If you love your mountains with birdsong rather than car horns, Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary is a rewarding, low-key day trip from Naggar. It sits above the old village of Khokhan on the far side of the valley near Kullu, protecting a swathe of oak, pine and deodar forest that climbs from around 1,500 m to nearly 2,800 m. It sees a fraction of the visitors of the famous valleys, which is exactly the point.
What you'll find
The sanctuary is home to a genuinely varied cast of Himalayan wildlife. Patient walkers may spot barking deer, ghoral, Himalayan black bear country (from a safe distance), and a rich birdlife that includes the dazzling monal — Himachal's state bird — along with various pheasants and forest species. Even if the animals stay hidden, as they often do, the walk itself through cool, mossy forest is reward enough, and the ridge trails open onto wide views of the Kullu and Mandi valleys.
How to reach Khokhan
Khokhan lies roughly 19 km from Kullu town. From Naggar, drive down the valley towards Kullu and Bhuntar; the village is reachable by road, after which the sanctuary is explored on foot. Bhuntar, with the region's airport, is only about 10 km from Kullu, so this corner is easy to combine with valley-floor errands. Treat the outing as a relaxed day: an early start gives you the best chance of wildlife and the softest light.
Practical tips
- Best season: March to June and September to November. Early mornings are best for birds and animals.
- Go with a guide: a local guide vastly improves your chances of spotting and identifying wildlife, and knows the trails.
- Pack for the forest: sturdy shoes, layers, water, and binoculars if you have them. Keep noise and litter to a minimum.
- Check access: forest sanctuaries can have entry formalities or seasonal restrictions, so ask locally before setting off.
Khokhan is one of those places that rewards slowing down — perfect after a night in the hills rather than a dash from the plains. Ghar in the Hills, our homestay in Naggar, makes an easy base for early starts towards the sanctuary and a warm dinner when you're back.
Want a Himachal trip with more birdsong and fewer crowds? Base yourself in Naggar and let quiet forests like Khokhan fill a day. Book your stay at Ghar in the Hills and wake up ready to explore.