Gamgul Siyabehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The high-altitude wildlife sanctuary of Gamgul is located in the Bhandal valley in Salooni tehsil of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. The state of Jammu and Kashmir adjoins it at the northern end. It’s said that this is the only sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh that has reported Kashmir stag. The sanctuary plays host to a small populations of Musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and pheasants. Also, one can spot number of colourful birds in the area. The vegetation is typical to the higher altitude area, and the landscape is interspersed with deodar forests, coniferous forest and alpine pastures. The famous tourist station of Dalhousie is in the vicinity of the sanctuary, which is another reason many foreign and national tourists make it to the Gamgul wildlife sanctuary.
The Gamgul sanctuary is a blessing for trekkers as many trekking facilities are available in the sanctuary and regions adjoining it. Tourists also visit the place in the winters to enjoy the snow and to trek the snow clad hills in the area. Although, the best season to visit the sanctuary is from May to September. All the snow lovers can visit the sanctuary in winters as the major part of it is snow laden which enhances the beauty of deodar forests. The area is well protected and numerous wildlife species can be seen lurking in the meadows. Himalayan black bear is one of the top predators in the area and can be seen during spring post its hibernation. Mangled oak tree tops are a common sighting in spring when bears climb to eat the fruit. The spring enhances the beauty of forests. Growing human population has led to deforestation, which has compelled the wild animals to move further to higher hills.
ESTABLISHED: 1974
AREA: 108.40 Sq Km
LOCATION: District Chamba
ALTITUDE: 2184m to 3916m
CLIMATE: Rain-1150mm Temp: -10 to 35 C
VEGETATION: Western Mixed Coniferous Forests Moist temperate deciduous forests, Kharsu Oak forest, Brich/ Rhododendronn forests and Alpine pastures.
REPORTED FAUNA: Common Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Leopard, Jackal, Goral, yellow-throated marten, Royle’s Pika. Himalayan Palm civet, Musk Deer, Himalayan tahr, Indian Porcupine and common giant flying squirrel. Cheer, Koklas, Himalayan Monal, Variegated Laughting thrush, White-browed Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Yellow-browed ground warbler, Large-billed Leaf-Warbler, Large-crowned Leaf-warbler, green-backed Tit, Spot-winged crested Tit, rufous-billied Crested.
ECO-TOURISM SPOTS: Thathi Dhar, Soun Tith, Galu di Mandi, Gamgul, Siyabehi.
ECO-TREKS: 5km trek from langera to Shuppacholi, Bhandal-Doda-Mandyal - 8Km, Sipacholu to Gamgul - 8Km, Thamru to Bhadro - 3Km, Doda-Mandyal-Thath Dhar-Kalethar - 10 Km, Maklunda-Bhith - 10Km, Maklunda-Galu di Mandi - 10Km.
BEST PERIOD TO VISIT: April-June & September-October
HOW TO REACH: By Road: From Pathankot to Banikhet (73Km) Banikhet to Bhandal via Bhalei, Salooni (88Km). Another route is from Chamba to Bhandal (88Km) Nearest railhead Pathankot (161Km). Nearest Airport: Gaggal Kangra (171Km).
