Gangotri National Park is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state in northern India. It is named after the holy river Ganges, which originates from the Gangotri glacier located within the park. The park is spread over an area of 2,390 square kilometers and is part of the larger Gangotri Conservation Area, which includes the Gangotri Biosphere Reserve.
| 1 | Name of the National Park | Gangotri National Park |
| 2 | Year established | 1989 |
| 3 | Area in Sq Km | 2,390 square kilometers |
| 4 | Elevation in m | 1,800 meters to 7,083 meters |
| 5 | State / States spread in | Uttarakhand |
| 6 | Main Animals found | Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, musk deer, bharal (blue sheep) |
| 7 | Main Birds found | Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, snow partridge, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon |
| 8 | Main reptiles found | King cobra, common krait, Himalayan pit viper |
| 9 | Best time to visit | May to November |
The history of Gangotri National Park dates back to 1989 when it was established as a protected area to preserve the unique ecosystem of the region, which is characterized by high-altitude mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
Gangotri National Park experiences a subarctic climate due to its high altitude and proximity to the Himalayan ranges. The weather is cold and dry for most of the year, with heavy snowfall during winters. The temperature during summers ranges from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to zero degrees at night. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, which can sometimes cause landslides and disrupt the road and trekking routes.
Geology of the Park
The park’s geology is dominated by the Himalayan ranges and is characterized by high-altitude mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The park is situated in the upper catchment area of the Bhagirathi river, which originates from the Gangotri glacier located within the park. The park’s landscape is shaped by the action of glaciers, which have eroded the mountains over thousands of years, creating valleys, cirques, and moraines.
The Gangotri glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and is a major source of water for the region. The glacier is about 30 kilometers long and 2 to 4 kilometers wide and has been retreating over the years due to climate change. The park’s terrain is rugged and challenging, with several trekking routes that attract adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Gangotri National Park is located in the Garhwal Himalayas and is home to several mountain peaks. The most prominent peak under the park is the Bhagirathi group of peaks, which includes four peaks over 6,000 meters in height: Bhagirathi I (6,856 meters), Bhagirathi II (6,512 meters), Bhagirathi III (6,454 meters), and Bhagirathi IV (6,193 meters). These peaks are popular among mountaineers and have been the site of several expeditions.
Apart from the Bhagirathi group of peaks, the park is also home to several other notable peaks such as Thalay Sagar (6,904 meters), Shivling (6,543 meters), Meru (6,660 meters), and Kedar Dome (6,831 meters). These peaks are located in the vicinity of the park and are visible from various trekking routes and viewpoints.
Type of Forests and Trees
The park’s vegetation is influenced by its altitude and topography and changes with the elevation. At lower elevations, the park is dominated by subtropical pine forests, which give way to temperate forests at higher altitudes. The temperate forests are characterized by a mix of broad-leaved trees such as oak, rhododendron, and maple, along with coniferous trees such as deodar and blue pine. The park’s alpine meadows are home to several species of wildflowers and grasses.
Some of the prominent tree species found in the park include Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum), Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), and Maple (Acer caesium).
Animals of Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several endangered and rare species. Some of the notable animals that can be seen in the park are:
- Himalayan black bear
- Asiatic black bear
- Snow leopard
- Common leopard
- Musk deer
- Bharal (blue sheep)
- Himalayan tahr
- Serow
- Goral
- Himalayan weasel
Birds of Gangotri National Park
In addition to these animals, the park is also home to several species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. Some of the notable bird species found in the park are:
- Himalayan monal
- Koklass pheasant
- Cheer pheasant
- Western tragopan
- Snow partridge
- Himalayan griffon
- Golden eagle
- Lammergeier
- Himalayan snowcock
- Yellow-billed blue magpie
Reptiles
The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Some of the notable reptiles found in the park are:
- Himalayan pit viper
- Kukri snake
- Common Krait
- Indian cobra
- Himalayan keelback
- Himalayan rock agama
- Northern grass lizard
- Indian skink
Best Time to Visit Gangotri National Park
The best time to visit Gangotri National Park is during the summer months from May to June and then from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the skies are generally clear, making it ideal for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The monsoon season from July to August should be avoided as heavy rains can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter months from December to April are also not recommended for tourism as the park receives heavy snowfall, and the temperatures can drop well below freezing, making it difficult to access and explore the park.
Gangotri National Park offers several trekking opportunities that provide visitors with an opportunity to explore its diverse landscape, natural beauty, and wildlife. Some of the popular trekking routes in the park are:
- Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek: This is a popular trek that takes visitors to the source of the Ganges River, the Gaumukh Glacier, and the high altitude meadow of Tapovan. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and a chance to spot wildlife such as Bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, and musk deer.
- Nandanvan Tapovan Trek: This is a relatively easier trek that takes visitors to the high-altitude meadow of Nandanvan and Tapovan. The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to see the rare Himalayan flowers and herbs.
- Kedar Tal Trek: This trek takes visitors to the glacial lake of Kedar Tal, which is surrounded by stunning mountain views. The trek offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including Bharal (blue sheep), musk deer, and Himalayan black bears.
- Sat Tal Trek: This trek takes visitors to the seven lakes (Sat Tal) in the Gangotri Valley. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan monal and koklass pheasant.
There are several nearby attractions that visitors to Gangotri National Park can explore, including:
- Gangotri Temple
- Harsil
- Dayara Bugyal
The importance of Gangotri National Park lies in its ecological significance and its role in preserving the biodiversity of the region. The park is home to several endangered and rare species of animals and plants, and it’s also an important source of water for the Ganges River. The park also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and preventing soil erosion, landslides, and other natural disasters.
In conclusion, Gangotri National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The park offers a range of activities and experiences, including trekking, wildlife spotting, pilgrimage, and cultural immersion. Visitors can also learn about the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism and contribute to the preservation of the park’s unique ecosystem.
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