Dachigam
National Park
Located very close to Srinagar (22km), Dachigam National
park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible.
The two sectors of the park -Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area
of 141 sq. km. And altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. 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 (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam.
The Park is the habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only
species of red deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the
hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants
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 are seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard, which is
the only predator in 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. A metallic road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper
Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
General Information :
Best Time to Visit : May- August, Upper Dachigam & September to
December for Lower Dachigam
Nearest Town : Srinagar (22 Km)
How
to Get Here : Air : Srinagar (22 Km)
Rail : Jammu.
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