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Dachigam National Park
Contents
- Star Attraction
- Overview
- History
- [+] Quick Facts
- [+] Ecosystem
- [+] Planning Your Trip
- Did You Know?
- [+] Getting There
- Nearby Destinations
- Park Rules & Regulations
- In the News
[ Edit ] Star Attraction
Endangered Kashmir Stag (Hangul) - one of the largest species of deer and stunning Himalayan scenery best experienced on a trek.
[ Edit ] Overview
Dachigam National Park, located close to Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, is set amidst stunning Himalayan mountains. The Park is blessed with beautiful landscape ranging from grasslands and pine forests, to cliffs and rocky outcrops, and bare rock-faced mountain tops lying high above the tree line.
Founded in 1981, the name "Dachigam" (meaning "10 villages"), was derived from the ten villages that were relocated at the time of the formation of the Park.
In addition to the beautiful natural setting, Dachigam National Park is home to the last remaining wild population of the Kashmir Stag (or "Hangul") an endangered species.
With a significant altitude range (between 5,500 ft to 14,000 ft) within a compact 141 sq kms, the Park is divided into two distinct parts - the Lower Dachigam and the Upper Dachigam - based on the dramatic difference in terrain and altitude of the two halves. As such, Dachigam National Park offers different experiences to visitors during each season.
The relative inaccessibility of Dachigam, due to the insurgent hostilities in Kashmir in recent times, means that this is one of the least visited and crowded National Parks in India. If visiting Srinagar, Dachigam is certainly worth a visit.
[ Edit ] History
The area of what is now Dachigam National Park was the exclusive hunting ground and protected area of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir. Among other issues, one of the mandate of the protected area was to ensure clean supply of water for Srinagar. Following India's Independence, the area came under the control of the Forest Department, and in 1951 it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 1981, the area was declared a National Park after the successful relocation of 10 villages that had previously been located within the Park's borders. The name Dachigam actually means "Ten Villages" - and as such the Park was named in honour of the villages that relocated.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Jammu & Kashmir, India
[ Edit ] Location
Dachigam National Park is located 22 kms from Srinagar.
[ Edit ] Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dachigam National Park depends on the region of the park one chooses to visit.
Upper Dachigam: June to August
Lower Dachigam: September to December
The most colorful month is during the Fall / Autumn month of October when the leaves on trees (except evergreens) change colours and begin to shed them in advance of Winter.
[ Edit ] STD Code
0194 (Srinagar)
Ecosystem
[ Edit ] Geography
Dachigam National Park is set amidst the mountains of the western Himalayas. Given the significant range in altitude, Dachigam has varied terrain, ranging from grasslands and pine forests, to cliffs and rocky outcrops, and bare rock faced mountain tops lying above the tree line.
The Dachigam River, starting in the high ranges from Masrar Lake (at 4,000+ meters), tumbles through the National Park and winds its way through Lower Dachigam.
Area: 141 sq. kms
Altitude: 5,500 ft to 14,000 ft (1,700 - 4,300 meters)
[ Edit ] Wildlife
Wildlife in Dachigam includes 20 species of mammals including the Hangul (Red Deer / Kashmir Stag), Himalayan Brown Bears, Himalayan Black Bears, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Leopard Cats, Musk Deer, Jackals, Fox, Long-tailed Marmots amongst others.
There are over 150 species of Birds that inhabit Dachigam including, a variety of Pheasants (Crimson Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, and Koklass Pheasant). Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures (Lammergeier), Cinnamon Sparrows, Black Bulbuls, Woodpeckers, Pygmy Owlets, Babblers, Orange Bullfinch, Golden Orioles, Kashmir Flycatcher, and Himalayan Rubythroats amongst others.
The Dachigam River, which flows through the Park and into the Dagwan River, is teeming with Trout fish.
[ Edit ] Flora
There are over 500 species of shrubs and herbs and 50 species of trees at Dachigam.
[ Edit ] Climate
The climate in the Lower Dachigam areas is comfortable throughout the year - Winter minimum temperatures of 10 C and Summer maximum temperatures of 34 C.
The weather in the Upper Dachigam is especially harsh in the Winters and almost inaccessible due to wind, snow, and chilling cold temperatures.
Planning Your Trip
[ Edit ] Operating Hours & Season
The operating hours of Dachigam National Park are 5:30 am to 6:30 pm.
The park is open throughout the year.
[ Edit ] Fees
There are no Fees applicable to visit Dachigam National Park.
