Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary covers about 31 sq km of thick coniferous and broad-leaved forest on the ridge that carries the road from Dalhousie to Khajjiar and Chamba. 'Kalatop' means black cap, for the dark forest crown of the hill. It is one of the more accessible protected forests in Himachal: a forest checkpost on the road, marked trails through the deodars, and a Forest Rest House dating from British times. Wildlife includes Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, serow and pheasants such as the kalij, though dense cover makes sightings a matter of luck.

1. Drive from Dalhousie towards Khajjiar; the Kalatop checkpost is about 6 km along, near Lakkarmandi.
2. From the checkpost it is a walk of a few kilometres through the forest to the Kalatop rest house and viewpoint.
3. Nearest railhead is Pathankot (~85 km); Dalhousie is the usual base.

March to June and September to November for clear trails and views towards the Pir Panjal. Winter brings snow; the monsoon brings leeches.

• Entry is through the forest checkpost, where there is a small fee and an entry register.
• Trails are easy to follow but you walk in bear country — make noise and avoid dawn and dusk alone.
• The Forest Rest House can sometimes be booked through the divisional forest office in Chamba/Dalhousie.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.