Popular wildlife refuge Gangotri National Park is situated in India's Uttarakhand region's Uttarkashi district. It is named after the Gangotri Glacier and covers an area of 2,390 sq km. Many endangered and uncommon kinds of plants and animals may be found in the park. The park is also said to be the Ganges River's catchment basin, making it India's holiest river.
Between 1,800 meters to 7,083 meters above sea level, the Gangotri National Park is located in the high altitude zone. Snow-covered peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and alpine meadows define the park. The Bhagirathi, which is regarded as the primary tributary of the Ganges, is one of several rivers that may be found in the park. Many varieties of rhododendrons, oak, deodar, and pine trees are among the park's plant life. A number of medicinal plants, including Kutki, Arjuna, and Brahmi, may also be found in the park. Many wildflower species, such as the Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Bellflower, and Himalayan Primrose, may be found in the alpine meadows.
Many rare and endangered animals, including the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, and Blue Sheep, may be found in the area. The Himalayan Tahr, Serow, and Barking Deer are other frequent visitors to the park. The Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, and Snow Partridge are among the bird species that may be found in the park.
Being the source of the Ganges River, one of India's most revered rivers, the Gangotri National Park is also regarded as a significant pilgrimage site. Thousands of worshippers visit the famed pilgrimage site of Gangotri Temple, which is close to the park, each year.
It is necessary to receive a permission from the forest department in order to access the Gangotri National Park. The months of May through June and September through November are ideal for visiting the park. The park is available to tourists at this time, and the weather is beautiful. In conclusion, those interested in animals and the outdoors should visit the Gangotri National Park. The park is an essential location for both scientific inquiry and spiritual discovery because of its distinctive environment and significance as the Ganges River's source.