Kullu valley has five wildlife sanctuaries. These are the Great Himalayan National Park, Kais Sanctuary, Khokhan Sanctuary, Manali Sanctuary and Kanawar Sanctuary. These wildlife sanctuaries preserve certain highly endangered species as Western Tragopan, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard and Cheer Pheasant.

Other animal species found in these sanctuaries are Goral, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Civet, Barking Deer, Red Fox, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Snow Leopard Blue Sheep. Among the pheasants Western Tragopan, Monal, Cheer (Catreus Wallichi), Koklass, Kaliz and Himalayan snowcock are found in these sanctuaries.

India's largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus Jemlahicus) has also been reported from Kanawar sanctuary. Out of seven pheasants found in the Western Himalayas, six are found in the Great Himalayan National Park.

The best time to visit these sanctuaries is April to June and September to October as during these months weather is conducive to travel, visibility is good and high reaches are accessible.