Uttarakhand, a state in northern India often referred to as the “Devbhoomi” or “Land of the Gods,” is famous for its breathtaking landscapes. From soaring Himalayan peaks to the rolling Terai plains, Uttarakhand harbors a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna. Nearly 12% of the state’s total geographical area is designated as protected, with multiple biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks safeguarding a diverse range of species. These protected regions not only preserve wildlife but also attract thousands of nature lovers, trekkers, and travelers who long to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore six remarkable national parks in Uttarakhand: Gangotri National Park, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park, and Valley of Flowers National Park. Along the way, you’ll learn essential details on how to reach these destinations by bus, as well as tips on seamlessly booking tickets on redBus, one of India’s leading online bus ticketing platforms.

1. Gangotri National Park

Location and Overview
Gangotri National Park lies in the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi district. Established in 1989, this expansive park covers around 2,390 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in the state. Gangotri National Park sits between two other significant protected areas, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park, creating a massive swath of land for the conservation of Himalayan wildlife. Notably, the Gaumukh Glacier—recognized as the primary source of the sacred River Ganga—lies within its boundaries.

Flora and Fauna
The park is renowned for its scenic alpine meadows, thick coniferous forests, and striking glaciers. Its varied terrain and high-altitude conditions provide a habitat for several endangered species. Among the fauna, you can spot snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, brown bears, and the elusive Asian black bear. Bird-watchers can look for golden eagles, bearded vultures, and other high-altitude bird species.

Things to Do
Trekking is a major draw here, with routes such as the Gaumukh Trek, Kedartal Trek, Kalindi Khal Trek, and Gartang Gali Trek appealing to adventure enthusiasts. These treks typically run between late April and October, taking you through mesmerizing valleys and mountainous paths.

Entry Fees and Timings
An entry fee of INR 150 per person applies for a three-day period, which allows ample time to explore key points like Gaumukh and surrounding trails.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Uttarkashi
• Bus Connectivity: You can book a bus to Uttarkashi from major cities in Uttarakhand or from Delhi. Once you arrive in Uttarkashi, you can hire a local taxi or a shared jeep to reach Gangotri town. From Gangotri, you will move on foot or by organized trekking groups to enter the park area.
• Booking Tips: Use redBus to find direct or connecting bus routes to Uttarkashi, especially during the peak trekking season.

2. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

Location and Overview
Situated in the Uttarkashi district, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park covers an area of 958 square kilometers. Initially founded in 1983 under the Snow Leopard Project, the park also pays special attention to conserving the bearded vulture. It takes its name from Govind Ballabh Pant, a prominent freedom fighter.

Flora and Fauna
Nestled in the higher reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas, the park is dotted with lush coniferous trees and Himalayan broadleaf forests. Govind Pashu Vihar is best known for its snow leopard population, but other species—such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and the steppe eagle—also thrive here.

Things to Do
The park is popular among trekkers for trails like the Kedarkantha Trek, Bali Pass Trek, Har ki Dun Trek, and Rupin Supin Transverse Trek. These routes provide panoramic views of the Himalayas and a close encounter with nature at its wildest. The best times to explore this area are from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is favorable, and the trails are mostly clear.

Entry Fees and Timings
Visitors pay INR 200 per person to enter the park. While certain areas remain accessible year-round (with permission), trekking is typically suspended during peak winter months due to heavy snowfall.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Sankri or Netwar (for Har ki Dun, Kedarkantha, and nearby treks)
• Bus Connectivity: The closest large bus stop is in Dehradun. From there, buses or shared jeeps frequently go to Sankri village, the gateway to Govind Pashu Vihar’s most popular treks.
• Booking Tips: Search on redBus for buses to Dehradun. Once in Dehradun, you can pick local transport to Sankri. If direct connections to Sankri are available online for certain seasons, redBus would list them.

