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SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT

Askot sanctuary, Pithoragarh

Located in the picturesque Pithoragarh district of Uttaranchal, this sanctuary is set amidst snow-capped peaks, glaciers, ridges, beautiful valleys and pristine forests in the Indo-Nepal border. Established in 1986, it is at an altitude that ranges from 700 metres to 5,000 metres. The sanctuary was primarily set up to conserve the musk deer and its habitat.

Animals

Snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, goral, bharal, jungle cat and barking deer.

Birds

Snow cocks, monals, pheasants and chukors. Several other high altitude birds are also found.

When to go

To visit the low-altitude area of the sanctuary (till 2,600 metres) November to March is the ideal time. To visit the high-altitude terrain, plan your trip between March and September.

Area

600 sq km

How to go

By Air: The nearest airport is 350 km away at Pant Nagar.

By Road: Pithoragarh, 60 km away

By Rail: The nearest metre gauge railhead is Tanakpur, 150 km away. For broad gauge trains, alight at Kathgodam, 205 km away.

Accommodation

Suites and rooms are available for reasonable rates at the Forest Rest House in Askot and Tejam. Cooks are also available. For reservation, contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Pithoragarh. E-mail dfopithuta@yahoo.co.in for details, call 05964-225234 or visit http://gov.ua.nic.in/uttaranchaltourism/askot_sanctury.html

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