Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected area in Leh district, India
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary spans the eastern Karakoram mountain range with high-altitude desert terrain and multiple ecological zones. Steep slopes, dry valleys, and alpine lakes are distributed across varying elevations throughout the area.
The Indian government established this protected area in 1987 to safeguard endangered species and maintain ecological balance in the Ladakh region. This action aimed to preserve the biodiversity of this extreme mountain environment for future generations.
The sanctuary relates to ancient trade routes where Buddhist monasteries and traditional settlements show centuries of human presence in this mountain region. Local herding communities maintain a deep connection to the land, using portions of the area for livestock grazing.
Visitors require special permits and experienced guides to explore the sanctuary, with access primarily during summer months from June to September. The extreme conditions demand good acclimatization, as the terrain sits at very high elevation and weather changes rapidly.
The sanctuary holds around 15 rare medicinal plant species that locals and researchers collect for healing purposes. These plants thrive only under the specific conditions of this harsh highland environment and have shaped local healing traditions.
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