Pin Valley National Park UPSC

  • Pin Valley National Park is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India.
  • It is situated in the cold desert region of the Spiti Valley, surrounded by the Pir Panjal and Parvati mountain ranges.
  • Pin Valley National Park is part of Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
  • It is the only National Park in Himachal Pradesh which is situated in the cold desert area.
  • In 1987, it was established as a national park.
  • Area: It covers an area of about 675 square kilometres (261 sq mi).
  • Elevation: The elevation of the Pin Valley National Park ranges from about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) to more than 6,000 metres (20,000 ft).
  • Hills: Some notable hills and mountain ranges near the park:
    • Pir Panjal Range
    • Parvati Range
  • River: The park is named after the Pin River, which flows through the park. The Pin River is a tributary of the Spiti River, which is a tributary of the Sutlej River.
  • Flora: Juniper, Willow, Poplar and Birch, Alpine Meadows (grasses, asters, gentians, and primroses), Alpine Tundra etc.
  • Fauna: Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Weasel, Red Fox, Marten, Pika, Snow Cock, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Chough, Chukor, Himalayan Pit Viper, Tibetan Sand Boa etc.
  • Pin Valley is home to the last remaining population of the Bharal (Blue Sheep) in India.
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