{"id":18901,"date":"2024-02-12T06:49:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T12:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/?p=18901"},"modified":"2026-02-03T03:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T03:12:54","slug":"askot-wildlife-sanctuary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/askot-wildlife-sanctuary\/","title":{"rendered":"The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Himalayan Musk Deer"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"110\"><strong data-start=\"45\" data-end=\"110\">The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the Himalayan Musk Deer<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"112\" data-end=\"484\">Hidden deep in the eastern Himalayas, <strong data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"191\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/span><\/span><\/strong> is one of Uttarakhand\u2019s most remote and biologically rich protected areas. Located about <strong data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"333\">54 km from <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Pithoragarh<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, this sanctuary was established in <strong data-start=\"369\" data-end=\"377\">1986<\/strong> with a focused mission\u2014<strong data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"483\">to protect the endangered Himalayan Musk Deer and its fragile mountain habitat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"642\">Spreading across nearly <strong data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"523\">600 sq km<\/strong>, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife lovers, trekkers, and travelers seeking raw Himalayan wilderness.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"647\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"710\"><strong data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"710\">Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Is Located in Which District?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"791\"><strong data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"791\">Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"1038\">Pithoragarh, often called <em data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"850\">Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand<\/em>, is known for its dramatic landscapes, high mountain passes, sacred rivers, and proximity to the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Tibet borders\u2014making Askot strategically and ecologically significant.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1043\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1088\"><strong data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1088\">Location of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1090\" data-end=\"1249\">The sanctuary lies close to the <strong data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1143\">Indo\u2013Nepal border<\/strong>, alongside the winding <strong data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1208\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Kali River<\/span><\/span><\/strong>. Its geographic setting is truly unique:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1359\">\n<li data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1270\">\n<p data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1270\"><strong data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1262\">East:<\/strong> Nepal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1298\">\n<p data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1298\"><strong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1282\">West:<\/strong> Almora region<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1299\" data-end=\"1330\">\n<p data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1330\"><strong data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1311\">South:<\/strong> Pithoragarh town<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1331\" data-end=\"1359\">\n<p data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1359\"><strong data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1343\">North:<\/strong> Tibet (China)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1495\">The altitude ranges dramatically from <strong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1424\">2,000 ft to 22,654 ft<\/strong>, creating one of the most diverse ecological gradients in Uttarakhand.<\/p>\n<h5>Suggested Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/pithoragarh-to-mansarovar-all-about-the-new-route-from-uttarakhand\/\">Pithoragarh to Mansarovar: The most update details\u00a0<\/a><\/h5>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9350\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9350\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9350\" src=\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pithoragarh-To-Mansarovar.jpg\" alt=\"Pithoragarh To Mansarovar\" width=\"1000\" height=\"685\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9350\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pithoragarh To Mansarovar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1556\"><strong data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1556\">Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary: Altitude &amp; Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1830\">Often referred to as the <strong data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1612\">Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary<\/strong>, this protected area sits at an average altitude of <strong data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1681\">1,600 meters<\/strong>, extending into high alpine zones. The rugged terrain, deep valleys, glaciers, and river systems create ideal conditions for rare Himalayan species.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1898\">Major rivers originating or flowing through the sanctuary include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"1951\">\n<li data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"1921\">\n<p data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1921\"><strong data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1921\">Gori Ganga River<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1936\">\n<p data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1936\">Dhauli River<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1951\">\n<p data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1951\">Ilki River<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"1956\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1958\" data-end=\"2005\"><strong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"2005\">Biodiversity of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2020\"><strong data-start=\"2011\" data-end=\"2020\">Flora<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2073\">The sanctuary supports a wide variety of vegetation:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2074\" data-end=\"2151\">\n<li data-start=\"2074\" data-end=\"2092\">\n<p data-start=\"2076\" data-end=\"2092\">Alpine meadows<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2120\">\n<p data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2120\">Dense Himalayan forests<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2151\">\n<p data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2151\">Medicinal herbs and shrubs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2264\">Tall trees such as <strong data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2195\">teak and eucalyptus<\/strong> dominate lower regions, while higher altitudes feature alpine flora.