Kashmir has historically been known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The valley of Kashmir offers many places to explore its exotic flora and fauna, offering travellers a unique experience of its biological diversity. The picturesque mountains and lush valleys of Kashmir provide a home for some rare species like the Hangul (Kashmiri Stag) and the brown bear. Views of migratory birds from species like Brahmini Ducks and the Black Necked Crane add to the magical experience when visiting these wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kashmir offers plenty of trails with exciting tour packages that help tourists observe animals up close in their natural habitats and experience outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trekking, bird watching, and boating around lakes and rivers. Wildlife places in Kashmir are an unforgettable escape from hectic daily life, providing tourists with a serene getaway surrounded by unparalleled nature. Let us now explore these wild places together:
1. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is a tourist paradise near Gulmarg in Dist—Baramulla of Jammu & Kashmir. The sanctuary is a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, meadows and tall pine trees, which attract tourists from far and wide. This is an ideal destination for sightseeing and adventure activities, with breathtaking landscapes to captivate your mind. A trekking experience with preserved areas equipped with fire-line trails and mountain ranges would be a memorable experience.
Aside from sightseeing, one can also engage in skiing, mountaineering and snowboarding. Birdwatching enthusiasts are attracted due to the vast variety of exotic local and migratory bird species like Snowcock, Golden eagle, Imperial eagles, Saker Falcons and Griffon Vultures found here. Thus, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your bucket list.
2. Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a beautiful protected area in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Located 22 kilometres from Srinagar, the park is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, vast wildlife, and varied vegetation. It provides an excellent landscape for tourists to explore and hike through. The park is located between 1700-4100 meters above sea level, creating diverse habitats for animals like Himalayan brown bears, Indian leopards, musk deer and various species of birds. Due to these unique characteristics, Dachigam attracts visitors from around the world.
Tourists witness the majestic mountains that provide a striking backdrop to the enchanting surroundings. For those interested in fishing or white water rafting while camping, the banks of the nearby Sindh River offer many opportunities to enjoy these activities and breathe in the fresh mountain air. With so much on offer here, it’s easy to see why Dachigam National Park should be added to any explorer’s itinerary on their journey through India.
3. Kishtwar National Park
Kishtwar National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir, the park spans an area of 200 sq km with lush meadows, rocky cliffs, green hillocks and dense oak forests. Wildlife lovers can spot soaring raptors like Griffon Vultures, Lammergeiers and Golden Eagles, and rare mammals such as Snow Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears and Musk Deer.
The landscape also boasts various gushing streams that traverse through rocky mountains and untouched, pristine lakes, making it an excellent destination for trekking and camping activities. Besides this, visitors can also explore beautiful ancient monasteries within the park, adding to its beauty and tranquillity. Kishtwar National Park is a stunning getaway for people looking forward to experiencing the wilderness in all its glory.
4. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary
Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is an enchanting wildlife destination in Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, providing visitors with stunning views of the mesmerizing Himalayas. Filled with lush foliage, this sanctuary is home to various bird and animal species, such as leopards, Asiatic Black bears, and blue magpies. You can enjoy nature walks around peaceful meadows accompanied by the soothing sound of gurgling streams throughout your journey.
You can also visit ancient monasteries that dot the region and explore the fascinating local culture. Moreover, you can partake in activities like trekking or take advantage of nearby attractions such as tourist hot spots like Sonamarg for camping alongside the Sindh river. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary provides various options for all tastes.
5. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Leh District of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, offers visitors glimpses of rare wildlife amidst deep gorges and snow-capped mountains. The picturesque landscape and breathtaking vistas of snow-clad peaks make this sanctuary an ideal eco-tourism destination. One may find animals such as Tibetan Wolf, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Antelope, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Yak, Marmot and Himalayan Musk Deer here.
Bird watchers have their hearts taken away by the diversity of avian species present here, such as the Golden Eagle, Snow Partridge and Red-billed Chough. Adventure lovers can explore the numerous trails in Changthang, which take you across high passes and alpine meadows. Visitors can also witness beautiful nomadic villages around the sanctuary with traditional nomadic tents called ‘Yaksas’ built over rocks near lake beds for protection from cold wind. With fascinating forests, diving lakes and a mixture of various cultures, Changthang draws so many visitors each year.
6. Kazinag National Park
Kazinag National Park, located in Baramulla, India, is a unique tourist destination offering diverse activities and experiences. Blessed with stunning natural beauty, this park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and trekkers. The misty vistas and lush greenery give visitors a breathtaking view of the snow-clad Himalayas. With its crystal clear waters, Kazinag National Park hosts several species of animals, such as musk deer, langur monkeys, Eurasian brown bears, snow leopards and blue sheep.
Visitors can also find rare birds here, like black-throated thrush, Golden falcon and rose finches. Trekking here can be an exhilarating experience as one can traverse through Pine groves, alpine meadows and high passes offering beautiful natural scenery along the way. This national park awaits those who seek solace in nature or want to go on an adventurous trek or explore flora and fauna of Kazinag National Park.
7. Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary
Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque refuge of untamed nature in rural Jammu & Kashmir. Located amid striking mountain scenery and deep gorges, this sanctuary provides sightseers with various outdoor experiences. You can take a tranquil stroll to explore the sanctuary’s mesmerizing mix of flora and fauna.
Take delight in the aroma and beauty of rare wildflowers or join in wildlife spotting sprees to admire musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears and more! From the river-lapped meadows where golden trout flutter to peaceful pine forests filled with birdsong, there’s something for everyone here. At Achabal, visitors can look forward to a serene journey back in time and explore one of India’s most diverse ecological hubs.
8. Surinsar Mansar Conservation Reserve
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful protected area in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It covers an area of 28 square kilometres and provides shelter to various species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The sanctuary was established in 1987 to help preserve the stunning wildlife of this region. It is unique because it is nestled within two lakes – Surinsar Lake and Mansar Lake. Both these lakes are believed to be sacred according to Hindu mythology.
Tourists visiting this wildlife sanctuary can experience its various wonders, such as beautiful bird-watching opportunities, breathtaking views, lush vegetation throughout the park and more. It is also home to many endangered species, such as the barasingha (swamp deer), leopard cat, Indian pangolin and golden weaver. With so much beauty on offer, Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
9. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the Kishtwar District, close to the Lidder River valley. The sanctuary has a rich biodiversity, with open grasslands, wetlands, alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. There are seven endangered species of fauna here – markhor, Himalayan brown bear, leopard, snow leopard, musk deer and black bear.
Over Aru also has a wide variety of birds like golden eagles, goshawks, peregrine falcons and lammergeiers. It is an ideal site for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore unique wildlife sanctuaries in India. The locals use traditional conservation methods, which helps conduct successful wildlife safaris in the region. Here tourists can also enjoy tranquil walks while taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery amidst a completely pollution-free environment.
10. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Shopian
The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream for nature lovers in the Kashmir region of India. It is situated at 2,700 meters and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and picturesque valleys. It is home to various flora and fauna, including rare species like the Hangul (Kashmiri stag), musk deer, brown bear, and snow leopard. The forest also boasts plenty of bird life, with sightings of the Great Himalayan Monal Pheasant, among other notable avian species.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary via jungle safaris or guided hikes through silver fir forests. Camping under the stars is also a popular activity in Hirpora. With its sublime beauty and diverse wildlife, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary gives visitors an unforgettable experience in nature’s wonderland.
