WWF-India National Nature Camping Programme in The Great Himalayan National Park

THE SANCTUARY

The Great Himalayan National Park lies in the district of Kullu of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Nestling in the mighty Himalaya 40 kms from Kullu town and 500 kms from the country’s capital—Delhi, the GHNP lies at the junction of the oriental and paleartic bio-geographical zones, giving it some of the features and wildlife of both. The lower slopes are clothed with horse chestnut and silver oak forests, which give way to fir and spruce higher up, grading into birch and rhododendron and finally alpine flower meadows, rock and snow.

WILDLIFE

The diverse habitat harbors an impressive array of animal life with goral (a kind of mountain goat) serow (a goat-antelope) Himalayan tahr (somewhere between a sheep and a goat), bharal (blue sheep), musk deer, red fox, Himalayan civet, yellow-throated marten, leopard, snow leopard, black and brown bears and other mammals. The park is also famed for the brilliant western tragopan and monal pheasants, chir and khaleej pheasants, griffon vultlure, bearded vulture, golden eagle, forktails, sunbirds, chats, flycatchers, dippers, blue magpies, and many other birds.

Reptile and amphibian fauna is at a low level in cold areas because of their cold-blooded physiology, but some stubborn ones have adapted well to the region and are permanent residents. Notable among these are the toad-headed agamas, some skinks and a few snakes.
Bright and colorful butterflies are commonly seen, some being peculiar to the Himalayas.

THE CAMPSITE

The main base camp will be at Sai Ropa from where treks will be made into the forest. The base camp is situated on a slope of a valley through which the Tirtan river rushes along its boulder-strewn course. Accommodation will be in large, comfortable dormitories and wholesome vegetarian food of local flavour prepared on site, will be provided in the attached dining hall. The campsite premises belongs to the Forest Department but is managed by a local NGO who have developed a small nature trail within, meandering about the chir-pine covered slopes. The well-vegetated premises also attract a good number of birds and butterflies.

CAMP ACTIVITIES

WWF-India will take you on treks across the vast stretches of the park, punctuated with plenty of stops and breaks to observe, savour and enjoy the great Himalayan outdoors and its denizens. Birdwatching is special in the Himalayas and will provide for much pleasure and excitement!

One night will be spent in tents in the forests (weather permitting). There will be exciting activities like rappelling and river crossing, and evenings spent watching slide shows and video shows on wildlife as well as discussions on nature and conservation too!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY

1. The Pick-up-Point (PuP) will be New Delhi Railway station, Ajmeri Gate side (platform 12).
2. Campers must arrange to reach the PuP on their own. They will be picked up from the PUP on the 1st day of camp and dropped back at the same place on the last day. WWF-India will take charge from pick-up to drop-off.
3. All costs from pick-up to drop-off at the PuP will be covered by the camp fee. This includes insurance, food and accommodation, entrance fees, guide fees, trekking costs, transport and activities costs.
4. Video camera fees and travel from between your starting point and the PuP is not covered.
5. The minimum permissible age is 12 years and the maximum is 60 years
6. Student and general batches will be conducted separately
7. In case you cancel your participation after you have been confirmed, a cancellation fee of 40% of the camp fee would be levied.
8. Camp may stand cancelled if participation falls below a minimum number. In such a case your camp fee will be returned to you in full.
9. Do not book your travel until you receive confirmation from us.
10. Selection will be on a first come, first served basis.
11. Medium of communication will be English

INSTRUCTIONS (To be strictly followed)

1. Campers must very strictly abide by camp rules, regulations and instructions. All clarifications must be made prior to departing for camp.
2. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the field.
3. You must NOT use your mobile phone during treks. Mobile phones will have to be turned on silent mode and used only during breaks and at campsite.  
4. Camp Kit:

• Only dull colored clothing – dull grey, brown or green may be worn for field trips. Bright colors like yellow, white, red, blue, etc. will not be permitted in the field.
• Please bring along a Dull-colored hat or cap and a water bottle (with strap)
• Rubber-soled sports shoes with laces (for treks). Slippers, sandals and other footwear will not be allowed in the field.
• Personal medicine (if specifically prescribed by your doctor)
• Binoculars (strongly recommended), Camera(optional)

• Jewellery, strong perfumes/ cosmetics or music systems (walkman/ipod allowed)
• Liquor or weapons of any sort. You will not be permitted to carry these inside the sanctuary.