Location

Pong Dam Lake Bird Sanctuary is geographically located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Accessible from Pathankot or Dharamshala.

History and Year of Notification

The sanctuary was officially notified in 1983 (Ramsar Site 2002) under Indian wildlife conservation frameworks. Created in 1975 across Beas River, notified a sanctuary in 1983, and a Ramsar Site in 2002.

Landscape, Geography and Habitat

Reservoir lake surrounded by muddy shorelines, shallow bays, and Shivalik pine foothills.

Flora and Bird Species

Bar-headed Goose (hosts 40% of global population), Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, and Cormorant.

Other Wild Animals & Wildlife

Barking Deer (Muntjac), Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard, Smooth-coated Otter, Golden Jackal, and Indian Porcupine.

Rivers and Water Bodies

The sanctuary’s ecosystem is sustained by: Beas River snowmelt fed reservoir (Maharana Pratap Sagar).

Other Attractions Nearby

Key tourist attractions and historical sites near Pong Dam Lake Bird Sanctuary include: Ranser Island (boat trip), Bathu ki Ladi submerged temples (15 km), Kangra Fort (45 km), Masroor Rock Cut Temples (25 km).

Weather and Climate

Warm summers (22°C to 35°C) and cold winters (5°C to 18°C).

How to Reach (Airport & Railway Access)

• Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport Gaggal (DHM) – 40 km / Pathankot Airport (IXP) – 70 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Junction (PTK) – 70 km / Mukerian (MEX) – 30 km
• Road Connectivity: Accessible from Pathankot or Dharamshala.

Best Time for Birdwatching

The optimal window to explore Pong Dam Lake Bird Sanctuary is between November to March.

Accommodation

HPTDC Hotel Pong View, Forest Rest Houses.. Visitors are advised to book official state government eco-tourism stays in advance.