Uttarakhand is commonly known as Dev Bhoomi, the land of gods, because of its dense concentration of temples and pilgrimage routes. But the state has another identity that often gets overshadowed by its spiritual fame: it is one of the richest biodiversity corridors in India. Spread across the Shivalik foothills, the mid-Himalayan belt, and the high-altitude alpine zones, Uttarakhand is home to six national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries that cover a wide range of ecosystems.
From the Bengal tiger territory of Jim Corbett in the lower Shivaliks to the glacial valleys of Gangotri National Park near the Tibetan border, these protected areas shelter species that are increasingly rare, including snow leopards, musk deer, Asiatic elephants, and the Himalayan black bear. And for trekkers, some of these parks double as world-class trail destinations.
This guide covers the major national parks in Uttarakhand, what wildlife you can expect, the treks they offer, and the practical details you need to plan a visit.
Jim Corbett National Park
Location: Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts
Area: Approximately 520 sq km
Best time to visit: November to June (Dhikala zone closes during monsoon)
Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936. It was originally set up to protect the Bengal tiger, and it remains one of the best places in the country for tiger sightings, particularly in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones. Beyond tigers, the park supports leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, gharials, and over 600 species of birds.
The park is divided into five main safari zones: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi. Each zone has different terrain and wildlife concentrations.
- Dhikala: The largest and most iconic zone. Offers grassland and riverbed habitats with the highest probability of tiger sightings. Overnight stays at the Forest Rest House are available.
- Bijrani: Dense sal forest with good elephant and tiger sightings. Open year-round.
- Jhirna: Open throughout the year, making it the go-to zone during monsoon when other zones close.
Jim Corbett is primarily a jeep safari destination. Trekking inside the park is not permitted without forest department authorisation, but the buffer zones around the park offer short nature walks and birdwatching trails.
The park sits about 260 km from Delhi, making it one of the most accessible Uttarakhand destinations for a weekend or extended wildlife trip.
Rajaji National Park
Location: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts
Area: Approximately 820 sq km
Best time to visit: November to June
Rajaji National Park stretches across the Shivalik range and the Gangetic plains, forming one of the most important elephant corridors in northern India. It was upgraded to tiger reserve status in 2015 and is home to a growing tiger population alongside a significant number of Asiatic elephants, leopards, king cobras, and several deer species.
The park’s proximity to Haridwar and Rishikesh makes it an easy add-on for pilgrims and travellers already visiting the region. The Chilla range, on the eastern bank of the Ganges, is the most popular zone for jeep safaris. Birdwatching is another major draw here, with species like the great pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and pallas’s fish eagle regularly spotted.
Unlike Corbett, Rajaji feels less touristy and offers a quieter safari experience. It is a strong choice for travellers who want wildlife exposure without the peak-season rush.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Location: Chamoli district
Area: Approximately 87 sq km
Best time to visit: Mid-July to early September
The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed jointly with Nanda Devi National Park) and one of the most visually striking treks in all of India. Located at an altitude of 3,352 to 3,658 metres, this high-altitude valley bursts into colour during the monsoon season when hundreds of alpine flower species bloom simultaneously.
The trek to the valley starts from Govindghat (near Joshimath on the Badrinath route), covers about 17 km to Ghangaria base camp, and then another 4 km into the valley. The trail passes through dense forests, waterfalls, and glacial streams.
- Over 600 species of flowering plants have been documented here, including brahmakamal, blue poppy, cobra lily, and several medicinal herbs
- The park also supports wildlife like the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard (rare sightings), musk deer, and serow
- Hemkund Sahib, an important Sikh pilgrimage site, is also accessed from Ghangaria, making it possible to combine both destinations
The Valley of Flowers trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for most fit adults. It is particularly popular with photographers and botany enthusiasts.
Nanda Devi National Park
Location: Chamoli district
Area: Approximately 630 sq km
Best time to visit: May to October (limited access)
Nanda Devi National Park surrounds the Nanda Devi peak (7,816 m), the second-highest mountain in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in the Himalayas. The core zone of the park has been closed to trekkers since 1983 to protect its fragile ecosystem, but the buffer zone allows limited trekking with permits.
The park is home to snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, and several high-altitude bird species. The Rishi Ganga gorge, which forms the primary approach, is considered one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Nanda Devi is not a casual tourist destination. It attracts serious trekkers, mountaineers, and conservation researchers. The trek to the base camp is demanding and requires adequate fitness and high-altitude experience.