3. Jim Corbett National Park

Location and Overview
Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, has the distinction of being India’s oldest national park. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park (later renamed in honor of the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett), the park spans roughly 1,318 square kilometers and includes hilly terrains, extensive grasslands, and riverine forests fed by the Ramganga, Kosi, and Sonanadi rivers.

Flora and Fauna
Renowned for its substantial tiger population, Jim Corbett draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts each year. Besides the majestic Bengal tiger, the park shelters leopards, elephants, deer, gharials (fish-eating crocodiles), and hundreds of bird species, transforming the region into a paradise for safaris and photography.

Things to Do
Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, camping, and treks are the main attractions. Popular nearby treks include the Mukteshwar Trek and Bhowali Ramgarh Trek. These experiences allow visitors to explore the rich biodiversity at a comfortable pace.

Entry Fees and Timings
Entry fees vary by zone, but on average, it costs around INR 200 per person for Indian nationals. The park has multiple zones, and not all of them are open year-round. Generally, you can visit between October and June. Daily timings are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Ramnagar
• Bus Connectivity: Ramnagar is well connected by bus to major cities like Delhi, Moradabad, and Haldwani. Book a bus to Ramnagar using redBus, and from there, you can take a taxi or hire a jeep to reach your chosen safari zone or resort.
• Booking Tips: If you prefer traveling directly from major North Indian cities, redBus frequently provides multiple bus operators and timings to Ramnagar.

4. Nanda Devi National Park

Location and Overview
Nanda Devi National Park, established in 1982, stretches across Chamoli District and occupies an area of about 624.6 square kilometers. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second biosphere reserve in India, it boasts the majestic Nanda Devi Peak, the country’s second-highest mountain (7,816 meters).

Flora and Fauna
The park’s rugged terrain includes the Dakshini (southern) and Uttari (northern) Rishi Glaciers in the inner sanctuary, as well as the Trishul and Ramani Glacier basins in the outer sanctuary. Its landscapes vary from alpine meadows to steep slopes covered in rich vegetation. Wildlife such as black bears, musk deer, and Himalayan serows thrive here.

Things to Do
Trekkers can explore captivating trails like the Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, Roopkund Trek, Vasuki Tal–Kedarnath Trek, and the Dharansi Pass Trek. These treks generally run from May to October, when weather and trail conditions are most suitable.

Entry Fees and Timings
You can pay INR 50 for a three-day permit. Access is typically from Lata Village near Rishikesh (though you’ll travel by road to Joshimath first, then to Lata Village), followed by trekking routes to reach the park’s core.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Joshimath
• Bus Connectivity: Joshimath is well connected by bus to Haridwar and Rishikesh. You can book buses to these transit hubs from major Indian cities on redBus. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, a local bus or shared taxi can take you to Joshimath. Finally, hire another local vehicle to Lata Village, from where treks begin.
• Booking Tips: Schedule your bus travel to reach Rishikesh early in the morning, giving you enough time to catch a connecting bus to Joshimath the same day.

5. Rajaji National Park

Location and Overview
Rajaji National Park sprawls across Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal districts, covering about 820.42 square kilometers. Established in 1982 and named after C. Rajagopalachari (often called Rajaji), this protected area merges three former wildlife sanctuaries—Rajaji, Chilla, and Motichur—into one extensive Tiger Reserve. It is celebrated for its impressive biodiversity and scenic beauty, featuring dense forests, riverine terrain, and open grasslands.

Flora and Fauna
The park is home to tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, deer, and a vibrant array of bird species. The presence of water bodies like the Ganga in the Chilla zone further enriches its wildlife habitat.

Things to Do
Activities in Rajaji National Park include jeep safaris, bird watching, white-water rafting on the Ganga (particularly near Rishikesh), and short trekking or hiking opportunities. Notable local attractions include the Chilla Barrage and Jhilmil Jheel.

