Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, about 90km west of Srinagar. It is nestled along the northern bank of River Jhelum. The sanctuary derives its name from a nearby village which is also named as ‘Lachipora’. This village is situated in the catchment area of the sanctuary.

Lachipora Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,630-3,300m above sea level. The Maidan Forest forms its southern boundary, the Kakau Forest of the Langet Forest Division forms its northern limit and Bagna Forest forms its eastern boundary. A ceasefire line is located on its western edge. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. Its total area coverage is about 80 sq km.

Flora
Vegetation type: meadows of Alpine pastures, Broadleaf Forests and Coniferous Forests Trees and plants: Persian Walnut, Birch, West Himalayan Fir, Horse Chestnut, Himalayan White Pine, Deodar, Silver Fir, Blue Pine trees, Western Himalayan Spruce, Rhododendron, Juniper, etc.

Fauna
Markhor (a species of wild goat that is found in parts of Pakistan, Kashmir and few other countries).

Avian Fauna
Western Tragopan is the flagship bird species of Lachipora Sanctuary. The IUCN or International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared this bird species as a ‘Vulnerable Species`.

Getting there
The closest airport and railway station are located in Srinagar. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected by road to Srinagar.
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