Gangotri National Park
Location: Uttarkashi district
Area: Approximately 2,390 sq km
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
Gangotri National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Uttarakhand. It covers the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River and includes the Gangotri Glacier, the primary source of the Ganges. The landscape is a mix of dense coniferous forests at lower altitudes and barren alpine meadows and glacial moraines higher up.
Wildlife here includes the snow leopard, bharal, Himalayan tahr, brown bear, and musk deer, though sightings are rare due to the terrain. The park is better known for its trekking routes.
- Gaumukh Trek: The most famous trek in the park, covering about 18 km from Gangotri to the snout of the Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh). This is where the Bhagirathi River emerges from beneath the ice.
- Tapovan Trek: An extension of the Gaumukh trek, adding another 6 km to a high-altitude meadow with views of Shivling peak (6,543 m).
Permits from the Uttarkashi forest division are required for trekking inside the park. The Chopta and Tungnath trekking route, while not inside Gangotri National Park, offers a more accessible Himalayan trek for those not ready for the Gaumukh challenge.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts
Area: Approximately 975 sq km
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest protected area in the Garhwal Himalayas. It wraps around the Kedarnath temple region and extends from the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys up to the alpine and glacial zones. The sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of the Himalayan musk deer, and also shelters leopards, Himalayan black bears, gorals, and over 240 bird species.
For trekkers, the sanctuary contains some of the best mid-altitude trails in Uttarakhand.
- Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila: A well-marked, moderate trek that passes through dense rhododendron and deodar forests. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world (3,680 m), and the Chandrashila summit (4,000 m) offers panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trisul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath peaks.
- Deoria Tal: A glacial lake trek near Sari village, known for mirror reflections of the Chaukhamba range.
The Auli and Chopta combined tour is a popular way to experience both skiing and trekking in the Garhwal belt, with parts of the itinerary passing through or near the Kedarnath sanctuary.
How to Plan a Wildlife and Trekking Trip in Uttarakhand
Here are a few practical points to keep in mind:
- Permits: National parks like Jim Corbett, Valley of Flowers, and Gangotri require entry permits. For Corbett, jeep safari bookings are done online through the official Uttarakhand forest department portal. For Valley of Flowers and Gangotri, permits are issued at the entry checkpoints.
- Guides: Certified guides are mandatory inside most national parks. Hiring a local naturalist or forest guide significantly improves your chances of wildlife sightings and adds context to the trek.
- Accommodation: Options range from forest rest houses inside Corbett to guesthouses and homestays near Rajaji and the Valley of Flowers. For Chopta and Tungnath, campsites and basic lodges are available.
- Season overlap: If you are combining a pilgrimage trip with wildlife or trekking, note that the Char Dham season (May to October) overlaps well with the open seasons for most national parks.
Traveloi’s team can help structure a combined Uttarakhand itinerary that blends pilgrimage, wildlife, and trekking into a single trip, with transport, stays, and permits coordinated end to end.
FAQs
How many national parks are there in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has six national parks: Jim Corbett, Rajaji, Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi, Gangotri, and Govind Pashu Vihar. In addition, the state has several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the largest protected area in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Which national park in Uttarakhand is best for tiger sighting?
Jim Corbett National Park offers the highest probability of tiger sightings in Uttarakhand, particularly in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones. Rajaji National Park also has a growing tiger population and is a good alternative with fewer crowds.
Is the Valley of Flowers trek difficult?
The Valley of Flowers trek is moderate in difficulty. The trail covers about 17 km from Govindghat to Ghangaria and another 4 km into the valley. It is suitable for most fit adults, though the altitude (above 3,000 m) requires steady pacing and basic fitness.
What is the best time to visit national parks in Uttarakhand?
For lower-altitude parks like Jim Corbett and Rajaji, November to June is ideal. For high-altitude parks like Valley of Flowers, the monsoon months of July to September are the prime window. Gangotri National Park is best visited in May to June and September to October.
Can I combine a Char Dham Yatra with a wildlife or trekking trip in Uttarakhand?
Yes. The Char Dham route passes near or through several wildlife areas. The Valley of Flowers is accessible from Govindghat on the Badrinath route. Chopta and the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary are near the Kedarnath pilgrimage route. Jim Corbett and Rajaji can be added at the start or end of a Char Dham itinerary.
Do I need permits to enter national parks in Uttarakhand?
Yes. All national parks in Uttarakhand require entry permits. For Jim Corbett, jeep safari bookings are made online in advance. For Valley of Flowers and Gangotri, permits are issued at the entry checkpoints. Certified guides are mandatory inside most parks.
