This National Park is located in the Kishtwar region on a plateau above the Chenab River. One prominent feature of this region is the cultivation of saffron, which occurs for a limited period of time.
Kishtwar National Park is 400-500 square kilometers in size and is known for its rich flora and fauna. This wildlife park was established largely to preserve snow leopards.
Apart from snow leopards, the area is also home to musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and brown bears. This location is excellent for nature lovers who will be powerless to resist its allure.
Kishtwar National Park is home to some of the most diverse flora and wildlife on the planet. Here you can discover around 50 kinds of birds as well as a large variety of creatures to explore and learn about the huge and diverse life that our world possesses. This location must provide a plethora of possibilities for photographers to capture breathtaking images of nature’s raw beauty.
History of Kishtwar National Park
Kishtwar National Park was established on February 4, 1981, and is surrounded by vast valleys and beautiful mountains, displaying nature’s hidden grandeur. Since the announcement, it has gained considerable traction among local tourists.
There appear to be several references to this place (Kishtwar) in historical texts. Rajatarangini, a 12th-century Sanskrit text, is one of them.
Flora & Fauna
Kishtwar is not the only high-altitude nature reserve, but its diversity of flora and animals sets it apart.
The park’s vegetation is diverse due to geography, temperature, and altitude. AESCULUS INDICA, WALNUT JUGLANS REGIA, POPULUS CILIATA, HAZEL CORYLUS CORNUTA, BIRD CHERRY PADUS CORNUTA, ASH FRAXINUS CORNUTA, and YEW TAXUS WALLICHIANA grow at the lower altitudes (1700-2400 m). The sub-alpine zone (3000-3700 m) includes SILVER FIR AND HIMALAYAN BIRCH WOODS.
Kishtwar National Park has DEODAR, CHILGOZA, PINUS WALLICHIANA, and ENGLISH WALNUT TREES. It has shrubs like PARROTIOPSIS JACQUEMONTIANA and DESMODIUM ELEGANS as well as Plantae like DIPSACUS MITIS and COMMON MUGWORT.
The park is well-known for its snow leopard reserves. Furthermore, it is home to BROWN BEAR, HIMALAYAN MUSK DEER, KASHMIR STAG, STEINBOCK, WILD BOAR, INDIAN MUNTJAC, SEROW, HIMALAYAN TAHR, BHARAL, and other species.
The HIMALAYAN JUNGLE CROW, GRIFFON VULTURE, BEARDED VULTURE, GOLDEN ORIOLE, PARADISE FLYCATCHER, WHITE CHEEKED BULBUL, and INDIAN MYNAH are the main avifauna (bird) species among fifty.
Climate and Rainfall
The seasons are divided into three categories: summer, autumn, and winter. The highest portions of the National Park are distinguished by a harsh and extensive winter season, as well as a limited summer season in comparison.
The environment becomes warmer and softer as one descends towards the lower levels. Sleet and snowfall are most common in December and January, but they can also occur in November, February, and March.
During the winter, the National Park is completely covered with snow. During the dry summer months, snow accumulated on the highest peaks and exposures, providing water for at least nine months to the different nullah.
Between December and April, it mainly rains. Monsoons are often late and feeble in the region. Annual precipitation averages approximately 920 millimeters.
Summer brings plenty of sunlight and just a trace of rain, while winter brings plenty of snow and only a trace of rain. Winter conditions are harsh due to a mix of geographical factors and the influence of west unrest. Often, the wind is modest to moderate.
Major Attractions In And Around Kishtwar National Park
1. Pensi La
Pensi La lies at an elevation of 4200m. It is a popular tourist destination in the vicinity of Kishtwar National Park and is well-known as the gateway to the Suru Valley from the Zanskar Valley.
In terms of flora diversity, you’ll discover a profusion of medicinal plants here. With all of this, Kishtwar National Park is a wildlife explorer’s and photographer’s paradise.
-
Drang Drung Glacier
Drang-Drung glacier, one of the largest in the country, gives breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. Padum’s Drang-Drung glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region (Zanskar).
-
Daksum
Daksum is a picturesque picnic place in Jammu and Kashmir, located at an elevation of 2,438 meters above sea level around 40 kilometers southeast of Anantnag and at an elevation of 2,438 meters above sea level.
It is a trekker’s dream, with coniferous forests, bubbling streams, and hidden grassy meadows, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful sound of the flowing Bringi River. Daksum is also well-known for its trout fishing.
-
Suru Valley
Suru Valley is well-known for its lush greenery and azure waters. In addition, it is a well-known trekking destination for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
This region is home to a number of well-known tourist sites, including the Phokar rock carvings, the Suru River, and the Panikhar villages, to name a few.
-
Panikhar
Panikhar, which is located at the extreme far end of the Suru valley, is mostly known for the presence of a destroyed fort that was built by Zorawar Singh in the 16th century. You will be able to experience some of the most breathtaking views of the Nun Kun Mountains from this location.
How To Reach Kishtwar National Park
This park is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, which contributes to its popularity as a tourist destination in and of itself. The distance between major cities is about 700 miles from the Capital of India, New Delhi. The distance between Mumbai and the location is 2100 kilometers, Kolkata – 2300 kilometers & from Bengaluru it is 2900 kilometers.
The Kishtwar National Park may be reached by following the directions provided below.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (IXJ), located around 250 kilometers from the park. This airport offers excellent flight connections to adjacent and large Indian cities, however, it is only capable of handling domestic aircraft. It is India’s 27th busiest airport. To get here from the airport, you’ll need to hire a cab.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu, approximately 200-220 kilometers from Kishtwar National Park. It has always been reasonably well linked to neighboring and larger cities. Jhelum Express, Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, and Udhampur AC Express are all excellent rail choices for reaching here. To get here from the station, you’ll need to take a cab or a bus.
By Road
Up to Ikhala, the road is well constructed, from where bus services are available. However, if you are an adventure seeker, you may choose to attempt the road journey to Kishtwar.
Traveling From Jammu – 214 km via NH44 | Udhampur – 148 km via NH244 | Chamba – 213 km via NH244
Things To Know:
- Carry trekking shoes, a raincoat, and light clothes while going on a hike during the warmer months (March to May). Carry hiking shoes, thick woolens, and waterproof windcheaters for winter trekking (September to February).
- In Kishtwar National Park, the months of September through May are ideal for wildlife sightings and birding.
- Forest Rest Houses may be found in Ikhala, Sounder, Sirshi, and Yourdu (Marwah).