Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across steep mountain terrain with mixed forests and alpine grasslands ranging from 1160 meters to higher elevations. The landscape transitions from dense forest coverage in lower zones to open meadows in upper altitude areas.

The Indian government established this protected area in 1972 to safeguard regional wildlife species and maintain ecological balance in the northern Himalayan mountains. The initiative emerged from growing awareness about threats to mountain ecosystems from human activities.

The sanctuary borders the sacred Kedarnath temple area, merging environmental protection with traditional Hindu respect for nature as divine. Visitors experience this connection between conservation and spiritual belief throughout the landscape.

Visitors must obtain permits from forest authorities before entering the area, so plan ahead for this requirement. The best times to visit are May through June or September through October, when weather conditions are more favorable for trekking and exploration.

Snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and several deer species inhabit the different altitude zones of this mountain ecosystem in the wild. These large predators are typically difficult to spot, but their presence signals a healthy ecosystem.