri.

Besides this, you can also rent a tent during your stay in the National Park. The charges are as follows:

Small Tent for two people
For Indians: INR 50
For Non-Indians: INR 100

Medium Tent for four people
For Indians: INR 100
For Non-Indians: INR 200

Kitchen Tent
For Indians: INR 100
For Non-Indians: INR 200

Tent Pitching
For Indians: INR 50
For Non-Indians: INR 100
Note that tent pitching is allowed only at specific locations in which ten to fifteen small tents will be allowed.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to the National Park is at Dehradun. It is approximately 210 km away.

By Road: The nearest bus station to the National Park is at Dehradun. However, you can also find private taxis from the Dehradun station.

By Air: The nearest airport, i.e., Jolly Grant Airport is at Dehradun. It is around 220 km away from the National Park.

Because this National Park is famous for trekking, make sure that you carry the required footwear, walking socks, walking poles, and enough water. Also, start practising to take the backpack before the trek. Other notable items to carry for trekking are warm clothes, skin care essentials (Sunglasses with 100% UV protection, lip balm, cold cream, sunscreen lotion), medicines, first aid kit, hot water bag, LED torch or headlamps (as available).

The weather in the National Park is usually cold and dry with light winds. However, the winter months, i.e., from December to March turn extremely cold in some parts because of the high altitude and northern winds. Besides, the monsoon season should also be avoided because of heavy rainfall. This can risk the lives of the tourists due to landslides in the region.

Therefore, the best time to visit Gangotri National Park is during the summer months, i.e., April, May, and June. The weather is calm and pleasing at this time of the year. The clear skies and ample sunshine allows trekking, sightseeing, and other activities.

Walking along the picturesque locales of the Park, tourists will come across a perfect amalgamation of adventure, culture, and mysticism. Challenging treks, crushed snow, beaten trails, whistling woods, and ruffled leaves add to the thrill of visiting this National Park. One will easily encounter some of the oldest settlements, the holiest pilgrimage of Hindus, and the source of river Ganga while traversing through the Park. Also, you do not need to be an expert of mountaineering to participate in the trek. Thus, know you know why Gangotri National Park is aptly known as the ‘Mountaineer’s Muse.’