Introduction

Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary that rises past Dalhousie and then goes down towards Khajjiar and Chamba. This covers an area of around 2000 hectares (a little over twenty square kilometers) and within its confines, are a dozen little villages. These pockets of habitation share space with animals and birds like the Serow, Goral, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, Monal, Koklas and Chukor. Altitudes within the sanctuary vary between approximately 1200 meters (3937 feet) and 2800 meters (9100 feet). Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the heights in winter and can touch 35 degrees Celsius in the lower sections in summer. The average precipitation (rain and snow) is around 670 mm per year.

The sanctuary is criss-crossed by several brooks and streams that pour their wash into the river Ravi which, in turn, feeds the river Indus. The sanctuary area is covered with thick woods – the lowest sections have brush and pine, these give way to Ban Oak (Quercus Incana), the Kail Pine and the heights have the magnificent deodar trees (the Himalayan cedars). In between, there are open pastures covered with soft grass. There are a fair amount of wildflowers too and in early summer, the paths are lined with daisies. Within the sanctuary area are well marked trails and a good walker over a few steady hours can walk through the sanctuary to the meadow of Khajjiar.

The highway from Dalhousie to Chamba, through Khajjiar, cuts through the sanctuary. The Kalatop Forest Rest House, which is an attractive colonial-style wooden cottage and is accessible from Dalhousie from a track near the Lakkar Mandi, makes for a quiet getaway from Dalhousie. A watchtower for viewing is also at hand.

(Apart from the Kalatop Rest House, there are forest rest houses in Dalhousie, Surkigala, Khajjiar and Chamba).

Special Attributes

Easily accessible wildlife sanctuary.

Nuisance

Basic precautions that are observed while in a reserve of this nature need to be taken. For the offbeat tracks, engage the services of a guide.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfertable

Connectivity

Taxi and walking

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers and walkers

Exposure

Exposure during the summer months and when there is snow on the ground.

Avoidable Season

Deep winter when the snow may be high. (January-February). Mid monsoons (July-August)

Facilities

Rest houses

Things Not Allowed

No arms of any description allowed

Tip

Bookings for the rest houses may be done through DFO (WL) Chamba Division ,Chamba – 176 310 Himachal Pradesh or Range Officer (WL), P.O. Khajjiar, Tehsil Brahmaur, District Chamba Himachal Pradesh

Type of site

Sanctuary