Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Jammu in Jammu
· Summer: March-May (24°C - 39°C)
· Winter: November-February (-2°C - 20°C)
· Monsoon: June-August
Best time to visit:
September-May
Opening Time: Sunrise
Closing Time: Sunset
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: Nil
Children:
Nil
Cameras: Nil
Video Camera: Nil
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
Nil
Children:
Nil
Cameras:
Nil
Video Camera:
Nil
Introduction
The high altitude Kishtwar National Park represents the matchless natural splendour and exotic wealth of Himalayan flora and fauna. Spread over 400 sq. km. and with altitude range between 1,700 and 4,800 m., the park enjoys mesmerizing backdrop of Himalayan peaks glittering with snow. The park serves as an abode for unique creatures like Kashmiri stag (hangul), musk deer, snow leopard, brown bear, black bear, Indian gerbil, cape hare, ibex, rhesus macaque, markhor, langur and many more.
It is also home to a variety of birds, the most spotted ones being griffon vulture, golden oriole, paradise flycatcher and mynah. The park is beautified by the long arrays of deodar, cedar and blue pine trees. Meadows and scrubs as well as granite and marble rock beds further extend the natural beauty of the place. There are huge glacier masses and gushing rivers that leave the visitors enchanted. You can enjoy thrilling trekking adventures while exploring each of these marvels.
Kishtwar is also famous for numerous Hindu shrines and Muslim tombs, attracting a lot of pilgrims. Another noteworthy attraction is the group of Paddar mines where valuable blue sapphires are extracted.
Connectivites
Road:
The road from Jammu passes through the town of Kishtwar and has connectivity till Ikhala. From here, one must trek or hire a horse ride to reach the park. Prefer to travel the road in a SUV. Bus services are available till a place called Palmer.
Railway:
Jammu Railway Station is some 230 km. from the town of Kishtwar. It is recommended to hire a taxi, preferably an SUV, to cover this long road journey from the station.
Airway:
Jammu also has the closest airport to the town at a distance of about 230 km. Taxis are available at the airport for further road connectivity.