Dachigam National Park, Jammu Kashmir

Area of the Park: 141 sq km
Year of Establishment: 1981
Best Season to visit: April to August

Located at a distance of 22 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, Dachigam National Park is the northernmost and most elevated reserve in the Indian subcontinent. The literal meaning of Dachigam is ten villages which may have connection to those villages which were replaced to establish the park. The park is split into two parts called Upper and Lower Dachigam sectors. It is mainly famous for being home to the Hangul deer. The Hangul Deer is an endangered species of red deer which is one of the most famous animals in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to history, the park was originally set by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who built it as a game preserve and catchment area for Harwan reservoir. The reservoir used to supply clean drinking water to the city of Srinagar.

Topography

Dachigam National Park is perched on the lofty mountains of Western Himalayas with ridges functioning as natural boundaries on both sides. The elevation of the park ranges from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above sea level and the terrain varies from gentle sloping grasslands to sharp craggy outcrops and cliffs. Part of the park lies above the tree line and here nature has her own beauty enhanced by rocky mountains and crevices. The area beside the tree line and mountain side are densely wooded.

Climate

Dachigam National Park experiences moderate temperature all through the year. Summer is never scorching and snowfall continues for entire winter season. Summer in Dachigam is a guest of limited days. Temperature starts getting warmer from April onwards and it extends up to June. July and August experiences light showers. Maximum temperature in summer is around 14 degree celsius and minimum will be around 8 degree celsius.

Attraction

Apart from its unspoiled natural scenario, the park offers plenty of destinations to be explored by the local as well as international tourists. The forest in this region is mainly coniferous with broad leaves. Majestic mountainous expanse of the park is dotted with alpine pastures, bubbling waterfalls, undulating meadows, and scrub vegetation with deep gullies running down the mountain face. In summer the park looks amazingly beautiful for the multihued flower carpeting.

Other than the main attraction of the park i.e, Hangul Deer, the park houses wonderful varieties of animals. Viewing the Hangul in winter season is a wonderful experience in Dachigam National Park. During winter season they assemble in the lower valleys of the park. In the upper valleys of the park one can witness snow leopards.

The park also gives shelter to a multiple variety of birds and thus transforms it into a photographer's delight. It is an ideal place for birding as birds like Himalayan monal, golden oriole, pygmy owlet are found in large numbers inside the park.

The best way of to explore the park is by trekking through the thick forests of the park. The terrain in the lower parts of Dachigam is easy to accomplish while the upper region needs enough physical strength to explore the area to the fullest.

Flora in Dachigam National Park

There are around 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and around 20 species of shrubs available in this park. Other than the winter season the park remains covered with flowers, greenery, meadows, and grasslands. The scenic beauty portrayed by the blue poppy flowers is a sight to behold in Dachigam. The park is decked up with all precious trees like Wild Cherry, Plum, Pear, Apple, Peach, Apricot, Chestnut, Walnut, Willow, Oak, Poplar, Pine, Birch, Chinar and Elm!

The principal tree species are pinus griffithii, abies pindrow, juglans regia, morus alba, betula utilis, salix spp, populus spp. prunus armeniaca, corylus colurna, quercus robur, ulmus wallichiana, aesculus indica, etc. Shrubs include berberis spp, desmodium tiliaefolium, parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, indigofera heterantha etc.

Caveat: Tourists planning to visit Dachigam National Park have to take permission either from the Wildlife Warden's office or it should be collected from the check post at the park's entrance.

Hotels & Resorts in Dachigam National Park

Icons Summary Restaurant Internet Service Tea/Coffe Machine Business Centre Swimming pool Travel Desk Doctor on Call Baby Sitting Health club Bar Safe Deposit Amphitheatre Library Std/Isd Money Exchange

Hotel Paradise
	Hotel Situated on the world famous Boulevard Road, Srinagar, on bank of picturesque Hotel Provide Deluxe Double and Single bedded rooms.

The Lalit Grand Palace
	Originally built in 1910 and formerly the palace residence of the Maharajas this twin storey heritage property with its sprawling lawns has been carefully restored to its formal glory and is today a full facility destination.

Hotel Zahgeer Continental
	Hotel comprises of excellent deluxe suites and elegant rooms epitomizes of world gracious living facing the valley equipped with ultra modern facilities with attached luxurious bathrooms hooked with booked with multi channel satellite .

Pahalgam Hotel
	Pahalgam - the valley of shepherds is situated at a height of 7200 ft and is about 100 kms distance from Srinagar ( Nearest access to the air port) sprawling amidst the confluence of river lidder.

Wildlife in Dachigam National Park

Wildlife in Kashmir is enriched by numerous species of amphibians as well as mammals. The temperate climate of the park houses animals which otherwise wouldn't survive in hotter climate.

Mammals

Other than the Hangul, there are plenty of other animals in Dachigam that can quench your thirst for wildlife sighting. The park is also famous for its populations of musk deer, leopard, Himalayan Grey Langur, long- tailed marmots, jackals, Himalayan Brown Bear, leopard cat, Himalayan Black Bear, yellow-throated marten, otters, hill fox, Himalayan Weasel, Jungle Cats etc.

Bird Species

The park transforms into a paradise for birding. One can click breathtaking pictures of the Himalayan monal, pygmy owlet, golden oriole, koklass pheasant, Tytler's leaf warbler, Kashmir flycatcher, Himalayan rubythroat, streaked laughingthrush, etc. which can be found in Dachigam.

Dachigam National Park Travel Information

The Lower Dachigam region can be reached via a metalled road, but for Higher Dachigam one needs to walk on foot.

By Air: Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport to the park and is around 32 km from the park.

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead to Dachigam National Park. It is at a distance of 200km from the park.

By Road: The nearest town to Dachigam is Srinagar which is around 22 km from the park.

Travel Tips

Any kind of flora should not be plucked to take back, should not kindle any kind of fire, throw lit matches and cigarette buds, don't throw / leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags into the forest, Firearms and chemicals should not be taken into the forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation. Never play radio Mobile and tape recorders as their frequency and voice might disturb, scare or irritate the wild animals.