Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary covers 975 sq km from 1,160 m to 7,068 m in Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts. It is one of India's most important snow leopard habitats and also protects Himalayan black bear, musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, and serow. The sanctuary encompasses Chopta, Tungnath, and the Deoria Tal area. Rich birdlife includes the Himalayan monal and koklass pheasant.

Places to See
• Snow Leopard Habitat (one of India's most important populations, winter tracking possible)
• Himalayan Monal (state bird, regular sightings near Chopta and Tungnath)
• Musk Deer (significant protected population)
• Himalayan Black Bear and Brown Bear
• Deoria Tal (2,438 m, glacial lake inside sanctuary)
• Chopta Meadow (wildlife-watching base)
• Ukhimath (18 km, winter quarters of Kedarnath deity)

Best Time
May–June (Himalayan monal breeding, wildflowers). September–October (best wildlife conditions). November–March (snow, difficult access — only time for snow leopard track spotting). Avoid monsoon July–August.

How to Reach
Road: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (228 km, ~7 hrs). No direct buses — hire cab from Rishikesh or Rudraprayag.

Things to Do
• Wildlife spotting around Chopta and Tungnath trail (monal, musk deer, bear)
• Snow leopard tracking with certified naturalist guide (winter only)
• Birdwatching on the Tungnath trail (early morning)
• Deoria Tal visit
• Dawn photography in the sanctuary

Tips
Hire a certified wildlife guide from Ukhimath or Chopta for all wildlife-focused visits. Snow leopard tracking (January–February) requires a specialist naturalist. Wildlife moves freely — make noise on forested sections. Chopta is the primary base.

The best time to visit Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary depends on the experience you seek.