The Garhwal region is rich in wildlife. In today's overpopulated world, wildlife is not visible as easily as before. However, as people keep reminding you, it is there.

It is a common sight for trekkers to come across the Bharal -- the Himalayan blue sheep -- grazing in the alpine pastures. However, in spite of of its name, the Bharal is neither blue nor a sheep. It is a cross between a sheep and a goat, but is larger than either. They move around steep crumbly mountainsides, and move about in large herds. As a result, it is usually only the trekkers who get to see these animals. Higher up, and if one is lucky, one may even catch sight of the Ibex.

The area around Kedarnath is known for the elusive dog-like Moschus Moschiferus, or the Musk Deer. The Musk deer occupies a position somewhere between deer and antelope. Its distinguishing features include dog-like canines extending outside the mouth of the male. They are reclusive animals and generally hang out in solitary pairs, keeping to the dense undergrowth. Even more elusive are creatures like the leopards, the lynx and the mysterious snow leopard. Monkeys, however, are quite common, and they can be spotted swarming through the trees at many of the popular hill resorts.

Sometimes, high up in the skies, the largest bird in the Himalayas can be spotted -- the Lammergeier, basking in the heated rocks.