Askot
Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India • 29.77°N, 80.37°E
📖 About Askot
- ✦Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary spans 600 sq km between 800m and 3,800m elevation
- ✦Gateway to remote treks like Panchachuli Base Camp and Chiplakot Pass at 4,300m
- ✦January minimum temperatures drop to -14.1°C (6.6°F) with heavy snowfall above 2,000m
- ✦Limited accommodation options - most trekkers stay in Dharchula 35 km away
The Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary covers 600 sq km of mixed forests and alpine meadows between 800m and 3,800m, protecting the endangered Himalayan musk deer, snow leopards, and black bears. Askot village sits at the sanctuary's lower boundary, 822m above sea level, along the Gori Ganga river valley. The sanctuary extends north to the Nepal border and east to the Darma valley, with dense oak, rhododendron, and pine forests giving way to high-altitude grasslands. Most visitors use Askot as a base for multi-day treks deeper into the sanctuary, particularly the Panchachuli massif routes.
The sanctuary was notified in 1986 primarily to protect the musk deer population, hunted nearly to extinction for its musk pod used in perfumes. The area holds historical importance as part of the ancient salt trade route between Tibet and Kumaon. Local Shauka tribal communities traditionally practiced transhumance here, moving herds between valleys seasonally. The sanctuary's altitude range creates distinct vegetation zones - sal forests below 1,200m, oak and rhododendron between 1,800m and 3,000m, and alpine meadows above 3,500m where bharal (blue sheep) graze in summer months.
The sanctuary suits experienced trekkers comfortable with basic facilities and multi-day walks at altitude. Road access ends at Askot village - beyond this, only foot trails exist. Mobile connectivity disappears past Dharchula, 35 km south. The nearest ATM operates in Dharchula, and no shops sell trekking supplies in Askot itself.
🎯 Things to Do in Askot
The base camp trek starts from Dharchula, 35 km south, following the Gori Ganga river through oak forests to Nagling village at 2,400m, then climbing to base camp at 4,200m over 6-7 days roundtrip. You need a forest permit from the Pithoragarh DFO office (around Rs 500 per person, confirm locally — rates vary by season) and must hire a local guide - no marked trail exists beyond Nagling. Groups often encounter delays waiting for permits, and porters charge Rs 800-1,000 per day for supplies.
Oak and rhododendron forests between 1,800m and 2,500m offer the best chance to spot barking deer, ghoral, and occasionally musk deer at dawn between March and May. Entry requires a sanctuary permit from the Askot range office (Rs 150 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners, confirm locally — rates vary by season), and you must take a forest guard (Rs 500-800 per day). Musk deer sightings remain rare - guides estimate one sighting per 15-20 trips.
Chiplakot Pass at 4,300m lies 28 km north of Askot, accessible via a 3-day trek through Baling village and high meadows with views of Api and Nampa peaks. The trail crosses snow patches even in May - carry micro-spikes and warm layers for -5°C (23°F) night temperatures at campsites. Local shepherds use this route in June-September, but October onward heavy snow closes the pass until April.
The river valley road from Askot runs 20 km north to Baling and Gunji villages near the Tibet border, passing through terraced farms and traditional Shauka settlements. Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit from the Pithoragarh SDM office (apply 4 weeks ahead with passport copies) to travel beyond Baling. The road deteriorates past Askot - only high-clearance vehicles manage the route, and landslides block it during July-August monsoon.
Mixed forests around Askot village between 800m and 1,500m host Himalayan griffon, koklass pheasant, and various warblers most active March-May mornings. Walk the 6 km forest trail toward Dhuli village starting at dawn (no entry fee for daytime walks outside core sanctuary). Sightings drop sharply June-August when monsoon mist reduces visibility, and most migratory species leave by October.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -14.1 | 9.7 | 28 | 56% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -13.4 | 11.7 | 56 | 58% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -11.3 | 14.7 | 47 | 64% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.8 | 17.0 | 75 | 60% |
| May | 🌦️ | 0.2 | 19.4 | 96 | 65% |
| Jun | 🌤️ | 3.6 | 21.5 | 75 | 72% |
| Jul | 🌦️ | 7.9 | 21.0 | 149 | 86% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 8.0 | 19.5 | 112 | 87% |
| Sep | 🌤️ | 4.1 | 19.1 | 78 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -1.8 | 16.9 | 40 | 68% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -6.7 | 13.8 | 6 | 54% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -11.6 | 11.9 | 12 | 45% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Pithoragarh region, not exclusively Askot. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Askot
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for -14.1°C (6.6°F) winter minimums and 21.5°C (70.7°F) summer maximums at 822m elevation - fleece layers, a down jacket for high-altitude camps, waterproof trekking boots, and rain gear for monsoon months July-August when 149mm falls. Nights above 3,000m drop below freezing even in May.
Book sanctuary permits and Inner Line Permits (for areas near Tibet border) 4 weeks ahead through Pithoragarh District Forest Office - email [[email protected]] or visit the office on Mall Road. Peak trekking season March-May and September-October sees permit processing delays of 7-10 days.
The 87 km road from Pithoragarh to Askot via Dharchula has single-lane stretches and steep drops - hire a local driver familiar with the route or use a high-clearance SUV. Shared jeeps from Dharchula leave 7:00-8:00 AM only, returning around 2:00 PM. Landslides during monsoon July-August close the road for hours or days.
Dharchula 35 km south has the nearest ATMs (State Bank, Punjab National Bank on main bazaar road) - carry enough cash as no ATMs exist in Askot. UPI works intermittently on BSNL in Askot village but fails completely on treks. No shops accept cards. Stock up on trekking supplies, packaged food, and medicines in Pithoragarh before heading north.
Askot has 3-4 basic guesthouses charging Rs 400-800 per night with shared bathrooms and no heating (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Most trekkers prefer PWD Rest House or Forest Rest House - book through Pithoragarh DFO office 2 weeks ahead. Dharchula offers more choice with hotels from Rs 800-2,500 near the Nepal bridge market area.
📍 More Places in Pithoragarh
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Askot
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Askot covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Askot is located in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 822 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.