KEWWestern Himalayan

National Parks & Core Habitats

Premier temperate montane conservation landscape in the Zabarwan Range near Srinagar. World-renowned as the last viable sanctuary for the critically endangered Hangul (Kashmir Stag). Spans a dramatic 2,600m altitudinal gradient from Lower Dachigam riverine scrub to Upper Dachigam alpine crags at Mahadev Peak.

Rugged Pir Panjal and transboundary conservation landscape along the northern bank of the Jhelum River in Baramulla. Established to protect the endangered Flare-horned Markhor and subalpine wildlife corridors. Forms a contiguous habitat complex with Limber and Lachipora Sanctuaries.

Historically designated as City Forest National Park in honor of ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, this urban forest and wetland reserve protected flood absorption basins and migratory flyways on Dal Lake. Later transformed into the Royal Springs Golf Course; preserved in KEW archives as a critical urban ecology case study.

Vast glacial and alpine conservation wilderness in the upper Chenab drainage of Kishtwar district. Encompasses deeply incised gorges, hanging glaciers, high mountain passes, and untouched subalpine forests supporting the westernmost Himalayan population of Snow Leopards and Brown Bears.

The largest national park in India and the premier high-altitude conservation bastion in South Asia. Situated north of the Greater Himalayas in the Zanskar Range of Ladakh, it contains the highest recorded density of Snow Leopards globally and protects ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries within its borders.

UNESCO World Heritage high-altitude conservation landmark located along the adjacent Western Himalayan continuum. Connects directly through trans-ridge passes to the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain corridors, safeguarding pristine alpine meadows, 25 forest types, and the world stronghold of the Western Tragopan.

High-altitude cold desert conservation park in Spiti Valley, forming an unbroken ecological corridor with Ladakh’s Changthang and Zanskar ranges. Serves as a vital sanctuary for the Tibetan Ibex and Snow Leopard within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.

Renowned as the 'Land of Giants', Deosai is the second highest alpine plateau in the world at an average elevation of 4,114 meters. Situated between Skardu, Astore, and Gurez, it protects the most critical surviving population of the endangered Himalayan Brown Bear and pristine alpine wetland complexes like Sheosar Lake.

Straddling the Karakoram alpine crest along the international border in Gojal, Hunza. Established under the recommendation of field biologist Dr. George Schaller to rescue the Marco Polo Sheep from regional extirpation. Encompasses dramatic glaciated passes and high-altitude screes.

The monumental core of the Karakoram Mountain Range and the largest protected area in Pakistan. Home to K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum massifs, and the world's longest non-polar valley glaciers including Baltoro, Biafo, and Godwen-Austen. An unparalleled high-mountain biodiversity and glaciology sentinel.

Pristine Himalayan moist temperate forest and subalpine biodiversity sanctuary in the Neelum-Jhelum catchment of Muzaffarabad district. Internationally recognized by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as one of the most critical global breeding strongholds of the vulnerable Western Tragopan.

High-altitude subalpine forest and glacial landscape in the upper Neelum Valley, linking directly across passes to Kashmir's Gurez Valley and Bandipora ranges. Harboring critical herds of Kashmir Musk Deer, Brown Bears, and rare medicinal flora.