Main Info
Dachigam National Park
Your trip to Dachigam National Park must only mean that you are here to admire the personification of beauty that is this place. The Park is laced with lush green nature, blooming flora and is also home to some of the rarest species of fauna.
Some of the rarest animals, like Kashmir stag or Hangul, can be found in Dachigam. It also holds the record of being the most elevated reserve in the country due to its location at 1700 m to 4300 meters above sea level. The Park covers a total land area of 141 sqkm. You can also find many other species inhabiting Dachigam, like the Himalayan grey langur, that feed on tree barks, the rarest Himalayan brown bear, Pygmy Owlets and even predators like leopards. Your trip to Dachigam will show you truly what a magical place it is. Just keep your eyes open to see nature in all its glory.
The Dachigam National Park is located at a distance of 22 km from Kashmir. In its literal sense, the word ‘Dachigam’ means ‘ten villages’, as an homage paid to the ten villages that were relocated for the formation of the park.
About Dachigam National Park
The literal translation of the word ‘Dachigam’ means ‘ten villages’. It is as a sign of respect to the ten villages that were relocated to get enough area for the park. On moving inside the park, you can see it divided into two sectors – upper and lower. The place is inhabited by the last surviving species of red deer in India, the Kashmir Stag, also known as Hangul. Other than that, you can also find the Himalayan black bear and many exotic bird species in the park. The only predator in the Park is the elusive snow leopard. You can find it residing in the upper sectors of the park. The musk deer and the Himalayan marmot can also be found residing in the Park. In the sky, golden eagles and vultures can be found.
Sangargulu Valley
If just a glimpse of the wildlife at Dachigam is not enough to quench your thirst for adventure, then head over to the trekking trail of Sangargulu Valley. This place was made for adrenaline junkies looking to explore the depths of the valley for hidden wildlife. Chances are, you’ll find leopards and koklas pheasants in Gretnar on this route.
Permit
This area requires special permit to be visited from the wildlife office. The office is open everyday from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM and can be visited after paying the entry fee of INR 25/person. Private vehicles do not have permission to go inside.
Habitat
The Dachigam National Park is home to majestic trees that act as a thick forest blanket covering the area. You can find alpine trees, great waterfalls, extensive shrubland, and blooming meadows, all making up for a beautiful habitat for rare species of both birds and animals. Throughout the year, except for during the winters, the lands look vibrant with colourful blossoms. The trees in the forest include wild cherry, peach, plum, apple, apricot, and walnut, all enhancing the aura of the park with their delicious looking fruits. Moreover, supporting the grace of the forest are the oak, birch, pine, elm, chinar, willow and poplar trees. They add the green to the forest. The park also houses the Marsar lake that has come to be as a popular fishing spot for trout.
Wildlife
The fame of Dachigam National Park is courtesy of the last surviving red deer species in India, Kashmir Stag, that resides here. It is also known as Hangul, the native Indian elk species. The animal is the Kashmir state animal and is famous for its magnificent antlers. They are known to have as many as 16 pointers. Most of the population of the species inhabits Dachigam National Park. Many tourists prefer to observe these now endangered species during mornings. Many other wild animals and birds also call Dachigam their home. These include musk deer, leopard, black and brown bears, common palm civet, jackal, red fox, yellow-throated marten, long-tailed marmot, and Himalayan weasel. In the upper sector of Dachigam, at higher altitudes, you can also catch a glimpse of the snow leopard in all its glory, with its silver coat of fur. The cold climate of the park has not kept the avifauna species from residing here. The bird species residing in these jungles include the vibrantly coloured monal pheasant and blue magpie. Vultures are also found in the area, feeding on bones of caracasses.
Trekking for Sightseeing
In Zabarwan range of Western Himalayas is located the Dachigam National Park. It is a stunning landscape with endangered flora and fauna species. Upper and lower sectors are found inside the park. Different terrain, flora and fauna have been marked for both the areas. This place is perfect to be explored on foot as a trek. The lower sector of the park gently ascends and is located at an altitude of 1700 m. The trail is great for casual treks. The lower sector of the park covers about one-third of the whole park area with a dense alpine tree canopy. If you keep trekking on the trail for 10 km, you can get to the centre of Dachigam. This will further lead you into a much denser part of the forest which also houses a rich cover of fauna. This part of the park starts getting rougher on the terrain and the changes are pretty evident. The path becomes rockier and harsher. The trek to the upper sector of the park is located at an elevation of 4300 m. It is only recommended for experienced trekkers. If you have enough trekking experience and are up for this challenge, this will be one of a kind experience for you. From the nearest road, the travel to Upper Dachigam takes about a day. For trekking in this region, special permits are required. It is a dangerous trekking trail with unforgiving mountain ranges to cross. The weather on top of that is extremely harsh.
Restaurants and Local Food in Dachigam National Park
You will not find any local eateries to dine at in Dachigam. So make sure you carry enough for you if you choose to stay at the Dachigam dorms. Srinagar, however, is the main town nearest to Dachigam where you will find plenty of options for yourself with a variety of cuisines. Your food options will mostly include food from Mughlai, North Indian and Punjabi cuisines. Most restaurants have non vegetarian food on their menu.
One Day Itinerary
Choose a primary location from where you will be visiting Dachigam. If you choose Srinagar, try to leave for Dachigam as early as 6:30 AM. Spend plenty of time here to enjoy the scenic beauty that is Dachigam. The place is covered will massive canopies and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Head back to Srinagar by 05:00 PM. Even if your primary location is Dachigam, still try to wake up early so you can thoroughly enjoy the place in all its glory.