Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary

Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary covers several hundred square kilometres of forest, meadows and rocky slopes along the Mughal Road beyond Shopian. Its most important resident is the markhor — a wild goat with long corkscrew horns — of which the Pir Panjal population is one of very few left in India.

The sanctuary also holds Himalayan black bears, musk deer, leopards and many bird species. For most visitors, the experience is the drive itself: the Mughal Road climbs through the sanctuary towards Peer Ki Gali with dramatic views.

Planning

Seeing markhor requires time, a local guide from the Wildlife Department and patience on the slopes, ideally in winter or spring when they come lower. Casual visitors should treat it as a scenic stretch of the Mughal Road drive.