Introduction

The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds Khajjiar. This rises from the glade to a point above the town of Dalhousie and in the other direction, goes down towards the valley of the River Ravi. The sanctuary covers an area of around 2,000 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 (9186 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 as well as 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). The majestic deodar tree is considered to be one world’s four varieties of ‘true’ cedars; the other three come from the shores of the Mediterranean – Cyprus, Lebanon and Morocco.

In between the sanctuary, there are open pastures covered with soft grass that are used by graziers. 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 hours can walk (mostly uphill) through the sanctuary from Khajjiar up to the town of Dalhousie. The highway from Khajjiar up to Dalhousie also cuts through the sanctuary.

Special Attributes

Wildlife sanctuary with thick forests

Nuisance

Wildlife sanctuary with thick forests

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers and walkers

Exposure

UV 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 weapons

Tip

Walk on defined trails or engage the services of a guide.

Type of site

Sanctuary