Kishtwar National Park, National park in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Kishtwar National Park is a protected area in Jammu and Kashmir, India, covering more than 400 square kilometers within the greater Himalaya range. The landscape shifts between conifer and mixed forests along the slopes, alpine meadows at higher elevations, and rocky ridges that run through the valleys.
The Indian government established the protected area on February 4, 1981, to conserve the biodiversity of the Himalaya region. It has since served as an important zone for preserving rare animals and monitoring their habitats.
Herders from Gujjar and Bakarwal communities move through the mountain ranges with their livestock, following ancient migration routes their ancestors used. Their tents and campsites appear along the meadows as they shift between higher and lower elevations according to the seasons.
Roads from Jammu lead to the entry points, with the best visiting period between May and September when paths remain passable. Hikers should consider warm clothing and sturdy footwear, as the elevation and terrain demand physical effort.
Snow leopards, brown bears, and black bears inhabit the higher elevations, while several deer species live in the forested areas. Visitors sometimes hear the call of rare birds such as monal pheasants foraging through the brush.
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