Gangotri National Park is a national park in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand in India, covering about 2,390 km2 (920 sq mi). Its habitat consists of coniferous forests, alpine meadows and glaciers. Gaumukh at Gangotri glacier, the origin of river Ganga, is located inside the park. Gangotri National Park was established in 1989.
Geography of Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park is located in the catchment of the Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The international border with China runs along the northeastern frontier of Gangotri National Park. This park is located within the West Himalayan Biographical Zone and is home to a variety of springs, waterfalls, and snowy high peaks.
This National Park features a typical high-altitude ecosystem influenced by the trans-Himalayan environment to a larger extent in terms of both physical and biological characteristics.
The lower levels of the park exhibit Western Himalayan Subalpine climatic conditions and feature subalpine Conifer Forest. In comparison, the Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows can be found at the park’s highest elevation. In Gangotri National Park, the vegetation includes deodar, oak, spruce, chirpine, fir, and rhododendron.
Map of Gangotri National Park
Flora
The flora of Gangotri National park primarily comprises of Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub at high altitudes and Western Himalayan Sub-Alpine Conifer forests at lower elevations. The other very prominent species of plants are Rhododendron, Oak, Spruce, Fir, Deodar, and Chirpine. The flora often differs according to the altitude. Kharsu Oak can be found in the lower altitudes, while Betula is abundant in the higher elevations. However, patches of alpine scrub are dominant in both the lower and higher altitudes.
Fauna
The diverse range of flora is capable of providing shelter to a swarm of fauna which includes several rare and unique species of animals existing on Earth. The Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Blue Sheep or Bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Ibex, Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), and the Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) are some of the significant species found in this region. Besides, the exotic species of birds inhabiting this park is noteworthy. The list includes birds such as Pheasants, Bulbul, Parakeet, Partridges, Doves, Himalayan Barbet, and Serow.
Conclusion
One of India’s most magnificent high-altitude national parks is Gangotri National Park. The park covers an area of around 2390 km2. An interesting feature of this park is that the Ganga originates from this park. Gangotri, a massive glacier that melts extensively, gives its name to the park and serves as a significant water source for the Ganga, which is held in high regard as the most sacred river in India. Coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers make up the habitat of this national park.
The altitude of the park ranges from 1800 m to 7080 m above sea level. However, in the last few years, this national park is facing landslides and pollution.
FAQs about Gangotri National Park
A1: Gangotri National Park is located in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, India.
A2: Gangotri National Park covers an area of approximately 2,390 km² (920 sq mi).
A3: Gangotri National Park is situated in the catchment area of the Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi district. It is influenced by the trans-Himalayan environment and encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers. The park is characterized by high peaks, springs, waterfalls, and a diverse range of habitats.
A4: Gangotri National Park is home to Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub at higher altitudes and Western Himalayan Sub-Alpine Conifer forests at lower elevations. The park features a variety of vegetation, including deodar, oak, spruce, chirpine, fir, and rhododendron. The specific flora composition can vary with altitude.
Read also:- Hemis National Park, Ladakh (J&K)
