Gamgul

Gamgul is a wildlife sanctuary in Chamba district that covers the high-altitude Bhandal valley with deodar forests, coniferous woodlands, and alpine meadows starting above 3000 meters elevation. The terrain shifts between forested slopes and open grasslands with mountain streams winding through the landscape.

The sanctuary was established as a protected area in 1962 and once sheltered a small population of Kashmir stags. Hunting activities during the 1950s and 1960s caused their numbers to decline significantly.

The sanctuary sits within the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area and supports populations of Western Tragopan and Cheer Pheasant that hold regional importance. Birdwatchers can observe these species during their seasonal movements across the valley.

This remote location in Himachal Pradesh requires advance planning before visiting. Access is arranged through the nearby town of Bhandal, which serves as the main entry point for exploration.

This sanctuary holds the only recorded history of Kashmir stag sightings in Himachal Pradesh, though recent observations remain unconfirmed. Visitors may recognize the ecological significance of a place where this species once roamed but is rarely documented today.