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Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife national park situated in the Purola Tehsil of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in India. It was initially founded as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was named Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
The park is named after Indian freedom fighter Govind Ballabh Pant. The sanctuary is located in Garhwal Himalayas. It covers an area of 958 km2 and an altitude range of 1,300 metres to 6,323 metres. One can enter Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary through Naitwar on Supin range and the town of Dharkarhi. This sanctuary consists of a wide variety of flora, fauna and bird species. The vegetation of medicinal plants used for the treatment of Ayurveda is found in Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Inside the park is Har Ki Doon valley, a famous site for trekking and bird watching experiences. The park also supports the Snow leopard project to conserve the endangered snow leopard species.
The Ruinsiyara high altitude lake situated in the park is a popular tourist spot. The Har ki Dun Forest Rest House is surrounded by a valley of beautiful wildflowers and attracts many tourists. It is a famous tourist destination for people, especially trekkers.
Ways to Reach the Park
Tourists can reach the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary through the town of Dharkarhi, which is located around 17 km far from the park. One can also take rail and air transport available in Dehradun, located 190 km from the park.
Rest Houses
Har ki Dun forest in the park has a rest house frequented by visitors. Osla and Taluka are the two other rest houses present there.
Floral Species in Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary has higher and lower elevations. The trees, shrubs, conifers, and deciduous plant species are present in the highest elevations. The alpine shrubs and grasses are there in lower elevations.
The floral species in Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary include trees like deodar cedar, chir pine, oak, and conifers such as spruce, blue pine, and silver fir. They also consist of deciduous species like walnut, hazel, oak, horse chestnut, rhododendron, and maple.
Wildlife of Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
A wide variety of birds and animals is present in Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of them are bharal, monal, bears, koklas, bearded vulture, tahr, musk deer, black eagle, tragopahan, gold eagle, kaleej pheasants, and serow. The sanctuary also has smaller animals like wild boar, European otter, Sikkim mountain vole, hedgehog, goral, and civet like masked palm civet.
Additional Attractions of Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place for birdwatching and trekking.
Bird Watching
There are more than 150 bird species present in Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary for bird watchers.
Trekking Spot
The sanctuary is well known for its trekking experience. Trekkers often take routes from Sankri to Taluka, to Osla, to the Har ki Dun forest. The other route is from Ruinsara Tal to Yamunotri and is a high-altitude trek.
Snow Leopard Project
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary manages the Snow Leopard Project, initiated by the Indian Government. The main objective of this project is to conserve the snow leopard. This endangered animal is subjected to hunting and is threatened by wild animals. It is poached for its skin and other body parts. The project acts as an ecological catalyst, promoting the betterment of biodiversity and wildlife.
Conclusion
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It consists of 150 species of birds and 15 mammal species. The park also houses medicinal plants and other plant species like conifers, alpine shrubs, and deciduous plants. Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited from April to November. It promotes the Snow Leopard project, which mainly focuses on conserving snow leopards. Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for trekking and bird watching.
