Pin Valley National Park, Manali, Himachal Pradesh India

The Pin Valley National Park spreads over an area of 675 Km2 in the trans-Himalayan cold desert region of Spiti valley and falls in the catchment of the Pin river and its major tributary, Parahio.  Altitude of the National Park ranges from about 3,500 metres near Ka dogri to more than 6,000 metres at its highest point.

With its snow laden higher reaches and scree slopes covered with scanty tufted vegetation, Pin Valley National Park forms the natural habitat of a number of endangered animals including Himalayan Ibex, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Wooly Hare, Tibetan Wolf, and Snow Cock.  Whereas sighting of Snow Leopard or Snow Cock could be a once in lifetime experience, it is the silhouettes of Himalayan Ibex standing on a spur in herds against rising or setting sun that leave a lasting impression on one�s mind.   

With its sub-zero temperatures and semi-frozen rivers, Pin Valley is the only cold desert National Park located in Himachal Pradesh. The park lies in the valley of the Pin river, from where it derives its name. Spreading south of Dhankar in the Spiti district near the Tibetan border, the reserve forms a natural interface between the Lahaul and Spiti divisions of the state. It was set up to protect and preserve the rare and unique Himalayan flora and fauna. Vast and sparsely populated, Pin Valley is home to 'the grey ghost of the Himalayas', the snow leopard, and its prey, the ibex. Set against a back-drop of awe-inspiring icy mountain ranges, Pin Valley is snowed in for a good part of the year and a trek to this fascinating country should only be attempted by the spirited, adventurous and fit. The region is also under strong religious influence with some very famous Buddhist monasteries or gompas located here. 

Situated in the cold desert area of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, Pin Valley National Park is home for more than 20 species of animals and birds, including the endangered Snow leopard.

Constituted as a wildlife park in 1987, Pin Valley is located at altitude ranging from 11,500 feet to 20,000 feet in Spiti division of the district. Pin River flows through the base of the valley. The park’s core zone is stretched over 675 sq km and the buffer zone extends over 1150 sq km. Foreign nationals are not allowed inside the park. Indians have to take permit to enter the park.

Snow leopard is the most important resident of the park. There are about 12 of the big cat in the park. 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, Himalayan chough and raven.

Winter is the best time to see the animals when they migrate to the lower regions because of the cold weather. Pin Valley is also known for its floral wealth. The park boasts of over 400 plant species including medicinal herbs. It is famous for two rare species of plants called Juniper and Birch. The park’s alpine pasture lands are another highlight.

The park is also popular with trekkers who come to see the natural beauty and the wildlife of the park. As many as 17 villages with a population of 1600 are located at the periphery of the park. Locals of Pin Valley, like the rest of Spiti, follow Tibetan Buddhism. The religious and cultural beliefs of the locals have helped in protecting the wildlife of Pin Valley. Pin Valley is also famous for its Chhumurti horses, an indigenous breed. Horse racing and archery competitions are popular pastimes of the locals.