Dachigam National Park

Location: 22-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K

Area : 141-sq-kms.

Altitude :1700-4300 metres.

Climate :Winter minimum 10 degrees,

 Summer maximum 32 degrees.

Best time To Visit: Upper Dachigam - May-August; Lower Dachigam - September- December.

History of Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, at a distance of approximately 22 km from the Srinagar district. It is spread over an area of 141 sq km and boasts of some of the most beautiful locales in the country. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir was set up in the year 1910, under the management of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir. The upgradation of the sanctuary to the status of a national park took place in the year 1981.

The wide variation in the altitude of Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of India, from 5500 ft to 14000 ft, has led to its division into two parts, upper region and lower region. The upper region, known as Upper Dachigam, faces extremely harsh winters and is best visited in the months of May to August. Lower Dachigam can be visited any time of the year. But, it is best to go there in the months of September to December. You need to take a permit from the chief Wildlife Warden before visiting the park.

Sightseeing in Dachigam National Park

Flora

Flanked by high ridges on both the sides, Dachigam National Park of India is situated amidst the western Himalayas. The landscape of the park ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. The mountainsides are covered with coniferous forests, dotted with alpine pastures, surging meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation. The grasslands and meadows stand covered with beautiful flowers throughout the year, except the winter season. Marsar Lake, running through the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir, is the perfect place to catch trout fish. The wild trees found in the park comprise of Oak, Apricot, Poplar, Wild Cherry, Birch, Walnut, Pear, Elm, Plum, Apple, Chestnut, Willow, Chinar, Pine and Peach.

Wildlife

Dachigam National Park of Jammu & Kashmir is the last proper habitat of the Hangul, also known as the Kashmir Stag. While visiting this park, you may also come across Musk Deer, Langur, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, etc.

Birds Species

Dachigam National Park provides home to as many as 150 species of birds. The most popular ones include Black Bulbul, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Paradise Flycatcher, Western Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, Golden Oriole, Grey Heron, Koklas, etc. The best time to enjoy the rich bird life of the park is from March to May.

How To Reach Dachigam National Park

By Air : The nearest town and airport is Srinagar 22-km away.

By Rail : It is 310-km from Jammu, the nearest railway station.

By Road : A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached on foot.

Important Tips for Travellers

* The climate in this part of the country can  get extremely cold, therefore it is advisable for the travellers to carry heavy woollen clothing.

* There is no entry fee to the park, however, the timings are 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

* A special permit from the chief wildlife warden is required before entering the park.