Gamgul Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh Gamgul Sanctuary

A high-altitude sanctuary harbouring small populations of Musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and pheasants. This is the only sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh which has reported the presence of Kashmir stag, though none have been observed in the last few years. The sanctuary is under severe human pressure and is heavily grazed. Its northern boundary adjoins the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gamgul Sanctuary Area and Zoning :

10,885.40 ha. ( 108.85 sq. km ). No zoning.

Location of Gamgul Sanctuary :

District Chamba; Latitudinal range 32°49´ to 32°52´ N; Longitudinal range 75°52´ to 75°57´E; Nearest Town Chamba ( 75 km ); Nearest railhead Pathankot ( 195 km ).

Gamgul Sanctuary Approaches

From Delhi to Pathankot ( Train / Road 485 km ), on to Chamba ( 80 km ), and from Chamba to via Saluni to Bhandal ( inside the sanctuary ) ( 80 km ). Shimla to Chamba ( 370 km ), and on by same route as above.

Topography and Climate of Gamgul

Altitude 1800 to 3919 m; Temperature –10°C to 35°C; Mean annual rainfall 1430.2 mm. Mean anstnual snowfall 1143 mm.

Flora in Gamgul Sanctuary

Forest type include Moist Deodar Forest 12/C1 ( c ), Western Mixed Coniferous Forest 12/C1 ( d ), and Alpine Pastures 15/C3.

Fauna in Gamgul Sanctuary

Mammals Bear, Himalayan Black Ibex Bear, Brown Langur, Common Cat, Leopard Deer, Musk Weasel, Himalayan Fox, Indian / Red Serow Goral Tahr, Himalayan Macaque, Rhesus Marmot, Longtailed Cat, Jungle,Marten Mouse-hare, Himalayan Shrew, Grey Deer, Barking Vole, Royle’s Weasel, Himalayan Shrew, Grey Deer, Barking Shrew, Grey Deer, Barking Squirrel, Common Giant Flying Jackal.

Gamgul Sanctuary Birds :

Common Name	Scientific Name
Babbler	Jungle Turdoides striatus
Babbler	Redbilled Stachyris pyrrhops
Barbet	Crimsonthroated Megalaima rubricapilla
Barbet	Great Hill megalaima virens
Bea - eater	Green Merops orientalis
Bul - Bul	Black Hypsipetes madagascariensis
Bul - Bul	Redvented Pycnonotus cafer
Bul - Bul	White cheeked Pycnonotus leucogenys
Bunting	Crested Melophus lathami
Bunting	Greyheaded Emberiza fucata
Buzzard	Honey Pernis ptilorhyncus
Buzzard-eagle	White-eyed Butastur teesa
Chat	Blue Erithacus brunneus

Gamgul Sanctuary Information for Visitors

The best period for visting the sanctuary are March-April, and there are two rest houses inside with a total of 4 beds, and two in the outskirts with a total of 2 beds.

Contact Address of Gamgul Sanctuary :

DFO ( WL ) Chamba Division, Chamba – 176 310 Himachal Pradesh Deputy Range Officer ( WL ), P.O. Bhandal, Tehsil Chauraha District Chamba Himachal Pradesh.