However, permission must be sought from the Forest / Wildlife Warden's office in Srinagar.
[ Edit ] Activities in Park
Wildlife and bird watching, nature, trekking.
[ Edit ] Visiting the Park
Dachigam National Park is demarcated into the Upper Dachigam and Lower Dachigam given the substantail variation / range in altitude. Each of the two zones offers visitors a different experience.
While there is ~10 km paved road that leads into the heart of Dachigam the experience is only limited. The road provides decent views and ends inside the Lower Dachigam section of the Park. In order to truly experience the magnificence of Dachigam, one has to commit to trek. One of the unique features of Dachigam National Park is how a visitor's experience varies based on the season during visit given snow, summer blossoms, and autumn / fall leaves changing colors.
Trekking:
The Lower Dachigam is very accessible by casual trekkers and there are several routes within the park that can range in length from a few hours to a full day. The Upper Dachigam is more challenging and requires substantially more planning and preparation and is best left to serious trekkers. In light of the insurgency tension in Kashmir, it is highly recommended that you hire a good Forest Guard to accompany on a trek for protection.
Trout Farm:
There is a Government managed Trout Farm close to the entrance of the Park. A visit here makes for an interesting learning experience on the breeding of fish. However, permission from the Forest Department is required to tour the Trout Farm. Fishing is not permitted at the Trout Farm.
Leopard Zoo:
Labelling this place a Zoo is a bit exaggerated. The Forest Department at Dachigam National Park has held 3-4 leopards in an enclosure for visitors to see. This zoo / enclosure is located inside the Lower Dachigam.
Unfortunately, given the insurgent activity in Kashmir, Dachigam National Park is not always safe and often requires passing through a Military or Police checkpost - and this is understandaby disconcerting.
For additional information as well as necessary permits, contact the Forest Department.
Wildlife Warden (Jammu & Kashmir)
Near Dal Lake, Below Grand Palace Hotel
Srinagar (Phone: +91 194-254-2469)
[ Edit ] Lodging inside Park
There is very little on offer in terms of accomodation inside Dachigam National Park. The Forest Department operates two Rest House in Lower Dachigam - Laribal and Panzam - which are basically single huts with very limited facilities. Permission to stay here has to be obtained from the Dachigam Forest Department.
Please note that the Forest Department does not easily grant permission for stays at the Guest Houses. As such, most visitors stay in Srinagar itself.
[ Edit ] Did You Know?
Interesting facts and information regarding Dachigam National Park:
- Red Deer are one of the largest species of deer in the world and has a historic range inhabiting much of Europe and Asia. Of the several sub-species of Red Deer, the Kashmir Stag, or Hangul, is local to the region and is now on the endangered list. Hanguls mostly move about in a herd led by a dominant male. Male Hangul's have an impressive head of antlers. Dachigam National Park is the last home for the Hangul in the wild.
- In the 1950's when Dachigam was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary, the population of Hangul was estimated at 4,000 - 5,000. In a matter of about a decade, excessive poaching and illegal hunting reduced this figure to only 180 by 1965 - putting the species on the verge of extinction. Due to preventative measures, and the formaton of Dachigam National Park, the population of Hangul has partially rebounded and currently stands at an estimated 400 - 500. As such, the Hungul is still an endangered species.
- The winter months are the best time to spot the Hangul as they (along with Musk Deer) congregate for the relative shelter of the valleys and grasslands of the Lower Dachigam.
- While the name of the park suggests that it was created due to the successful relocation of 10 villages, a major portion of Dachigam is under severe stress from over grazing (including from a Government owned sheep farm) and encroachments by neighbouring communities.
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
The closest Airport to Dachigam National Park is in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
[ Edit ] Rail
Jammu has the closest railway station to Dachigam - 310 kms away.
[ Edit ] Road
Driving distance to Dachigam National Park from:
[ Edit ] Nearby Destinations
Given its proximity to Dachigam National Park, most visitors combine a visit with a stop in Srinagar to enjoy the famous Dal Lake Boathouse experience.
[ Edit ] Park Rules & Regulations
[ Edit ] In the News
Recent News
Jammu & Kashmir Government Holds Workshop for Conservation of Endangered Hangul
Cement Factories, Over Grazing, Endangering Hangul Deer at Dachigam National Park
Jammu & Kashmir to set up Breeding Centres, Dispensaries for Conservation of Hangul Species
Rehabilitation Centre for Himalayan Black Bears at Dachigam National Park
[ARCHIVES ]
