Gangotri National Park

History

The region today known as Gangotri National Park in the state of Uttarakhand was once in Uttar Pradesh, before the division of birth of a new state. Before independence, the region was apparently ruled by Rajas of small local kingdoms and by zamindars. Post-independence, as the awareness for wildlife conservation gradually grew, the Indian Government took the necessary initiative to protect the pristine biodiversity of the area. 

Multiple hamlets and forest lands were brought under one umbrella, and given the status of a National Park in the year 1989, by the then Central Government. The administration of the Park is managed by the State Forest Department of Uttarakhand. 

With its rich flora and fauna species, the Gangotri National Park has grown its popularity among wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and common tourists. Tourists from all parts of India visit the Park in thousands, each and every year. It has carved a special name for it on the wildlife map of India. 

Useful Information

• Total area – 2390 sq km
• Core area – 1553 sq km 
• Elevation range – 1800 meters to 7083 meters
• Latitude – Lat 30°50’ to 31°12’ North
• Longitude – Long. 78°45’ to 79°02’ East
• Nearest river – Ganga     
• Nearby hills –  
• Avg. annual rainfall –

Flora

Like any other major National Park, the Gangotri National Park also has a variegated spectrum of beautiful fauna species. The predominant vegetation of the region is the sub-alpine category, marked by lovely conifer trees. The denser forests have these large trees, spread across various portions of the Park. The location of the park near the foothills of the Western Himalayans gives it such a vegetation type. 

Since the elevation range of Gangotri National Park is huge, so, as you move higher, and reach at a greater altitude while availing of Gangotri tour packages, the nature of shrubs changes. The meadows reflect typical characteristics of shrubs signature to Western Himalayas. You could witness Spruce and Deodar trees in this region. Moreover, there are lots of Chripine trees. 

Rhododendrons are among the most common trees in the Park. You could also witness huge oak trees in the forests. There are fir trees in some of the parts of the Park, too. Alpine scrub at higher elevations of the park is very common. 

Fauna

As someone who is keenly interested in exploring Gangotri National Park, witnessing various species of animals at different parts and altitudes of the Park, the Reserve offers plenty of scopes, enriching your experience in availing of Gangotri wildlife packages. You would be completely elated with the colorful species and different sizes of mammals and birds, abundant through the length and breadth of the Park. 

The main attraction is obviously the Royal Bengal Tiger. If you are lucky enough when you avail of Gangotri adventure packages, then you could witness the King of Beasts relaxing in one of the meadows, or cautiously sipping water from a mountain stream. One of the rarest members of the big cat family, the magnificently beautiful snow leopard, could be spotted in this Park. The silvery-white stature of the animal is incredibly impressive. You could also see big black Indian bears in this region. In some situations, brown bears could also be spotted. 

This is the National Park where you would be able to come across a Himalayan Thar. There are Musk deer, too. You could also see exotic fauna species such as blue sheep and Ibex in your Gangotri sightseeing packages. 

That’s not all, as the Park boasts of hundreds of bird species. There are doves and parakeets. Moreover, there are partridges and Monal birds. The Himalayan Snow Cock, one of the most exotic bird species, could be spotted here. You could also spot Himalayan Barbets in your expedition, along with the more common birds such as doves and pigeons. 

Climate  

The climactic conditions of Gangotri National Park are usually cold during the winter, and cool during the summer months. The level of humidity is low, and there is a dry, cool breeze constantly flowing in the park, due to its location near the foothills of the Western Himalayas. 

Their winter months begin from December and last till March. The temperature is quite low in the period, and the weather is very cold, especially in the higher altitudes of the Park. There is also a prevalent gust of Northern winds blowing through different regions of the Park. At times, there could be heavy rains during the monsoon months, which occur in July and August. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time for tourists for availing of Gangotri family packages to visit the Park is the summer season, which begins from April and extends till beginning of June. You would truly rejoice the tour in this period. It is recommended to avoid the monsoon months to plan a tour, as landslides are frequent in the area, and it could be dangerous traveling in such situations. Summer months are very pleasant and are the perfect periods when you can merrily visit the Park. 

How to Reach 

Reaching Gangotri National Park is not very difficult, given that you have a well-thought plan for availing the Gangotri affordable packages. If you live within 500 km of the Park, then railways or roadways would be the better option to reach the park. For more far-off cities, especially from other Indian states, availing a plane could be a practical choice. 

By rail: When you plan to arrive at the park by availing railways, then you need to target the Dehradun railway station. It is the most standard rail station nearest to the location of the park. When you are planning to visit from Delhi for your Gangotri weekend tour packages, take a train from Delhi to Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can rent a car to the Park. 

By road: There are lots of public and private buses plying from Dehradun, taking tourists to the Gangotri National Park. You can either board on a deluxe bus or on an ordinary bus, if your budget is tight. 

By air: The nearest airport to the Gangotri National Park is the Dehradun Airport. It is connected to all metro city airports across the country. You can buy plane tickets to Dehradun. From airport, there are several transportation options to reach the Park. 

Connectivity

• Distance from entry gate: negligible 
• Railway station: Dehradun 
• Bus Stand: 
• Airport: Dehradun
• Nearest city/town: Uttarkashi 

Nearest All Attractions

Doing an expedition of the Park is not the only thing you could do while availing Gangotri holiday packages. There are numerous options around the location, which you can visit, and make your tour more thrilling. 

Nelong Valley – If you want to kindle the adventurous spirits in you, then it would be an excellent idea to trek through the Nelong Valley, included in the itinerary of Gangotri safari tours, not far from the Park. It was closed a few years back, but has been again opened for the tourists. 

Gaumukh Trek – There is actually no dearth of options for trekking in Gangotri National Park itinerary when you visit there. The Park is known to be in the vicinity of the famous Gaumukh Glacier. The trek would surely rejuvenate youthful spirits in you. 

Kedartal – It is a beautiful water-body that is located close to the Park. Kedartal is ‘Shiva’s Lake’. You could visit here on a weekend getaway tour to feel the pristine divinity of the calm Nature of the location. 

Gangotri Glacier – This is yet another lovely glacier in the area, which you can visit on a weekend trip to know about its unique terrain.