Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, houses amidst its greens, the Askot Sanctuary, which adds more dazzle to its already splendid beauty. Lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 5412 ft, snow-capped mountain peaks and fine temples are an integral part of Pithoragarh. The highlights of the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors.