Dachigam National Park - दचिगम राष्ट्रीय उद्यान
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 Photo by : Jaya Gummala in flickr More images... |
Dachigam National Park located very close to Srinagar (22 km) 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 Musk deer 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 metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Dachigam National Park is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, at a distance of approximately 22 km from the Srinagar district. It is spread over an area of 141 Sq km and boasts of some of the most beautiful locales in the country. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir was set up in the year 1910, under the management of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir. The upgradation of the sanctuary to the status of a national park took place in the year 1981.
The wide variation in the altitude of Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of India, from 5500 ft to 14000 ft, has led to its division into two parts, upper region and lower region. The upper region, known as Upper Dachigam, faces extremely harsh winters and is best visited in the months of May to August. Lower Dachigam can be visited any time of the year. But, it is best to go there in the months of September to December. You need to take a permit from the chief Wildlife Warden before visiting the park.
Of all the sanctuaries present in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the one at Dachigam is the best known. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, to preserve the or Hangul population or the Kashmiri Stag.
Dachigam National Park, a place with abundant natural beauty is located 22km north east from Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers with altitude ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this variation, the park is differentiated as upper and lower Dachigam. The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1951.
Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical varieties like deep ravines, rocky outcrops and steep wooded pastures. The vegetation include grasslands, coniferous forests and mostly dry alpine pastures. The Daghwar river regarded as the life line of the park, flows through the center of the forest and is a vital source of drinking water.
The ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the reserve is to go on foot. The region of the lower Dachigam is easily accessible through a metalled road. But Upper Dachigam is accessible only on foot. The park is a trekker's paradise. One can enjoy trekking and camping here along with its exclusive varieties of animal and plant species. There are numerous tracks that can be traversed. Many of these tracks can be attempted by all visitors and is not tiring. But some of the tracks to the upper reaches are quite difficult and require proper camping or climbing equipment. It is better that these treks be attempted by serious trekkers and only in the summers. A small part of the park in lower Dachigam can be toured by jeep. This 10 km long relaxing tour runs along the river Daghwar. Jeeps can be hired from Srinagar.
The Dachigam National Park remains cold throughout the year. The changing season brings immense beauty, the contrast of bright hues of coloured leaves in August to the stark white snow in the winters is amazing. The summer season lasts from May to August and is cool and very pleasant. The temperatures ranges from 8 degC to 14 degC during the summers. Light woolen clothes are suitable for the summers and heavy woolens are required during winters. Upper Dachigam become inaccessible to the visitors during winter as the temperature dips as low as -10 degree Celsius.
The park is closed between January and April. Special Permits are required for travel to this part of India. This must be acquired from the Indian Foreign Office.
Dachigam National Park is close to the beautiful city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. Its forests and picturesque landscape have always attracted tourists from all around. The park is divided into two large sectors-the Lower and Upper Dachigam regions with altitudes of 1700 and 4300 meters, respectively. Two steep ridges encircles the parks parameters. The landscape at Dachigam consists of deep ravines, rocky ridges, steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar Lake, in higher Dachigam, is at the mouth of the Dachigam River. The river is regarded as the lifeline of the park, for its meanders through Lower Dachigam region from its point of origin, thus replenishing the entire lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul or the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India.
There are over fifty species of trees, twenty of shrubs and five hundred species of herbs. The principal tree species are pinus griffithii, abies pindrow, juglans regia, morus alba, betula utilis, salix spp, populus spp. prunus armeniaca, corylus colurna, quercus robur, ulmus wallichiana, aesculus indica, etc.shrubs include berberis spp, desmodium tiliaefolium, parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, indigofera heterantha etc.
Himalayan monals, cinnamon sparrows, black bulbuls, woodpeckers, minivets, pygmy owlets, babblers, black-and-yellow grosbeaks, himalayan griffons, redstarts, bearded vultures, red-billed blue magpies choughs, orange bullfinch, tits, golden orioles, kashmir flycatcher, tytler's leaf warbler, wagtails, koklass pheasants, , himalayan rubythroats, wallcreepers, and streaked laughingthrushes.
Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered HANGUL species of the Deer in the country. dachigam is also host to other wildlife of the state viz Black/ Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam. It is big natural reserve which requires permissions from the Wildlife Authorities for excploration. The dense forests of Dachigam offer a brilliant view alongwith a Glacier fed rivulet flowing right through the middle.
It is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, 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.
Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan range of flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul or Kashmir stag, the most endangered species of red deer in the world.
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.
If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.
Travel Information (Dachigam National Park)
Closest town to the park is Srinagar (22km)
Closest Railway Station to the park is located at Jammu (315km)
Closest Airport to the park is located at Srinagar (22km)
Accommodation is available at Srinagar city. There is a choice of hotels, rest houses and lodges that are reasonably priced and have options for the budgeted tourist as well as the luxury holiday seeker. Apart from these, there are many other hotels, rest houses and lodges in and around Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park,
J&K, Srinagar.
