Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary in Askot
· Summer: (15°C-30°C) Cool and pleasant
· Winter: (0°C-24°C) Chilly weather and heavy snowfall.
· Monsoon: August-November. Light to moderate rainfall.
Best time to visit:
April-September
Opening Time: 06:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Located close to the borders between India and Nepal and Tibet, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is no less than a paradise for the wildlife explorers. Established primarily to conserve the rare musk deer specie, the sanctuary is home to many other wild-lives like snow leopard, civet cat, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, serow, goral, macaques and many more. A number of high altitude birds like snow cock, cormorants, chukors, monals, pheasants, darter and eagles can also be spotted here.
The place is also popular for its exquisite natural splendour, as one can enjoy spellbinding views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Panchchuli and Chhiplakot. The sanctuary also acts as the origination point of many rivers and streams that render the place inimitably beautiful. Sprawling forest covers accommodate pine, sal, oak and many other varieties of trees.
Warnings:
Avoid making noise and don’t spoil the place with waste or leftover food.
Connectivites
Road:
The sanctuary is accessible by hill roads that lead to time-consuming journey. Askot is located on the very popular Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage Route.
Railway:
Tanakpur meter gauge Railway Station (about 200 km. away) is the closest railhead. One can also find good rail connectivity at Kathgodam broad gauge Railway Station (about 268 km. away).
Airway:
Naini-Saini Airstrip (about 48 km. away) with limited air connectivity is the closest air access point. An alternative is available in the form of Pantnagar Airport which is about 295 km. away.