Declared
a National Park in 1987, Pin Valley is located in the cold desert region
of the Spiti valley. With its snow laden unexplored higher reaches and
slopes, the Park forms a natural habitat for a number of endangered
animals including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex.
Spreading
south of Dhankar in the Spiti district near the Tibetan border, the Park
marks the Lahaul and Spiti divisions of the State. The elevation of the
Park ranges from about 3,500 mts near Ka Dogri to more than 6,000 mts at
its highest point.
Because of its high altitude and extreme
temperatures, the vegetation in thearea is scant and mostly dominated by
alpine trees, patches of Himalayan cedar and smatterings of several
medicinal plants. In summer, flowers decorate the valley with startling
hues. Along with animals, rare birds like the Himalayan Snowcock,
Chukor, Snow Partridge and the Tibet Snow Finch also flourish in the
area.
Steeped in history, the influence of Tibetan culture is
prevalent in the surrounding areas of the Park, visible in the Buddhist
lamas, shrines, monasteries and culture of its residents.
- Wildlife Information
Siberian Ibex, Snow Leopard,
Bharal, Wooly Hare, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox and Snow Cock among
others. Bird species include the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukor, Snow
Partridge and the Tibet Snow Finch, Kestrels, Bearded Vulture and
Golden Eagle, among others.
