CHURDHAR SANCTUARY
Location: Solan Valley, Shimla District
Area: 56.15-km.
Speciality: Musk Deer & Monal
Best Season: April-June & October-November

Churdhar peak, with height of 3,647m, is the highest peak in outer Himalayas. It is like an Oasis of Alpine area in an ocean of temperate forests. The view from Churdhar peak is un-paralled. The sanctuary got its name from the Chur Peak, on the top of which sits a majestic status of Lord Shiva. One is sure to come across a large number of multi-coloured and agile Monals in the adjoining forests.

The total covered area of this sanctuary is 5616 hectares and this is notified on 15th November 1985. This is one of the newest sanctuaries of the State. Now at the point of local extinction, Churdhar still contains good habitat for Monals and other pheasants. Other fauna includes Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Common Langur and Leopards but Musk Deer has been severely depleted by hunting.

TREKKING

This is an excellent area for trekking during summer and early winters. Trekking from Nohra, Sarain and Pulbahal are tough but enjoyable.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major domestic airlines cater their services from here to Shimla . One can catch direct flights from Delhi .

Rail: Shimla has a narrow gauge railway line on which toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla. The train cruises its way through valleys and beautiful landscapes at a very slow pace making the journey very pleasant. From Kalka one can take trains to other parts of the country. The Toy train from Shimla is of two types- one is the normal multi coach train and the other is the single car train, which has a glass roof giving an enthralling experience during the journey.

Road: Roads connect this capital city of Himachal with other places in the state as well as other major towns and cities. There is regular bus service from Delhi and Chandigarh as well as ordinary, semi deluxe, deluxe and AC coaches for Shimla are available too. One can also cross over to Leh and Ladakh via Rohtang pass from here.