5 September 2026 at Sai Ropa A Celebration of Friendship, Conservation and the Continuing Journey of GHNPCA The gathering of Friends of GHNPCA at Sai Ropa on 5 September 2026 was a day of memories, gratitude, friendship and renewed commitment to the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. Nearly 50–70 people came together, representing almost every generation and dimension of the Park's conservation history—from Forest Guards, Deputy Rangers and Rangers to former Dir

We gather here today to mark a time in the history of the GHNP. A time that comes rarely when we look at the past and to the future of an institution that has come to symbolise the continuity of our natural heritage amid rapidly changing times of uncertainty; the looming threat of climate change, the shrinking of wilderness and its inhabitants and the growing impact of the relentless Human footprint. Particularly vulnerable are the fragile high mountains harbouring unique eco

A video by Tony J Gaston

Today I am blessed to serve the Himalayas as a part of the Indian Forest Service. I owe in a large measure the inspiration to join the IFS to GHNP - as our home was present not very far away and the stories of this treasure-trove of conservation as also of its architects - most of all Sh. Sanjeeva Pandey Sir created a significant imprint on a young mind. GHNP today is a crown jewel of Himachal Pradesh and the Friends of GHNP have played a vital part in writing this story. I w

Having worked alongside the Great Himalayan National Park and its surrounding communities for many years, I deeply value the commitment of the Friends of GHNPCA to protecting this extraordinary natural heritage. Conservation is strongest when institutions, civil society and local communities work together. I hope the Friends of GHNPCA can continue to strengthen this bridge, working closely with the Park administration while ensuring that the people who live around the Park ar

Congratulations! And best wishes. Vidya B Kumar IFS( Rtd) Ex PCCF ( HoFF) Punjab

My very best wishes and do keep up your commitment and efforts. The nation needs action from dedicated people to save the nation’s National Natural Heritage. Ranjitsinh Good wishes and regards MK Ranjitsinh

Dear Sanjeeva, received your kind message with the good news of a new website being launched. Thank you for including me. Its been one of a lifetime experience trecking with Payson and friends and meeting you so many years ago. I am still holding magic images in my memory. Thank you all for your ongoing love and care for this paradise for mankind. Kindest regards Mit lieben Grüßen Nele

“GHNPCA is a thriving Western Himalayan landscape where biodiversity is conserved, air and rivers remain healthy, communities prosper and future generations inherit and inspire the natural heritage of the mountains” Dr Virinder Sharma Member Technical (Additional Secretary to GoI), Commision for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Govt. of India, New Delhi

Down the memory lane The very mention of GHNP stirs nostalgia. And when there is an event on the horizon such as the proposed GHNPCA Meet at Sai Ropa on 4-5 September, a trip down the memory lane becomes inevitable. So how did it all come about? Who were the forerunners, the trailblazers who trudged the hills, vales and slopes of the Beas catchment, and trekked the eerie wildernesses of Tirthan/Sainj and Sainj, exploring their rich biodiversity in all its beauty and wonder? W

Recounting My Days in the Great Himalayan National Park Joining the field survey teams for the Himachal Wildlife Project (Phases 1 & 2, 1980–1983) was both thrilling and a welcome opportunity. Of my many memories from that time, one stands out vividly today. In the winter of 1983, our Phase 2 team was led by Dr. Peter J. Garson and included Philip McGowan, Sanjay Monga from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and myself. Our work focused on the scenic Sainj and Tirthan

Echoes from the Western Himalayas: Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area The early mornings in the Tirthan, Sainj, Jiva and Parvati valleys were governed by the sharp call of the Himalayan Monal and the steep, punishing climb through damp oak and fir forests. As one of the first Biologist conducting field studies under the Wildlife Institute of India’s multi-disciplinary research initiative in the mid-1990s placed me directly at the intersection of protected area

My Time with Payson R. Stevens in GHNP I am going to miss the Friends of GHNPs meet at Sai Ropa scheduled the next week (4-5th September 2026). Dr. Sanjeeva Pandey called me and said if I can’t make it, at least send some thoughts on our time with Payson R. Stevens in GHNP and how he influenced us to treasure the serenity of GHNP. My thoughts, in brief, are summarized below: As I write this note, my heart and mind are closely connected to GHNP where I have been visiting i

FGHNP Co-Founder and Friend Sanjeeva Pandey discusses the Vishv Dharohar Utsav held in June 2022 to celebrate the Eighth Anniversary of the Great Himalayan National Park’s WHS Inscription. He also considers current issues plaguing the region and considers possible ways to resolve them. To commemorate GHNP’s WHS inscription, Vishv Dharohar Utsav was celebrated on 25-26 June, 2022 at the Sai Ropa complex, GHNP. The two-day celebration brought together wildlife academics, practi

The book Wild Treasures: Reflections on Natural World Heritage Sites in Asia was released in New Delhi on 7 March 2022. The book includes two chapters on GHNP, “GHNP: The Wilds and Its People” by Sanjeeva Pandey and “Reflections on the Great Himalayan National Park” by Payson R Stevens. The anthology is edited by Prerna Singh Bindra, Sonali Ghosh, and Anuranjan Roy. Sanjeeva Pandey says, “Released by the British High Commission, Supriya Chawla, Chevening, Prerna Bindra and a

The Great Himalayan National Park: The Struggle to Save the Western Himalayas by Sanjeeva Pandey and Anthony J Gaston was released at the Goa Arts and Literature Centre held between December 6 and 8, 2018, at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Sanjeeva Pandey says, “Anita Pandey, my wife, released the book on 8 December 2018 at the Goa Art & Literature Festival to a great applause from the audience. Thanks Goa. Thanks Anita.” Anita Pandey releasing the GHNP book at the

FGHNP’s founders and prominent members, Sanjeeva Pandey and Payson Stevens, celebrated Sanjeeva Pandey’s retirement from Forest Service with a celebration trek at the Great Himalayan National Park in 2018. Sanjeeva Pandey writes about this memorable and exhilarating trek: “Itali-TitliTiyaridali; Yannebhibhali, syanebhibhali” is a local saying in the undeveloped and intensely wild area that I trekked with my friend Payson Stevens from 20-28 September 2018. The conversational m

FGHNP Co-founder and Friend Payson R Stevens recollects his experience of storms and splendour when he undertook a trek with FGHNP Co-founder and Friend Sanjeeva Pandey. My trek in the Great Himalayan National Park/GHNP (September 20-28, 2018) was one of the most challenging Nature experiences of my life, especially at 73. As I emailed my friends: Just returned from an intense GHNP nine day trek to 14,000 feet with incredible major storms blasting and sublime beauty in betwee