Gangotri National Park

Gangotri National Park, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, covers about 2,390 square kilometers across elevations ranging from 1,800 to 7,083 meters. Established in 1989, the park features diverse terrain including dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and steep mountain ridges.

It is home to important wildlife such as the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, blue sheep, and Himalayan monal, among over 15 mammal and 150 bird species. The park includes the Gangotri glacier, the source of the sacred river Ganga, and is known for trekking routes like the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek.

Its varied ecosystems, from subalpine forests to alpine shrubs, support rich biodiversity, while conservation efforts aim to protect this ecologically sensitive region bordering Tibet and connected to adjacent protected areas. The best visiting period is from April to November when the weather is favorable for wildlife viewing and trekking. Gangotri National Park is a significant natural sanctuary blending spiritual, ecological, and adventure experiences in the Himalayas.