Kazinag National Park

Kazinag National Park covers 160 sq km north of the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. It was set up near Uri in 1992, chiefly to protect the rare markhor wild goat. The rugged terrain rises from 1,800 to 4,700 metres, with deodar at lower levels, fir and spruce higher up, kail pine throughout, birch near the treeline and alpine meadows on top. Temperatures range from -20 °C in winter to 30 °C in summer.

About 20 mammal species live here, including markhor, Himalayan musk deer, brown and black bears, leopard, marmot and the Kashmir flying squirrel. Some 120 bird species have been recorded, among them the golden eagle, monal and cheer pheasants and the snow pigeon, along with 17 kinds of butterfly such as the regal Apollo. May to September is the best season for birdwatching. Kazinag Mountain, 4,732 m and snow-covered for most of the year, forms part of the Line of Control in Kupwara district.