Location: 22-km from Srinagar in Kashmir.
Total Area: 141 sq. kms.
Declared As: A National Park in 1951.
Visiting Season: May-Aug. - Upper Dachigam; Sept.-Dec. - Lower Dachigam
Description:
The scenic Dachigam valley is one blissful place of natural world and its
surrounding mountainside contains the rare Kashmir stag (Hangul), also black
and brown bears. If you go trekking over to the upper reaches, the spectacular
vistas make perfect camping hideout. There you may also see the musk deer,
a small species widely hunted for the male's musk gland, consider valuable
in treating importance and a major export to Europe's perfumeries. Located
very close to Srinagar, Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and
magnificent scenery is easily accessible. Dachigam is the best known among
the whole state of J & K. Once the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja
of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly
enforced conservation programme, the hangul population, once 150, now stands
at over 400 animals.
The Two Wild Divisions
The
two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of
141 sq. km. and altitudes vary between 1,700 and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges
enclose the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky
outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from
the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through
Lower Dachigam.
Wild Attractions:
The Park is a natural habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag -
the only species of Red Deer to be found in India. Winter makes the best time
to view the hangul, when they gather together in the shelter of the lower valleys.
Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white
rump patch and impressive spread of antlers. Other inhabitants of this wild
hub include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the Markhor
and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. Colourful pheasants include
the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with its glittering plumage,
the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded
vulture or lammergeier can also be seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The
leopard, the only predator of this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive
snow leopard, which is
found
in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare Musk Deer and the Himalayan
marmot.
Access:
By Air: Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar, 22-kms from the national
park.
By Rail: Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar, 22-kms from the national
park.
By Road: A metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam.
Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Accommodation:
Lodges and Rest Houses are available for an overnight stay within the sanctuary
or check out the Hotels in Srinagar to stay.
Click
Here For Reservation/Booking
SUGGESTED TOURS
Duration:
13 nights/14 days
Places to Visit: Kolkata - Kaziranga - Kolkata - Kathmandu - Chitwan -
Kathmandu - Delhi - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Delhi
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Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir