KIBBER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the left bank of the river Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The
sanctuary is nestled over a peak of limestone rock, close to Kibber village. It was declared as a
wildlife sanctuary in 1992. Kibber sanctuary is perceived as the only wildlife sanctuary in the country
that is situated in a cold desert.
Flora
Forest type: Dry temperate forest, alpine forest with patches of grasslands.
Major species: joint-pine, Indian Rhubarb, Rhodiola, Caragana, Rhododendrons, Junipers, etc.
Medicinal plants: Aconitum rotundifolium, Budagur, Himalayan Marsh Orchid, Himalayan Gentian,
etc.
Fauna
Snow leopard, Ibex, Himalayan wolf, blue sheep, Tibetan hare, etc
Avian Fauna
Himalayan snow cock, Himalayan billed chough, griffons, bearded eagle, etc
How to Get There
Nearest airport is situated in Kullu, about 230 km. Closest railway station is in Shimla, 427 km. Taxis
and HRTC bus are available from Kaza to Kibber. HRTC bus services can be availed only between the
months of July and September.
Tourist Information
Numerous private and government guest houses are available in and around the sanctuary for the
accommodation. Home stay and camping facilities are also available in Kibber village.
Besides wildlife spotting, mountaineering, trekking and nature photography are major activities of
the visitors in the forest. Dandmachan Peak is quite popular with the mountaineers and trekkers.
Kye, Dhankar and Tangyud monasteries are situated inside the wildlife sanctuary. Purang Pass is an
important place of interest for the tourists, near the sanctuary. Visitors can also enjoy the views of
the Chau Chau Khang Nilda and Chau Chau Khanamo peaks from Kibber Sanctuary. Always wear
comfortable warm clothes and strong shoes and carry sunscreen and enough provision of food and
water during your visit. Avoid visiting the sanctuary during the winter months as the region
experiences heavy snowfall and zero degree temperatures.
Additional Information
Location: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
Area: about 1400 sq km
Altitude: approx. 4,000 - 5,600 m above mean sea level
Average temperature: -32°C (winter) / 25°C (summer)
Best time to visit: July to mid-October
Inaccessible: October to April (winter season)
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