Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Sightseeing & Tours

Once upon a time, Binsar was the ancient capital of the Chand Raj dynasty which ruled in the 7th and 8th century. Today, this small sanctuary of only 47 sq kms, situated in the densely forested regions of Himalayas at an altitude of 900 tom 2500 mts is a notified forest reserve and bird sanctuary. The Binsar sanctuary was established primarily to conserve and protect the shrinking broad leaf oak forest of the Central himalayan region. But it also provides shelter for several animal species such as Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Chital, Red Fox, Langur and porcupine. Over 200 bird species inhabit the sanctuary and it has been declared an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. Some of the birds include Forktail, Blackbirds, Laughing Thrush, Kalij Pheasant, Nuthatches, Parakeets and Monal. Apart from rich flora and fauna, the sanctuary's mountainous terrain offers opportunities for exhilarating treks through chir pine forests at the lower level and oak and rhododendron forests at the higher altitude. Also the views from Binsar are spectacular. From a spot called 'Zero Point', it is possible to see panoramic views of gigantic Himalayan peaks such as Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and the Nanda Devi.