Once a fast flowing river of rapids and narrow ravines it has been tamed over the past years by the construction of dams along its length giving it, in most places, a tranquil, lake-like appearance. The valley is spectacularly beautiful with the snow capped hills falling steeply down to the water´s edge becoming more and more sparsely populated and wild the further inland one travels. The Valley i
s home to more than 375 faunal species. So far species of 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects belonging to six orders have been identified and documented. Most of the Himalayan fauna has been given protection under the high priority protection category of Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The state government of Himachal Pradesh has banned hunting in the state for more than ten years. A trek of 35 to 45 km in the valley brings one into the high altitude habitat (3,500 m and above) of animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan thar, and musk deer. Best sightings can be made in autumn (September–November) as animals start their seasonal migration to lower altitudes. The valley also supports a great diversity of plant life thanks to its wide altitude range and relatively undisturbed habitats. From the lofty pinesand spruces and the great, spreading horse chestnuts of the lower valleys, to the dense cushions and prostrate branches of the alpine herbs and junipers, Devbhoomi, as the locals describe the valley presents an endless variety of vegetation. This is one of the few areas of the Western Himalayas where the forests and alpine meadows can be seen in something approaching their original state.
