Situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s most important high-altitude conservation zones, created primarily to protect the endangered Himalayan musk deer. Surrounded by the majestic Kumaon Himalayas, the sanctuary spans elevations from 600 m to over 7,000 m, making it rich in ecological diversity.
Askot is a dream destination for those who love quiet forests, Himalayan wildlife, and pristine mountain scenery.
Why Visit Askot Wildlife Sanctuary?
-
One of India’s best places to spot the rare Himalayan musk deer
-
Dense forests of oak, rhododendron, pine, and fir
-
Incredible Himalayan views including Panchachuli peaks
-
Peaceful, untouched trekking trails
-
Rare bird species and alpine biodiversity
-
A great base for exploring Upper Kumaon’s high-altitude villages and valleys
Flora & Fauna of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Major Wildlife
-
Himalayan Musk Deer (star species)
-
Snow Leopard (rare sightings)
-
Himalayan Thar
-
Serow
-
Brown Bear
-
Goral
-
Himalayan Black Bear
-
Wild Boar
Birdlife
-
Himalayan Monal
-
Koklass Pheasant
-
Snow Partridge
-
Various high-altitude finches and raptors
Flora
-
Alpine meadows
-
Pine & deodar forests
-
Rhododendron belts
-
Birch & fir in higher altitudes
Best Time to Visit Askot
| Season | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| March–June | Clear views, wildlife movement, pleasant temperature |
| September–November | Best for trekking, photography, and flora |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Snowy landscapes, but access difficult |
How to Reach Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air
-
Pantnagar Airport – ~230 km
Cabs available from airport to Pithoragarh → Askot.
By Train
-
Tanakpur Railway Station – ~180 km
From Tanakpur, buses and shared taxis run toward Pithoragarh and Askot.
By Road
Askot is well connected via Uttarakhand roadways.
Major route:
Haldwani → Almora → Bageshwar → Pithoragarh → Askot
Roads become steep and narrow in higher sections—ideal for mountain travel lovers.
Things to Do in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
-
Wildlife spotting & birdwatching
-
Trekking through alpine meadows and forests
-
Landscape and nature photography
-
Exploring high-altitude Kumaon villages
-
Visiting nearby glaciers and Himalayan viewpoints
Nearby Attractions
1. Pithoragarh (54 km)
Known as "Little Kashmir"—perfect for panoramic Himalayan views.
2. Dharchula (approx. 35 km)
A beautiful valley town on the banks of the Kali River.
3. Narayan Ashram (approx. 40 km)
A peaceful spiritual and meditation retreat amidst mountain forests.
4. Chaukori (approx. 90 km)
Famous for sunrise views over Panchachuli peaks and tea gardens.
5. Munsiyari (approx. 100 km)
One of Uttarakhand’s most stunning Himalayan destinations, perfect for trekking and high-altitude exploration
Conservation Importance
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in:
-
Protecting the endangered Himalayan Musk Deer
-
Preserving fragile alpine ecosystems
-
Maintaining vital Himalayan watershed systems
-
Providing habitat for rare high-altitude species like snow leopard and Himalayan thar
-
Supporting long-term biodiversity and climate resilience in the Kumaon Himalayas
FAQ – Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Q1. Why is Askot Wildlife Sanctuary famous?
Askot is renowned for its Himalayan musk deer, rare high-altitude wildlife, and pristine mountain forests.
Q2. Is Askot good for trekking?
Yes, Askot offers scenic and peaceful trekking routes through alpine forests and meadows.
Q3. Which is the nearest town to Askot Wildlife Sanctuary?
Pithoragarh is the nearest major town.
Q4. What is the best season to visit Askot?
March–June and September–November offer the best weather.
People Also Ask (PAA)
➤ Is Askot Wildlife Sanctuary worth visiting?
Absolutely—it's one of India’s most beautiful Himalayan wildlife reserves, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
➤ How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has several sanctuaries, including Askot, Kedarnath, Govind, Sonanadi, and others.
➤ Can you spot snow leopards in Askot?
Spotting a snow leopard is rare but possible in higher altitudes.
➤ Is there accommodation near Askot Sanctuary?
Yes, accommodation is available at Pithoragarh, Dharchula, and Munsiyari.
Conclusion
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Uttarakhand’s most breathtaking high-altitude wilderness areas—rich in wildlife, steeped in Himalayan beauty, and vital for the conservation of the endangered Himalayan musk deer. Whether you’re a trekker, wildlife lover, photographer, or simply someone seeking peace in nature, Askot rewards you with untouched forests, snow-clad peaks, and authentic Kumaoni mountain culture.
Its strategic location near Munsiyari, Dharchula, and other scenic Himalayan valleys makes it a perfect base for deeper exploration of the Kumaon region. A visit to Askot is not just a journey into the Himalayas—it’s a step toward supporting conservation and experiencing one of India’s last remaining pristine ecosystems.
0 comments:
Post a Comment