Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Uttarakhand, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Districts | Forest Division of Uttarakhand |
| Year of Notification | 1978 (Wildlife Protection Act) |
| Total Area | 975.20 sq km |
| Landscape | Sub-alpine temperate broadleaf forest, oak-rhododendron woods, Himalayan fir ridges, alpine Bugyals, and mountain gorges. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Mandakini River, Alaknanda River, and Chorabari Lake |
| Nearest Airport | Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED) / Pantnagar Airport (PGH) – 30 to 85 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) / Haridwar Junction (HW) / Kathgodam (KGM) – 15 to 50 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
Location
The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Uttarakhand region of Uttarakhand. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Uttarakhand.
History
Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Uttarakhand.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an exact area of 975.20 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Sub-alpine temperate broadleaf forest, oak-rhododendron woods, Himalayan fir ridges, alpine Bugyals, and mountain gorges.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Brown Oak (Quercus semecarpifolia), Rhododendron arboreum, Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii)..
Fauna
The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:
- Primary Mammals: Himalayan Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten.
- Predators & Carnivores: Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten.
- Herbivores & Ungulates: Himalayan Musk Deer, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Himalayan Pit Viper, Rock Agama, Mountain Skink, Bamboo Viper.
Other Wild Animals & Avifauna
- Resident Woodland Birds: Himalayan Monal (State Bird), Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Kalij Pheasant.
- Raptors & Owls: Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
- Migratory Species: Wallcreeper, Grandala, Snow Finch, Rosefinch, Altai Accentor.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Mandakini River, Alaknanda River, and Chorabari Lake.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Char Dham pilgrimage shrines, Nainital Lake, Mussoorie Hill Station, Rishikesh Ganges Rafting.
Weather & Climate
Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED) / Pantnagar Airport (PGH) – 30 to 85 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) / Haridwar Junction (HW) / Kathgodam (KGM) – 15 to 50 km
- Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal season for visiting Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.
Accommodation
Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Uttarakhand.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Uttarakhand.
Visitor Tips
Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.
Did You Know?
- Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
- Preserves key wildlife species including Himalayan Musk Deer and native avifauna.
- Covers an exact area of 975.20 sq km along the Mandakini River watershed.
Last Updated: August 2026