There are 6 national park in Uttarakhand, covering over 4,800 sq km of forest area. Famously known as Jim Corbett (India’s oldest tiger reserve), Rajaji for elephant safaris, and Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO site with 600+ plant species. Parks like Gangotri and Nanda Devi are ideal for high-altitude treks. Most parks are open from April to October, with entry fees ranging from ₹150–₹1000. These parks offer jungle safaris, glacier treks, and birdwatching across diverse Himalayan zones.
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, established in 1936, and spans 520.82 sq km across Nainital and Pauri districts. It’s home to over 230 tigers, 600+ bird species, and multiple safari zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna. Entry fees range from ₹200 for Indians to ₹1000 for foreigners. The park remains open from mid-October to mid-June, with winter being peak safari season. Located near Ramnagar, it’s ideal for jungle safaris, river rafting, and wildlife stays.
Location: Ramnagar, Nainital District
Area: 520.82 sq km
Best Time: Mid-October to mid-June
Entry Fee: INR 200 (Indians), INR 1000 (Foreigners)
Popular Activities:
- Jeep Safari (book in advance)
- Day hikes to Corbett Falls
- River rafting in Kosi
2. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park spans 820.42 sq km across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts. Known for Asian elephants, leopards, and over 300 bird species, it’s one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. The park operates from November to June, with safaris available in Chilla, Motichur, and Gohri ranges. Entry fees start at ₹150 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners. It’s easily accessible from Haridwar and Rishikesh, and ideal for jeep safaris, birdwatching, and short nature getaways.
Location: Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal
Area: 820.42 sq km
Best Time: November to June (birding peak: Apr–Jun)
Entry Fee: INR 150–250 (Indians), INR 600 (Foreigners)
Popular Activities:
- Jeep & Elephant Safari
- Birdwatching & Rafting
- Cycling & Forest Stays
3. Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park covers 2,390 sq km in Uttarkashi and is the largest national park in Uttarakhand. Located near Gangotri Dham, it ranges from 2,497 to 7,135 meters in altitude and is known for treks like Gaumukh Tapovan and Kedartal. The park is home to snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr. Entry fee is around ₹250 (Indians) and ₹600 (foreigners). Best time to visit is May to October. Ideal for high-altitude trekking and rare Himalayan wildlife sightings.
Location: Uttarkashi
Area: 2390.02 sq km (Largest in Uttarakhand)
Best Time: May to October
Entry Fee: INR 250 (Indians), INR 600 (Foreigners)
Top Treks:
- Gaumukh Tapovan
- Kedartal Trek
- Kalindi Khal Expedition
4. Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park spans 624.60 sq km in Chamoli district and is part of the UNESCO-listed Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It surrounds India’s second-highest peak (7,816 m) and includes remote glaciers, alpine meadows, and rare species like snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer. Entry fee is ₹50 (Indians) and ₹150 (foreigners). The park is open from May to October, and is best known for challenging treks like Kuari Pass, Dharansi Pass, and Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
Location: Chamoli
Area: 624.60 sq km
Best Time: May to October
Entry Fee: INR 50 (Indians), INR 150 (Foreigners)
Top Treks:
- Nanda Devi Sanctuary
- Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak
- Roopkund, Dharansi Pass
5. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park covers 472.08 sq km in Uttarkashi and is known for treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Bali Pass. It lies in the Tons River valley and reaches elevations of over 3,800 meters. The park is home to endangered species like the snow leopard, Himalayan monal, and musk deer. Entry fee is ₹200 (Indians) and ₹1000 (foreigners). Open from April to June and September to November, it’s ideal for offbeat Himalayan trekking and wildlife exploration.
Location: Uttarkashi
Area: 472.08 sq km
Best Time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Entry Fee: INR 200 (Indians), INR 1000 (Foreigners)
Top Treks:
- Har Ki Dun
- Kedarkantha
- Bali Pass & Ruinsara Tal
6. Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park spans 87.5 sq km in Chamoli and is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Located at altitudes between 2,659–6,410 meters, it’s open from June to October and is famous for over 600 species of wildflowers, alpine herbs, and rare fauna like the Himalayan black bear and snow leopard. Entry fee is ₹150 (Indians) and ₹600 (foreigners) for 3 days. The trek starts from Govindghat via Ghangaria—ideal for nature lovers and first-time trekkers.
Location: Chamoli
Area: 87.5 sq km
Best Time: June to October
Entry Fee: INR 150 for 3 days (Indians), INR 600 (Foreigners)
Top Treks:
- Valley of Flowers
- Hemkund Lake
- Bhyundar Khal, Tipra Glacier
