Dachigam National Park beautiful reserve is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, the capital city of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers consisting of some of the most scenic natural beauty present on Earth. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level.
Dachigam National Park:
Dachigam National Park located very close to Srinagar (22km) with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery, is easily accessible. The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km. and altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam .The Park is the habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red deer to be found in India.
Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they Musk deer congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. Colourful pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with its glittering plumage, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard which is found in the higher altitudes.Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Wild Attractions:
The Park is a natural habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of Red Deer to be found in India. Winter makes the best time to view the hangul, when they gather together in the shelter of the lower valleys. Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers. Other inhabitants of this wild hub include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the Markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. Colourful pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with its glittering plumage, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeier can also be seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard, the only predator of this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare Musk Deer and the Himalayan marmot.
General lnformation:
Best time to visit :
May-Aug. Upper Dachigam Sept.-Dec. Lower Dachigam
Accommodation :
Lodges and Rest Houses or Hotels in Srinagar.
Nearest town :
Srinagar (22 km)
How to get there :
Air-Srinagar (22 km) Rail-Jammu (200 km)
