Dachigam National Park
Wildlife | Jammu and Kashmir | India
Dachigam National Park consist of some of the most scenic natural beauty present on earth...
Updated On: 8/21/2009
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Dachigam National Park 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. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The best times to explore these two areas are summer and winter respectively. Due to the upper region's extremely harsh winter, the best months for visiting here is between the months of May and August. For the lower region, the ideal time is between September and December but is also equally rewarding in the summer months.

The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care and watchful eye of the Maharaja of J & K and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for it's formation. It was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981. Although it is the last proper home of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, and harbours many rare species within it's borders, it was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar.

Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all it's glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes it's entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive. A major portion of the park is under constant stress from over grazing and encroachments by neighbouring communities. Although the problem is still very much prevalent, it has been controlled to a large extent by the park authorities. A permit from the chief Wildlife Warden is necessary for anyone wanting to enter the park premises.

Wild Life: Musk Deer, Kashmir Stag, Hangul, Leopards, Himalayan Brown Bear, Jackals, Yellow Throated Martens, Hill Fox, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Long Tailed Marmots, Leopard Cats, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Weasel, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Monals, Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Woodpeckers, Minivets, Pygmy Owlets, Babblers, Black and Yellow Grosbeaks, Himalayan Griffons, Redstarts, Bearded Vultures, Red Billed Blue Magpies Choughs, Orange Bullfinch, Tits, Golden Orioles, Kashmir Flycatcher, Tytlers Leaf Warbler, Wagtails, Koklass Pheasants, Himalayan Rubythroats, Wallcreepers, Streaked Laughing Thrushs.

Adventure: Nature walks, Trekking.

May to December

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

By Train
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.

There are few facilities available in the park but permits for these are extremely hard to come by and you also have to go with proper and meticulous preparations. These lodging facilities are available at the Sangargulu Valley in Upper Dachigam and at Gretnar in Lower Dachigam. Due to the park being in such close proximity to Srinagar, majority of the visiting tourist put up at hotels here. Due to this same proximity, it is also possible to take day trips to the park, which is very popular way of touring it. Srinagar, being the capital of the state, has wide range of accommodation facilities but the most popular of the lot are the House Boats available of hire.

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