Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Uttarakhand

One of the majestic reserves Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Panchachuli, Chipplakot, is closely settled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state in India. Situated at an elevation of 5412 ft. above the sea level, this wildlife sanctuary is at a short distance of 54 km from Pithoragarh. Enveloped in rhododendron, the wildlife reserve in Uttarakhand is primarily known for its diverse heritage and rich flora and fauna. Rivers like Dhauli and Ilki have their origins in the sanctuary, whereas the River Gori Ganga passes through it. While on a jungle safari through the sanctuary, you might come across the families of the endangered tribe named as Van Rawats who also live in here.

Covered in the area of around 599 km sq, the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary. Where back in 1986, this reserve was originally set up to protect musk deer. The endangered species were hunted down for the reason that the musk secreted from the rectal/back area of males especially has been widely used in medicines, perfumes, incense goods from ages. Strict actions and measures have been taken since then to protect the wild species. Himalayan jungle cat, Indian leopard, serow, Barking Deer, lemurs, bison, civet cat, goral, and Himalayan brown bear are some of the other animals harbored in the Sanctuary. The reserve delivers most fascinating exposure to the wildlife habitat of these endangered species for you to capture in your camera lens.

Flora in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

When it comes to the flora of the sanctuary, it holds a huge treasure of herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers. Teak, sheesham, fir, eucalyptus, grevillea, pine, sal, kunj, darkunja, bhoj, patra, raijal, and kail are some of the trees which can be found in here.

Fauna in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary has numerous species of animals which consists rich fauna. leopard, black bear, spotted deer, snow cock, kakkar, tahr, musk spotted deer, sparrow along with a number of species of birds that can be spotted here along with a plethora of bird species like pheasants.

Best Time to Visit Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Since the reserve witnesses snowfall during winters, the months from April to September are considered as an idyllic time to explore the sanctuary.