Govind Pashu Vihar

Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary in Uttarkashi covers 958 sq km from valley floors to the high alpine. Key wildlife: snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, bharal, Himalayan tahr, and serow. The park includes the beautiful Har Ki Dun valley (3,566 m), one of the most celebrated treks in Garhwal, and the medieval wooden temples of Osla and Gangad villages — extraordinary heritage within a wildlife sanctuary.

Places to See
• Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Tahr (key species)
• Har Ki Dun Valley (3,566 m, the park's most visited zone — see Trekking section)
• Ruinsara Lake (4,150 m, stunning glacial lake side trek)
• Swargarohini Peaks (6,252 m, Pandava mythology)
• Osla Village (medieval wooden Duryodhana Temple)
• Gangad Village (ancient carved wooden temples)
• Borasu Pass (5,450 m, expedition route to Kinnaur)

Best Time
April–June and September–November for Har Ki Dun trekking and wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon for wildlife activity. Avoid July–August.

How to Reach
Road: Dehradun → Purola → Mori → Sankri (204 km, ~7 hrs). From Sankri: drive to Taluka (12 km) then trek. Regular buses from Dehradun to Purola.

Things to Do
• Har Ki Dun valley trek (see Trekking section)
• Snow leopard tracking with naturalist guide (winter)
• Osla and Gangad village medieval temples
• Ruinsara Lake side trek
• Wildlife spotting on upper meadows

Tips
Trekking permit required from Range Forest Office in Sankri. Hire a local guide from Sankri for wildlife tracking knowledge and temple cultural context. The Har Ki Dun–Ruinsara Lake circuit (8 days) is the ideal way to experience the park.

The best time to visit Govind Pashu Vihar depends on the experience you seek.