Major Attractions :Hangul (Kashmiri Stag), Musk Deer, Leopards, Himalayn Gray Langurs and Himalayan Weasel.
Area Covered :141 sq. Km.
Ideal Time to Visit the Park : Upper Dachigam : May - August,. Lower Dachigam : September - December.
Dachigam National Park remains closed between January and April. Special permits are required to visit this part of India.
Nearest Attractions :Vaishno Devi and Patnitop Hill Resort.
Some Major Accesses : Srinagar(22km) and Jammu(200km)
Things to Know
Where is the Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park sets in unblemished bewitching scenic surrounds of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The national park is located at a distance of 22km from Srinagar. The park is enclosed by two ridges with a great variety of flora and fauna. The splendid forests of Dachigam are divided into two parts – Upper and Lower Dachigam.
The Climate in the Dachigam National Park
The two parts of Dachigam National Park are located at varraying altitude of 1700m to 4300 m above the sea level. Winters can be dead chilly here while visiting park during the summer months can be enthralling. The maximum temperature here during the summer season reaches upto 14degree centigrade while in winters it is as low as 2 degree centigrade. Dachigam remains closed during the months between January and April.
Important Dates in the Dachigam's History
Dachigam has been declared as a protected area under Government of India since 1910. Previously, the park was auspices of king of Jammu and Kashmir. The inception of idea of such a park was to ensure clean drinking water for the City of Srinagar. But the whole aura of the place was such that it was decided to upgrade this park to a National Park. Dachigam national Park stands today as a treasure trove of some of the rarest species animals in India. Among them, the most prominent is Hangul or Kashmiri Stag.
The Ecological System in the Dachigam National Park
The Flora in Dachigam National Park
Coniferous forests cover a large area in Dachigam National Park. The mountainsides of the forest are thickly covered with wild trees. Running don the mountain's face are the alpine pastures, watrefalls, scrub vegetation with deep gullies and undulating meadows forms the flora here. You will find equisite variety of flowers which cover most of the terrain, except for the winters which are cold dry. One of the important lake of the region is Maskar Lake which flows out of Dagwan river. The wild tree variety here include: Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm.
The Fauna in the Dachigam National Park
Dachigam boasts of housing some of the rarest species of the world. Most eminent of all is Hangul or the Kashmiri Stag. Musk Deer, leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Leopard Cats, Asiatic Black Bear, Jackals, Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Martens, Jungle Ctas, Long Tailed Marmots are the other important species that inhibit this place.
The Avi-fauna in the Dachigam National Park
With onset of every new season, the bird life of the park also changes. Among the major birds here, some of these are : Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Himalayan Flycatcher, Lammergeier, Black and Yellow Grosbeaks and Himalayan Rubythroats.
Safaris in the Dachigam National Park
Jeep & Elephant Safari
Enjoy the picturesque forests and snow covered mountains along the vivid flora and fauna of this park. Since this park is located in scenic surroundings of Kashmir, it comes as a privilege to enjoy a mix of flora, fauna and natural beauty through jeep and elephant safaris at Dachigam. Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari trips are organized for tiger tracking early in the morning.
Dachigam National Park Travel Circuit
Delhi - Sringar - Dachigam - Srinagar
How to Reach the Dachigam National Park
Air : Srinagar Airport is located at a distance of 22km and hence is a good access point.
Rail :The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 200 kms away from Dachigam National Park.
Road :The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot.
