Dachigam National Park is located only 22 kilometers from Srinagar, the capital city of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers consisting of some of the most scenic natural beauty present on Earth. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The best times to explore these two areas are summer and winter respectively. Due to the upper region's extremely harsh winter, the best months for visiting here is between the months of May and August. For the lower region, the ideal time is between September and December but is also equally rewarding in the summer months.

The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care and watchful eye of the Maharaja of J & K and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for it's formation. It was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981. Although it is the last proper home of the Hangul, or  Kashmir Stag, and harbours many rare species within it's borders, it was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar.

Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all it's glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes it's entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.The actual beauty of the park lies in the deep valleys, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures.We offer various Kashmir budget tours and kashmir tour packages to visit Dachigam.

Dachigam National Park enjoys a proximity to the beautiful city of Srinagar.A major portion of the park is under constant stress from over grazing and encroachments by neighbouring communities. Although the problem is still very much prevalent, it has been controlled to a large extent by the park authorities. A permit from the chief Wildlife Warden is necessary for anyone wanting to enter the park premises.

Arriving At Dachigam National Park

By Flight : The nearest town and airport is Srinagar 22-km away.
By Trackways : It is 310-km from Jammu, the nearest railway station. 
By Roadways : A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached on foot.

The Park Ecosystem

The Animal Beings

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. 

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. 

The Winged Beings

There over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's vicinity. 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 Major Fascinations atDachigam National Park

Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the Hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.