Spread over an area of 630 sq km, just next to the Nanda Devi Peak (which is the second highest mountain in India - 7816 m), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980. The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine form, were the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936. However, from 1950 onwards the increasing number of treks and climbing expeditions to the area has somewhat affected the virgin character of this place. A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna includes the brown and Himalayan black bears, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, serow and chir pheasants.