Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Guide
The altitude at the park ranges from the average elevation of 1400mts to an astonishing 6323mts and consists of Chirpine, scrub tropical Euphorbia scrub and oak species.
Tourists also frequent the Har-ki-dun Forest Rest house, known for its location amidst a valley of wildflowers. The forest rest houses of Naitwar, Taluka, and Osla are en-route to Hari-ki-dun and are worthy attractions in their own right.
The wide variety of wildlife animal species that live here includes Himalayan black bears, tahr, serow, monal, snow leopard, brown bears, tragopan, chir, bharal, musk deer, koklas, kaleej pheasants, chukar, the bearded vulture, the black eagle, the gold eagle, Himalayan snowcock and many others.
The Ruinsara catchment has been an important area for high altitude expedition to peaks like block Peak and Banderpunch. Har ki Doon, Ruinsaratal, Deokyara, Kedarkantha, and Bhratsar are important places of attraction for the tourists. Swargarohini, Black peak, and Banderpunch are the important peaks in the area.
Activities in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
Bird Watching: Along with animals, there are more than 150 species of birds including the golden eagle, the steppe eagle, and the black eagle, the bearded vulture, the Himalayan snowcock and the Himalayan monal pheasant to name a few. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Trekking: Many popular trek routes including the Har-Ki-Doon commences from the outskirts of the Wildlife Sanctuary. The abundant natural beauty which envelops the national park attracts adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.
Staying in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
The preferable accommodation facility for Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is in Uttarkashi or Purola, where you will find plenty of good private hotels and GMVN Guest House. However one can also stay in rest houses which are arranged within the sanctuary by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. Catering facilities can also be made available for large groups.
Inside the Sanctuary you will mainly find Forest Rest Houses (FRH). Some of the FRH in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Naitwar Forest Rest House
- Taluka Forest Rest House
- Osla Forest Rest House
- Harki Doon Forest Rest House
- Istragad Forest Rest House
- Satta Forest Rest House
- Jakhol Forest Rest House
History of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
In the Eighth Five-year Plan, the Government of India set up the 'Snow Leopard Project' to ensure the long-term conservation of the elusive and endangered Snow Leopard. In 1990, a team of experts chose the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary as one of the implementation sites of the project and, subsequently, 472 sq. km within the upper reaches of the sanctuary (the Snow leopard's preferred habitat) were notified as to the Govind National Park. This area is extremely rich in Ayurvedic herbs which are much sought after by Ayurvedic medic practitioners.
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Popular treks
- Sankri - Talika - Osla - Har ki Doon Trek: 38 kms
- Sankri - Talika - Osla - Ruinsara Tal Trek: 40 kms
- Naitwar - Himri - Droni - Rupin Pass - Sangla Trek: 60 kms
- Ruinsara Tal - Yamunotri Trek (High altitude difficult trek): 20 kms
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Information
- Altitude: Between 1,300 to 6,323 m.
- Area: 953 sq km.
Best time to visit: April - June, and September - November
Note: The sanctuary receives heavy rainfall and hence it should be avoided during monsoons.
Entry fees and other charges of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary charges a minimal amount as entry fee and some additional charges for camera and video cameras. Please contact the park officials for more details as the fees are subject to change and are charged as per the season.
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Information Centre
Wildlife Warden,
Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary,
Purola, Uttarkashi.
and
Divisional Forest Officer,
Tons Forest Division,
Purola, Uttarkashi.
How to Reach Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
The entrance and starting point of the Govind Wildlife sanctuary is approachable on a metalled all-weather road. It is at a distance of 200 kms. From Dehradun. It can also be approached from Delhi by taking 65 kms. long bifurcation from Naugaon situated on the Delhi Yamunotri state highway. Daily bus service exists between Dehradun and Natwar.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 231 km.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Dehradun, 207 km.
By Road: Nearest town from the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary park is Dharkadhi 17 km from the Park. Accessible by road via Rishikesh-Uttarkashi or via Mussoorie-Purola-Saur. Bus services are available from Uttarkashi, Barkot, Dehradun, Naitwar to Saur-Sankri.
What is Govind Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is famous among tourist as Trekking, Wildlife tours, Expeditions.
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Bird Watching, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Trekking, Wildlife Tourism.
