The park, notified in the year 1999, is home to 203 bird species, including the endangered western tragopan, the Himalayan monal, the koklas, the white-crested kalij and the cheer pheasant.

Then there are 31 endemic mammal species, three reptiles, nine amphibians and 127 insect species, besides 425 species of plants.

The famous mammals in the park are the leopard, the Himalayan black bear, the brown bear, the rhesus macaque and various herbivores like the goral, a small antelope, and the Himalayan tahr, a wild goat that lives in the steepest cliffs.

One of the most elusive species in the park is the snow leopard. It can be spotted in the highest portions, adjoining the Pin Valley National Park.

Rated high on the endangered species list, the musk deer is also seen in the park.

The park is also home to a large number of small mammals. They include the giant Indian flying squirrel, a nocturnal animal that roosts in tree hollows; the Indian pika, also known as mouse hare; the porcupine; the royle's mountain vole and the Himalayan palm civet.

Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister J.P. Nadda said: 'We have just cleared a preliminary examination (by getting the national park included in the tentative list). We still have to pass the main examination. We will certainly clear that test too.'

Srivastav said the best time to visit the park is April-May and September-November. The best sightings can be made after September when animals start their seasonal migration to lower altitudes.