Himachal Pradesh Wildlife

Himachal Pradesh has a different type of topography, climate and forest cover due to which it has been gifted with a vast variety of flora and fauna. Himachal Pradesh is known for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and wildlife. The tropical vegetation here consists of trees of cedar, pine, oak, fir, alder, birch, spruce, ferns, grasses, wild flowers and flowering rhododendron. Some of the birds and animals that are found in Himachal are pheasants, partridges, patient kites, ibex, antelopes, deer, bears, the rare bharal and thar and the snow leopard. There are about 32 wildlife sanctuaries, 2 national parks and 3 game reserves in Himachal Pradesh.

Paonta valley of Sirmour district in the Himachal Pradesh. The Paonta valley is the most picturesque and beautiful area in the Shiwalik hills and has beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. A perennial stream also runs in the area. There is a forest rest house in this sanctuary which is connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala and provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and Cheetal are the various animals which can be easily seen in this sanctuary. Winter is the best season to visit this sanctuary. There are walking trails in the quiet adjoining forests.

Churdahar Sanctuary
Churdhar peak, is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas. Churdhar peak is like a oasis of Alpine area in a ocean of temperate forests. This is an excellent area for trekking during summers and early winters. The view from Churdhar peak is so beautiful which can't be expressed in words. On the way to Churdahr you will come across a large number of multicolored and agile Monals in the adjoining forests. Trekking from Nohra, Sarain and Pulbahal is tough but enjoyable. There are small rest houses at Nohra, Choras and Sarain. There is also a sarai and a Shiv Temple at Churdhar.

Chail Sanctuary
Chail Sanctuary is located in the Chail region of the Himachal Pradesh. The Deodar and Oak forests and the grasslands are mainly found in this region which provides a home to the wildlife animals. Sambar, Goral, Cheer Pheasants, Barking Deer and Kalijin are the various wildlife animals and birds which are found at Blossom and Jhaja in Chail. There is also a Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. The Range Officer of Wildlife and his staff assists the wildlife lovers and tourists to view the wildlife in the sanctuary area. Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks.

Majathal Sanctuary
The Majathal sanctuary is located about 10 kms. from Kararaghat (Shimla-Bilaspur Highway) to Kashlog. From Kashlog one has to walk on foot. The Majathal sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This sanctuary has the highest population of Goral and endangered Cheer pheasant which can be seen in their natural habitat. There are no hotels near this sanctuary and so one has to stay in tents in the forest. Winters is the best season to visit this sanctuary.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary
The Maharana Pratap Sagar sanctuary is a famous lake sanctuary. The major attraction of this sanctuary are the ducks which migrate from Siberia during winter. Here one can visit thousands of ducks in the swamp area between Shahnahar barrage and Pong dam and the surrounding shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley make the visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck, Cheetal, Surkhab, Cranes, Pintails and variety of water birds can also seen on this island.

Daranghati Sanctuary
Daranghati Sanctuary is located in the upper area of Shimla District. This has undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife. Monal, Tragopan, Koklas and Kalij are the pheasants found here. The area also has Musk deer, Goral and Thar. There is a network of bridle paths and inspection paths in the sanctuary. The area is ideal for those who love to trek along mountain heights.

Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park with an area of 620 square km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State. Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This area has many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj river and Tirath, the origin of Tirthan river and camping in alpine partures is unforgettable. Camping equipment and guides are provided by the Forests Department.

Pin Valley National Park
The Pin Valley National Park is situated in the cold desert of Spiti Valley. In this area visitors come across large herds of Ibex and Bharal. Snow leopard is found in this park. This area can be visited only by those who have tough leg muscles and strong lungs. The area is closed to foreign visitors. Indian visitors are also required to obtain a permit for entry from Deputy Commissioner Shimla or Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur.

varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings.

Nature Park, Manali
Manali is another tourist spot where a large number of visitors come. To expose visitors to the nature and to create awareness and love for wild life it is planned to develop many other facilities at Manali. There is a wild life sanctuary about 2 km away from Manali town. The tourists will be encouraged to visit this area and see the magnificence of nature here.

Nature Park, Gopalpur
Gopalpur is a village situated near Palampur on Palampur-Dharamsala upper road. Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh is another area where visitors come regularly. In this nature park animals will be kept in large enclosures and conservation messages will be conveyed to the visitors through audio-visual aids.