Dachigam National Park Travel Essentials
Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: April to October Read More
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"Hangul Sanctuary in Kashmir Valley"
Dachigam National Park Tourism
With lush green environs, beautiful flora and some of the rarest fauna, Dachigam National Park, in Jammu and Kashmir is a natural treasure.
Dachigam stands for 'ten villages', which is kept in memory of the ten village communities that had to be relocated to create the catchment area and the park.
Situated 22km from the main town of Srinagar, the national park is India's most elevated forest reserve at an altitude of 1700m to 4300m above sea level and is spread over a sprawling 141 sqkms. Right from the Himalayan grey langur that feeds on the barks of trees to the rare Himalayan brown bear to Pygmy Owlets to the predators, the leopards. You shall not be disappointed one bit because Dachigam is always prepared to show you all of its beauty.
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Trekking for Sightseeing
Located in the Zabarwan range of Western Himalayas, Dachigam is a landscape of sharp contrast. The park is divided into lower and upper Dachigam, with marked differences in terrain, altitude, flora, and fauna. If you are a trekker, then this park has great potential for exploration on foot. Lower Dachigam has an elevation of 1700 metres with a gentle ascent. It's most suitable for the casual trekker. It covers one-third of the total park area with a thick canopy of Alpine trees. A 10 km long trek will bring you to middle Dachigam and usher you into a thicker, more diverse cover of rich flora. This is where you start noticing changes in the terrain which is about to become harsh, jagged, and rocky. Upper Dachigam, with an elevation of 4300 metres, is not for the faint of heart or the occasional trekker. But, for the seasoned trekking enthusiast, it offers an exhilarating experience. It takes at least a day to reach Upper Dachigam from the nearest road, and you need special permits for your trek here. Be prepared for an unforgiving and challenging terrain with harsh weather conditions as you gear up for the trek of a lifetime.
Wildlife
Dachigam National Park is most famous for being home to Hangul or Red deer, an elk species native to India. Hangul is the state animal of Kashmir, well known for its spectacular antlers which can have as many as 16 points. Its population is majorly concentrated in Dachigam and early mornings are the best time for catching a glimpse of the now endangered species.
Dachigam also shelters numerous other wildlife species, like the leopard, musk deer, black and brown bears, common palm civet, jackal, red fox, yellow-throated marten, long-tailed marmot, and Himalayan weasel. The pearly white snow leopard, with its lustrous silver coat, is found in higher altitudes at Dachigam.
It’s cold and pristine, but that does not mean an absence of avifauna. Brilliantly coloured monal pheasant and blue magpie trotter about in these jungles. The bearded vulture which feeds on bones for its meals also ventures around and about here.
Habitat
Like all other forests, Dachigam is also so much more than a home to trees. A thick cover of alpine trees, pristine waterfalls, widespread shrubland, and flowery meadows straight out of enchanted tales make up this wilderness which is the habitat of some of the fascinating bird and animal species.
Except during winters, the meadows are overrun with a variety of flowers, giving it a splash of colours. Wild cherry, peach, plum, apple, apricot, and walnut trees paint the very picture of abundance when laden with fruit.
Oak, Birch, Pine, Elm, Chinar, Willow, and Poplar trees add specks of vivid hues of Green.
Marsar lake inside the park is a popular fishing spot, brimming with Trout fish.
Permit
You need special permits from the wildlife office to visit this area. It remains open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM every day and the entry fee is INR 25 per person. Private vehicles are not allowed inside.
Sangargulu Valley
If you are hardcore enthusiast of wild animals and just cannot do with getting a glimpse of the deer, langurs and bears then Sangargulu Valley is the trek you've long awaited for.
This is a trek solely dedicated to finding wildlife that cannot be easily found. One has a great chance to spot the leopards here and the koklas pheasants in Gretnar.
About Dachigam National Park
The name Dachigam means 'ten villages' in the memory of ten villages that were relocated to make the park. The park is divided into two sectors, upper and lower. The park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag- the only species of Red Deer to be found in India. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of exotic Himalayan birds. The elusive snow leopard is also found at the higher altitude and the only predator. Other animals that can be spotted are rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. The magnificent golden eagle and vulture and seen soaring skies.