Entry Fees and Timings
Entry fees generally start around INR 150 per person for a three-hour jeep safari. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and then again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from November to June, outside of the monsoon period.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun
• Bus Connectivity: Since the park spans multiple districts, visitors can opt for buses to Haridwar or Dehradun. From these cities, you can easily find buses or shared jeeps going to Rajaji’s entry points (such as Motichur or Chilla).
• Booking Tips: When traveling from other regions, book a bus to Haridwar on redBus and connect locally to the park. Always check if you have enough time to arrive before your scheduled safari slot.

6. Valley of Flowers National Park

Location and Overview
Valley of Flowers National Park, established in 1982, spans 87.5 square kilometers in Chamoli district and forms a significant part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This captivating region acts as a transition zone between the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar range, resulting in a floral extravaganza during the monsoon season.

Flora and Fauna
True to its name, the park bursts into a riot of colors when alpine meadows bloom each year between late June and early September. Over 500 species of flowering plants have been identified here, including the rare blue poppy and Brahma Kamal. The valley also supports wildlife species such as the Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, and red fox, although sightings can be elusive.

Things to Do
Popular treks include the Valley of Flowers Trek, Bhyundar Khal Trek, Kankul Pass Trek, and Kagbhusandi Lake Trek. The primary gateway to the park is Govindghat, after which you must trek to Ghangaria and continue on foot to the Valley of Flowers.

Entry Fees and Timings
An entry fee of INR 150 per person applies, and the park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily from June to October. Because heavy snow covers the valley the rest of the year, the trail remains closed outside of these months.

How to Reach by Bus

• Nearest Town/City: Govindghat (the last motorable point), which is roughly 22 km from Joshimath
• Bus Connectivity: You can take a bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath or directly to Govindghat if available. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, local transport or shared taxis connect to Joshimath. Govindghat is a short distance further. After that, the journey continues on foot to Ghangaria and into the valley.
• Booking Tips: Use redBus to book tickets to Haridwar or Rishikesh. If direct buses to Joshimath are listed, you can reserve them in advance for added convenience.

Additional Tips for Traveling in Uttarakhand by Bus

• Plan Ahead: Because of high-season demand (especially in summer and during religious pilgrimage periods), it’s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance.
• Check Road Conditions: Monsoon rains can cause landslides in mountainous areas. Keep track of weather forecasts and road conditions.
• Carry Essentials: For longer bus rides, bring snacks, water, and essential medicines to ensure a comfortable journey.

Conclusion: Book Your Bus Tickets on redBus and Embrace Uttarakhand’s Wilderness

Uttarakhand’s six national parks offer an extraordinary glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity, towering Himalayan ranges, and spiritual significance. Whether it’s trekking to high-altitude glaciers, capturing photographs of elusive snow leopards, or soaking in lush meadows brimming with wildflowers, these parks have something to captivate every traveler’s heart. The towns and villages closest to these protected areas are well connected by road and typically serve as the last major transit points before you venture into the wilderness.

If you’re planning a trip, booking your bus tickets through redBus is a straightforward way to secure reliable transport. The platform lets you compare various operators, prices, and schedules, ensuring that you arrive at your chosen gateway city—be it Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ramnagar, or Uttarkashi—without unnecessary travel hassles. From these hubs, local buses and shared jeeps will carry you onward to the entrance of each park.

Each national park in Uttarakhand promises a unique experience. In Gangotri and Govind Pashu Vihar, you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of glacial landscapes and awe-inspiring treks. Jim Corbett beckons wildlife aficionados to witness tigers in their natural habitat, while Nanda Devi National Park invites trekkers to explore India’s second-highest peak. Rajaji National Park weaves adventure, spirituality, and wildlife into one tapestry, and the Valley of Flowers enchants visitors with its seasonal burst of colourful blooms.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the astonishing diversity and scenic splendours of these national parks. Book your bus tickets with redBus, plan your itinerary with care, and let the pristine landscapes of Uttarakhand leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Safe travels and happy exploring.