The  Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttar Pradesh, was established on 1st March, 1955. It spreads over an area of 957.969 sq. Kms. And the altitude varies from 1300 mts. To 6323 mts. The average annual prec ipitation varies from 1000 to 1500 mm., most of which occurs as monsoon rains (july to Sept. ). The entire area of the sanctuary is subj- ected to light to heavy snowfall. The sanctuary forms the upper catchment of Tons river which is the most important tributory of  river Yamuna in its upper reaches. Thus the area has a significant value as  a major watershed for river Yamuna, which is a very important river for the Indo – Gangetic plains.  The area houses a lot of endangered animals and its large area along with the contigeous forests of the neighbouring forest divisions helps in maintaining genetic diversity. The area is very rich in medicinal plants, many of which form the bases for certain  life saving drugs. The scenic beauty of the area is unmatched.

The Snow leopard inhabits the inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 mt. With the on slaught of habitat by man its number dwindled considerably making it a highly endangered species.In the eighth plan, the Govt. of India launched the Snow Leopard Project for the long term conser- vation of this elusive cat. An expert team indentified sites throughout the Himalayas to implement this project and Govind  Wildlife Sanctuary was indentified as one of such sites. 

To further improve the protection of this rare animal, the upper reaches (The Snow leopard habitat ) of the sanctuary were intentionally notified as a National Park which covers an area of 472.08 sq. Kms.

APPROACH AND LOCATION  

The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is located between 35*55 and 31*17’30” latitude and 77*47’ 30” and 78*37’ 30” longitude in Purola tehsil of Uttarakashi district of Garhwal. Naitwar, the entrance and starting point of the sanctuary is approachable on a metalled all weather road. It is at a distance of 200 kms. From Dehradun. It can also be approached from Delhi by taking a 65 kms. Long bifurcation from Naugaon situated on the Delhi – Yamunotri state highway. Daily bus service exists between Dehradun and Naitwar.

WILDLIFE

Over 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds exists in the sanctuary. The important mammals are Snow leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, Musk deer, Bharal, Himalayan Thar, Serow and Common leopard.

.. The endangered birds found in the area are Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snow cock, Golden eagle, Steppe eagle, Black eagle, Bearded vulture. Other important bird groups are pegions, parakeets, cuckoos, owls, minivets, bulbuls, tits, warblers, thrushes, finches, buntings etc.

As in other areas of Himalayas, owing to low density and rugged terrain, the animal sightings are very poor.

PEOPLE  
The sanctuary is a fairly well populated area with 42 villages, some of which  are located, at as high as 2800 mt. Altitude. The population exceeds 13000 (based on 1991 census) and the livestock numbers exceed 75000.The people living in these villages are by and large poor and lead a primitive life. The main occupation of the people of these villages is rearing livestock and practicing marginal agriculture. The villages depend on the forest for many of their basic needs.

The culture and religious practices of the villagers are also unique. The villagers worship the KAURAVAS and DURYODHAN is the main deity. The temples have beautiful wood carvings and are designed in a different style. The temple of Karna at Deora village and the temple at Jakhal village are particularly beautiful.

TOURISM

       The area has always been famous for trekking and mountaineering. The Har-ki-Doon trek is one of the most popular treks in the Himalayas and because of its ease, beauty and infrastructural facilities, it is regarded as a star trek.

THE FOLLOWING TREKS EXIST IN THE AREA :

1. Sankri – Taluka – Osla – Harki Doon ; 38 kms.
2. Sankri – Taluka – Osla – Ruinsara Tal; 40 kms.
3. Naitwar – Himri – Droni – Rupin Pass – Sangla ; 60 kms.
    This trek lies partly in Himanchal Pradesh (Rupin Pass–Sangla)
     and is regarded as difficult trek.
4.Ruinsara Tal – Yamunotri  (High altitude difficult trek); 20 kms.

The Ruinsara catchment has been an important area for high altitude expedition to peaks like block Peak and Banderpunch.

Harki Doon, Ruinsaratal, Deokyara, Kedarkantha and Bhratsar are important places of attraction for the tourists. Swargarohini, Black peak and Banderpunch are the important peaks in the area.

The period from April to June and September to November is suitable for visiting the area.

ACCOMMODATION & CHARGES  

Crockery and utensils are available for cooking in all rest houses. ( Tourist rest houses run by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam exist at Taluka and Osla. Catering facility is available)

RESERVATION AUTHORITY

Wildlife Warden,
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Purola, (Uttarkashi) U.P.
The  information regarding booking of rest houses and trekking can also be obtained from 

Director, Rajaji National Park,
5/1, Ansari Marg, Dehradun – 248001. 

PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING POINTS IN THE SANCTUARY AREA :

1. Do not damage plant & animal life.
2. Do not kindle fire, throw lit matches and cigarette/bidi buds.
3. Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags etc.
4. Do not take fire arms and chemicals harmful to wildlife and 
    vegetation.
5. Do not play radio and tape – recorders etc.

 Any breach of the above directions or rule of the Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park would be penalised under the clause of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.