Restaurants and Local Food in Dachigam National Park
There aren't any food joints in Dachigam itself, so if you're staying in the dorms of Dachigam do not forget to carry food packets for yourself. Otherwise, there are a lot of options and cuisines in the city of Srinagar. The Mughlai and North Indian, mainly Punjabi cuisines predominate here. Non veg is available in majority of the restaurants here.
View Top Restaurants in Dachigam National Park
View Top Restaurants in Dachigam National Park
Suggested Itinerary for Dachigam National Park
For visiting Dachigam, you must firstly choose a primary location. If it is Srinagar, you must leave for Dachigam National Park early morning at 6:30 AM. Experience the wildlife and the scenic beauty that this place has to offer. Leave for Srinagar at 5:00 PM. If you choose to stay in Dachigam itself, you must still wake up this early in order to experience the beauty of this place at its fullest.
Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park
Nearby Places
How to Reach Dachigam National Park
How to Reach Overview
The nearest airport is the Srinagar airport located 22 km away. Metal road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. It is 22 km from Srinagar. Upper Dichigam can be travelled only by foot.
How to reach Dachigam National Park by flight
The nearest airport is the Srinagar airport. Srinagar is connected to the rest of the country via flights. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi. Other metropolitan cities are also connected to Srinagar. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jammu, Indore and Leh are well-connected to the Srinagar Airport. The closest international airport is Delhi airport, from where one can get connecting flights to Srinagar.
How to reach Dachigam National Park by road
Buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, for Srinagar. Metal road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. It is 22 km from Srinagar. It is better if you hire a taxi since the transport facilities are not that good. Regular jeep services are available from the park to Srinagar. You can also take the bus, which is a cheaper option, but less comfortable. Upper Dachigam can be travelled only by foot.
How to reach Dachigam National Park by train
It's located around 300 km from Jammu. The nearest railhead is located at Jammu. Mumbai, Delhi, Kanyakumari, Indore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Jabalpur and Rishikesh are among the popular cities that are well connected to Jammu by rail. You can hire a taxi for the further journey. Buses are available too.
Local transport in Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park has jeep safaris and that is the only possible way apart from travelling by foot in this heavenly abode of nature.
Dachigam National Park Photos
FAQs on Dachigam National Park
What are the places near Dachigam national park?
The top places near to Dachigam national park are Srinagar which is 22 km from Dachigam national park, Sonamarg which is located 29 km from Dachigam national park, Pahalgam which is located 28 km from Dachigam national park, Gulmarg which is located 60 km from Dachigam national park, Amarnath which is located 43 km from Dachigam national park
What is the best way to reach Dachigam national park?
The nearest airport is the Srinagar airport located 22 km away. Metal road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. It is 22 km from Srinagar. Upper Dichigam can be travelled only by foot.
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What is the local food in Dachigam national park?
There aren't any food joints in Dachigam itself, so if you're staying in the dorms of Dachigam do not forget to carry food packets for yourself. Otherwise, there are a lot of options and cuisines in the city of Srinagar. The Mughlai and North Indian, mainly Punjabi cuisines predominate here. Non veg is available in majority of the restaurants here.
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What is the best time to visit Dachigam national park?
April-October is the best months to be in this place. In winters, the upper part of the National Park is entirely covered in snow which makes it totally inaccessible, and the temperature in the lower region also drops down to -10 degrees Celcius which would be a highly unfavourable time for tourists. The best time would thus be between April to October i.e. the summer season. During these months one will be able to find full grown lush green trees, and it is also this period that is the most appropriate for bird watching.
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Who should visit Dachigam national park?
It is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers and anybody who wants to escape the dull daily life.
What is not so good about Dachigam national park?
It is located in Kashmir which is a troubled state. Political unrest has caused a lot of problems for this park.
What is famous about Dachigam national park?
It is breathtaking. It can be visited all year round. It has a broad range of flora and fauna and is the home of the endangered Kashmir Stag and the snow leopard.