The Kugti Sanctuary in Chamba is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over an area of 37,593 hectares, this sanctuary is located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
The Kugti Sanctuary is situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary is located at an elevation ranging from 2,195 meters to 5,040 meters above sea level. The pristine beauty of the sanctuary, with its snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and glistening rivers, makes it a popular destination for tourists and trekkers.
The Kugti Sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months from May to October when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active. The sanctuary is usually open from sunrise to sunset.
There is a nominal entry fee for visiting the Kugti Sanctuary. The fee is Rs. 50 for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 for foreign nationals. Children below the age of 5 are allowed free entry.
The Kugti Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary boasts of a diverse range of plant species including deodar, kail, blue pine, silver fir, and rhododendron. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot animals like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, snow leopard, brown bear, and various species of birds and butterflies.
Visitors to the Kugti Sanctuary can indulge in a number of activities such as trekking, bird watching, wildlife photography, camping, and nature walks. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to explore the rugged terrain on jeep safaris and go on guided nature trails.
Jeep safaris are a popular way to explore the Kugti Sanctuary. The charges for a jeep safari vary based on the duration and the route chosen. On average, the cost for a jeep safari starts from Rs. 1,000 per person.
There is no specific age criterion for entry to the Kugti Sanctuary. Adults, children, and senior citizens are all welcome to visit the sanctuary. As mentioned earlier, children below the age of 5 are allowed free entry, while the entry fee for adults is Rs. 50 for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 for foreign nationals.
The Kugti Sanctuary offers facilities for senior citizens to ensure their comfort and safety during their visit. There are designated resting areas, benches, and easy walking trails for elderly visitors. The sanctuary staff is also available to provide assistance to senior citizens as needed.
The best time to visit the Kugti Sanctuary is during the summer months from May to October. This is when the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife is more active. The monsoon season from July to September should be avoided due to heavy rainfall, which can make trekking and other activities difficult.
Chamba, the district where the Kugti Sanctuary is located, is a treasure trove of tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and palaces of Chamba town, go trekking in the Dhauladhar Range, visit the Bhuri Singh Museum, or take a stroll along the banks of the River Ravi.
The Kugti Sanctuary has a designated parking area for visitors who arrive by their own vehicles. The parking facility is secure and well-maintained, allowing visitors to explore the sanctuary without worrying about the safety of their vehicles.
Visitors to the Kugti Sanctuary are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the wildlife and the environment. Some of the key rules include maintaining silence, not feeding the animals, not littering, and refraining from smoking or lighting fires in the sanctuary.
The Kugti Sanctuary is well-connected by road, and visitors can easily reach the sanctuary from nearby towns like Chamba and Dalhousie. The nearest airport is in Dharamshala, which is about 180 kilometers away. The sanctuary can also be reached by trekking from various starting points in the region. It is recommended to check with the sanctuary authorities for any specific guidelines or restrictions before planning your visit.