Askot Sanctuary

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (also celebrated as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary) is a vast high altitude biological reserve spanning over 600 square kilometers across altitudes ranging from 600 meters to 6,905 meters near Dharchula in eastern Pithoragarh. Established in 1986 primarily to protect the endangered Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) and its fragile alpine birch habitat, the sanctuary is often crowned as the 'Green Paradise of Kumaon'.

Enclosed by the roaring Kali River along the Nepal border and towering snow covered peaks like Najirikot and Panchachuli, the reserve shelters elusive Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, serow, blue sheep (bharal), and over 250 species of mountain birds like the dazzling monal pheasant. Eco trekkers and nature lovers traveling across eastern Uttarakhand explore guided wilderness trails, oak groves, and high alpine meadows.

Truth is, catching a glimpse of a musk deer grazing peacefully among alpine wildflowers is an extraordinary nature encounter. Entry permits are obtained from the forest range office with nominal fees for Indian and international wildlife enthusiasts.