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2279\"><strong data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2279\">Fauna<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2280\" data-end=\"2324\">Askot is a wildlife treasure trove, home to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2484\">\n<li data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2371\">\n<p data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2371\"><strong data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2350\">Himalayan Musk Deer<\/strong> (flagship species)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2384\">\n<p data-start=\"2374\" data-end=\"2384\">Leopards<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2385\" data-end=\"2400\">\n<p data-start=\"2387\" data-end=\"2400\">Brown Bears<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2401\" data-end=\"2410\">\n<p data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2410\">Serow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2426\">\n<p data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2426\">Jungle Cats<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2440\">\n<p data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2440\">Antelopes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2441\" data-end=\"2450\">\n<p data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2450\">Bison<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2472\">\n<p data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2472\">Spectacled Cobras<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2484\">\n<p data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2484\">Monkeys<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2593\">This diversity makes <strong data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2592\">Askot Wildlife Sanctuary one of the richest wildlife zones in eastern Uttarakhand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2598\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2658\"><strong data-start=\"2603\" data-end=\"2658\">Adventure &amp; Exploration in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2812\">Beyond wildlife spotting, Askot offers incredible adventure opportunities. Several Himalayan peaks and ancient passes fall within or near the sanctuary:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2833\"><strong data-start=\"2818\" data-end=\"2833\">Major Peaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2834\" data-end=\"2885\">\n<li data-start=\"2834\" data-end=\"2846\">\n<p data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2846\">Panchuli<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2847\" data-end=\"2860\">\n<p data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2860\">Chiplakot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2873\">\n<p data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2873\">Najrikot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2874\" data-end=\"2885\">\n<p data-start=\"2876\" data-end=\"2885\">Naukana<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2919\"><strong data-start=\"2891\" data-end=\"2919\">Historic Mountain Passes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2969\">\n<li data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2933\">\n<p data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"2933\">Lipu Lekh<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"2950\">\n<p data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2950\">Lumpiya Lekh<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"2969\">\n<p data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"2969\">Mankshang Lekh<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"3091\">These routes have been used for centuries by traders, pilgrims, and explorers traveling between India, Nepal, and Tibet.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3096\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3098\" data-end=\"3132\"><strong data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3132\">Timings &amp; Entry Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3216\">\n<li data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3163\">\n<p data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3163\"><strong data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3153\">Opening Time:<\/strong> 6:00 AM<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3193\">\n<p data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3193\"><strong data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3183\">Closing Time:<\/strong> 5:00 PM<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3216\">\n<p data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3216\"><strong data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3205\">Open:<\/strong> All days<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3280\">Accommodation inside Askot is limited, but travelers can find:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3351\">\n<li data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3312\">\n<p data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3312\">Budget hotels in Askot town<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3351\">\n<p data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3351\">Mid-range resorts near Pithoragarh<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3436\">\ud83d\udc49 Carry your own food supplies, as dining options are minimal inside forest zones.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3438\" data-end=\"3441\" \/>\n<h5>Suggested Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/adi-kailash-and-om-parvat-in-uttarakhand-a-sacred-journey\/\">Adi Kailash and Om Parvat form Pithoragarh: details and route<\/a><\/h5>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18903\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18903\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18903\" src=\"http:\/\/rishikeshdaytour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Askot-Wildlife-Sanctuary-Home-to-Himalayan-Musk-Deer.jpg\" alt=\"Musk Deer Sanctuary in Uttarakhand\" width=\"1000\" height=\"710\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Musk Deer Sanctuary in Uttarakhand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 data-start=\"3443\" data-end=\"3493\"><strong data-start=\"3446\" data-end=\"3493\">Best Time to Visit Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3495\" data-end=\"3560\">The ideal time to visit is between <strong data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3553\">April and September<\/strong>, when:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3639\">\n<li data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3582\">\n<p data-start=\"3563\" data-end=\"3582\">Weather is stable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3607\">\n<p data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3607\">Roads are accessible<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3608\" data-end=\"3639\">\n<p data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3639\">Wildlife activity is higher<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3702\">Winters can be extremely harsh due to snow and high altitude.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3707\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3762\"><strong data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3762\">Conclusion: Why Visit Askot Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"4117\"><strong data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3816\">Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Pithoragarh district<\/strong> is not just a wildlife reserve\u2014it\u2019s a journey into one of the most untouched Himalayan landscapes in India. From protecting the rare <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White-bellied_musk_deer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3973\">Himalayan Musk Deer<\/strong><\/a> to offering dramatic mountain views, sacred rivers, and ancient passes, Askot promises an experience that is raw, remote, and deeply rewarding.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4119\" data-end=\"4233\">\ud83c\udf3f If you seek <strong data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4177\">true wilderness, silence, and discovery<\/strong>, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your travel map.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the Himalayan Musk Deer Hidden deep in the eastern Himalayas, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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