This Pin Valley national park is situated in Lahual Spiti district. In this park there is a variety of rare animals such as wooly hare, Tibetan gazelle and snow Leopard. The entire area is a cold desert. It was declared National Park on 9th January 1987 and occupies an area of 67,500 hectares.

Animals that are found in this sanctuary includes Red Indian Fox, Tibetan Gazelle, Wooley Hare, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Mouse-hare, Indian Hodgsoris Porcupine, Blue Sheep and Wolf. In this area visitors come across large herds of Ibex and Bharal. Snow leopards are also found in this park.
REQUIREMENT

Only those who have tough leg muscles and strong lungs can visit this area. Visitors can contact Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife Division Sarahan, Assistant Conservator of Forest Wildlife Kaza or Range Officer Wildlife Tabo for information about the park. The area is closed to foreign visitors. Indian visitors are also required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner Shimla or Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur.

HOW TO GET THERE

Road: Lahaul is connected with road from all parts of the country. Manali is the point where buses from various stations come. From here, one can take bus/taxi to any destination in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi & Leh during the months between June to November depending upon opening and closing of Rohtang pass, the gateway to this valley. National highway 21 passes through this valley enroute to Leh. Other two directions are from Shimla via the Spiti Valley, along the road, which runs up to the Tibetan border through Kinnaur and from Zanskar and Ladakh over the Shingo-La and Baralacha-La passes. The Shingo-La gives access to Lahul from Zanskar while the Baralacha La is on the Leh- Manali road and provides access to Lahul from Ladakh.

PLACES TO STAY