Kishtwar National Park

The Kishtwar National Park is the third National Park of the Jammu & Kashmir valley. This park has much to offer. The park is surrounded by the Himalayas with magnificent crystalline mountain, owing the park a divine area. The river channels flows through the park and form small river outlets. The whole park presents a very captivating view because of the river catchments. One of its notable features is the Hangul, a Kashmiri Stag mainly found in the Dachigam National Park but during the winter months when it gets extremely cold there, the animals travel by herds here. That is to say that the Hangul migrate to this region in counters and go back when the cold wears off. Other animals like the musk Deer, Ibex, Markhor, Leopard, Wild boar, Bharal, Indian muntijal, serow, Himalayan black bear and rhesus macaque can also be viewed. The park was established in the year 1981 to protect the snow leopards. This species is in fragile circumstances. However, due to the extensive care that is best taken to see that the leopards regain their hold on the mountains, we see that much good has been done. In fact all other animals are also getting a chance to prosper here. The Kishtwar National Park is a mix and match of wildlife and the exquisite mountain ranges. The park is covered with exposed rocks mainly composed of granite and marble. Vegetation here as in the other cold region is not very dense. Coniferous, alpine, meadows scrub prevails in most of the park areas. Silver fir, spruce birch, cedar, blue pine, maple, chestnut, walnut, poplar, lozer, ash, yew along with deodar and other vacieties of pine grow in this part. Such varieties of fauna are amazing and give a very alluring and panoramic perspective of the whole park. The river encatchment with high current flowing water surrounded by the trees provides breathtaking beauty. Occasionally an animal such as the leopard can be seen near the river drinking the water. This place has weak monsoon, but the River Chenab provides it with enough water. In winter the place becomes too cold therefore the best time to visit it is from April to October. At this time of the season everything appears fresh and in full bloom because the snow starts melting giving way to the greenery to bloom. Other inner sources off this area are River Rinnay, Kibar Nala and Maqna river. One simply cannot miss this tourist destination. It is good for trekking and camping, mainly due to the fact that this place is not very accessible by road. Efforts are on to build a road there and to provide the tourist with better infrastructual facilities. Right now the place provides you with Forest Rest Houses only. Other arrangement can be made for your own convenience.