Know all about the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

Wish to visit the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary? Learn more about the place…

Tuesday, 27th April 2021

Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary captures the wild magic of the Chamba region of the state and is perched at an altitude of nearly 11000ft above sea level. The area covered by the sanctuary is more than 378 sq km. The sanctuary is home to the most exotic species of fauna and flora. Medicinal herbs found in the sanctuary are of global repute. The sanctuary is about 15kms away from the village of Kugti and about 30kms away from the village of Bharmaur.

What makes the sanctuary famous?

Kugti is dotted with several water springs that came into being from the melting glaciers. These water springs coupled with the surrounding greenery add a serene touch to the beauty of the region. The sanctuary is also famous for rare medicinal herbs like Angelica Glauca (Chaora), Aconitum Heterophyllum (Potish), and the Pedophyllum Hexandrum (Bankakudi),

The sanctuary is also home to the many endangered species of the fauna such as Musk deer, Ibex, Himalayan Tahr, Pheasants, Monal Snow Cock, White Cheeked Bul Bul, Red-vented Bulbul, Snow Leopard, Brown Langur, Indian Serow, etc.

Also Read: Sangla as a fascinating tourist destination.

Trek towards the valley of Lahaul

The trekking trails of the region run through the dense forests of Deodar and Coniferous trees. Avid and passionate trekkers tread across the sanctuary only to arrive at Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district. The famed Kugti Pass is one of the three mountainous routes linking the Chamba region of the state to the Valley of Lahaul.

When to visit the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary?

The entire area of the Kugti Wildlife sanctuary remains clad in snow for many months across a year. The ideal time to make a trip to the sanctuary is between May-June and September-October.

How to reach Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary can be accessed by travelers from the hill towns of Chamba, Bharmour, Pathankot, and Hadsar via road. The railway station in the closest vicinity to the sanctuary is the Pathankot rail station in the state of Punjab. You can board a bus or a taxi to reach Hadsar from Chamba or Bharmour. After reaching Hadsar, you can trek all the way to reach the sanctuary of Kugti.

Places to visit around the sanctuary

On your trip to the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, you can set out to explore the Tundah Sanctuary as well. Bharmour, another destination located nearby is also a visitable place mainly for its Bharmani Mata Temple, Chaurasi Temple Complex, and the many mesmerizing waterfalls. Also, the area is dotted with many apple orchards that are worth a visit indeed. Furthermore, the region reserves the base camp of the famed Manimahesh Yatra.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

Timesofindia Indiatimes