Manali Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali Sanctuary is a forest reserve in the Himachal mountains that protects populations of musk deer, brown bears, leopards, and snow leopards. The land rises through forested slopes covered with deodar and maple trees, creating a diverse habitat for these species.
The sanctuary gained protected status in 1954, marking an early effort to preserve the forest and its mountain wildlife. This action established formal protection for one of the region's important ecosystems.
The sanctuary hosts a path linking local log huts to Dhungri Temple, where visitors can see how nature and religious practices blend in daily life. This connection shows the importance of the forest to the community beyond just protection.
You can explore the sanctuary on foot using established trails that wind through the forest and offer views of the mountain landscape. The best time to visit is between May and October, when weather is stable and wildlife viewing is easier.
Summer brings herds of Ibex moving through glacier zones while Himalayan martens roam the dense deodar and maple forests. These seasonal movements mean the sanctuary feels different depending on when you visit.
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