Askot Wildlife Sanctuary,Uttarakhand

• Askot core wildlife area with musk deer habitat
• Kali (Sharda) River valley and scenic river gorges
• Alpine meadows (bugyals) and high-altitude pastures
• Askot Fort and nearby cultural sites
• Panoramic Himalayan views from ridgelines and passes

• Focused conservation of Himalayan musk deer and other mountain mammals
• Rich montane vegetation: oak, rhododendron, conifers and alpine flora
• Good opportunities for birdlife including pheasants and raptors
• Varied terrain from river valleys to subalpine and alpine zones
• Cultural interactions with local Shauka/Bhotia communities

• Guided wildlife viewing and short safaris (on foot or local transport where permitted)
• Trekking into alpine meadows and high ridges
• Birdwatching for pheasants, raptors and montane species
• Nature photography and landscape photography
• Community-based homestays and cultural visits to local villages
• Camping (where allowed) and day hikes along marked routes

Oct–Nov and Mar–May — post-monsoon and spring offer clear skies, active wildlife and accessible trails. Monsoon (Jul–Sep) brings heavy rains and landslides; winter (Dec–Feb) brings snow and may restrict access to higher zones.

Typical montane climate: cool, pleasant days in summer; nights can be cold. Winters are cold with snowfall at higher elevations. Weather can change rapidly—be prepared for sun, rain and cold within a single day.

Gateway town: Pithoragarh (closest major town). Nearest functional airstrip: Naini Saini (Pithoragarh) with limited services; nearest major airports with regular connections include Pantnagar and the airports serving Haldwani/Kathgodam region for onward road travel. Rail access via Kathgodam/Haldwani; road travel from Almora, Haldwani or Kathgodam to Pithoragarh and then onward by local roads. Many interior approaches require sturdy vehicles or trekking; some higher trails are accessible only on foot or by pack animals.

2–4 days to visit core sanctuary areas; 4–7 days or more recommended if you plan longer treks, high meadows or cultural homestays.

Layered clothing (base layers, warm mid-layer, windproof/waterproof outer), sturdy trekking boots, hat and gloves (for cold), sunglasses and sunscreen, rain gear, binoculars, camera, basic first-aid, and copies of permits/ID.

Sample Kumaoni specialties and local mountain foods at village homestays (dal, local pulses, vegetables, regional bread). Local products and souvenirs include dried apricots, local cheeses, woollen shawls and handcrafts made by mountain communities.