Ph: 0194- 275411.
Tourist Office,
Leh (Near Khagri Hotel), Ladakh, J&K
Tourist Office of J&K,
Tourist Reception Centre, Shervani Road
Srinagar 190001.
Tel : 0194- 2476063, 2476107
State : Jammu & Kashmir, in the extreme north of India.
Area: 141 sq. km
Established In: 1910
National Park: 1981
Nearest town : Srinagar (22 km)
How to get there : Air-Srinagar (22 km) Rail-Jammu (200 km)
Best time to visit : Upper Dachigam, May-August; Lower Dachigam, September-December
Climate : The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8 degC to 14 degC; however, winters (September and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a range of -2 to 4 degC.
Main Attractions : Hangul Deer, Musk Deer, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, etc
Best Time: Upper Dachigam - May to August
Lower Dachigam - September to December
Bird viewing - March to May
Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get enough information about the place you are going to visit.
Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they Musk deer 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 metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Dachigam National Park is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, at a distance of approximately 22 km from the Srinagar district. It is spread over an area of 141 Sq km and boasts of some of the most beautiful locales in the country. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir was set up in the year 1910, under the management of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir. The upgradation of the sanctuary to the status of a national park took place in the year 1981.
The wide variation in the altitude of Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of India, from 5500 ft to 14000 ft, has led to its division into two parts, upper region and lower region. The upper region, known as Upper Dachigam, faces extremely harsh winters and is best visited in the months of May to August. Lower Dachigam can be visited any time of the year. But, it is best to go there in the months of September to December. You need to take a permit from the chief Wildlife Warden before visiting the park.
Of all the sanctuaries present in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the one at Dachigam is the best known. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, to preserve the or Hangul population or the Kashmiri Stag.
Dachigam National Park, a place with abundant natural beauty is located 22km north east from Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers with altitude ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this variation, the park is differentiated as upper and lower Dachigam. The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1951.
Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical varieties like deep ravines, rocky outcrops and steep wooded pastures. The vegetation include grasslands, coniferous forests and mostly dry alpine pastures. The Daghwar river regarded as the life line of the park, flows through the center of the forest and is a vital source of drinking water.
The ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the reserve is to go on foot. The region of the lower Dachigam is easily accessible through a metalled road. But Upper Dachigam is accessible only on foot. The park is a trekker's paradise. One can enjoy trekking and camping here along with its exclusive varieties of animal and plant species. There are numerous tracks that can be traversed. Many of these tracks can be attempted by all visitors and is not tiring. But some of the tracks to the upper reaches are quite difficult and require proper camping or climbing equipment. It is better that these treks be attempted by serious trekkers and only in the summers. A small part of the park in lower Dachigam can be toured by jeep. This 10 km long relaxing tour runs along the river Daghwar. Jeeps can be hired from Srinagar.
The Dachigam National Park remains cold throughout the year. The changing season brings immense beauty, the contrast of bright hues of coloured leaves in August to the stark white snow in the winters is amazing. The summer season lasts from May to August and is cool and very pleasant. The temperatures ranges from 8 degC to 14 degC during the summers. Light woolen clothes are suitable for the summers and heavy woolens are required during winters. Upper Dachigam become inaccessible to the visitors during winter as the temperature dips as low as -10 degree Celsius.
The park is closed between January and April. Special Permits are required for travel to this part of India. This must be acquired from the Indian Foreign Office.
Dachigam National Park is close to the beautiful city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. Its forests and picturesque landscape have always attracted tourists from all around. The park is divided into two large sectors-the Lower and Upper Dachigam regions with altitudes of 1700 and 4300 meters, respectively. Two steep ridges encircles the parks parameters. The landscape at Dachigam consists of deep ravines, rocky ridges, steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar Lake, in higher Dachigam, is at the mouth of the Dachigam River. The river is regarded as the lifeline of the park, for its meanders through Lower Dachigam region from its point of origin, thus replenishing the entire lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul or the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India.
Flora
Flanked by high ridges on both the sides, Dachigam National Park of India is situated amidst the western Himalayas. The landscape of the park ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. The mountainsides are covered with coniferous forests, dotted with alpine pastures, surging meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation. The grasslands and meadows stand covered with beautiful flowers throughout the year, except the winter season. Marsar Lake, running through the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir, is the perfect place to catch trout fish. The wild trees found in the park comprise of Oak, Apricot, Poplar, Wild Cherry, Birch, Walnut, Pear, Elm, Plum, Apple, Chestnut, Willow, Chinar, Pine and Peach.There are over fifty species of trees, twenty of shrubs and five hundred species of herbs. The principal tree species are pinus griffithii, abies pindrow, juglans regia, morus alba, betula utilis, salix spp, populus spp. prunus armeniaca, corylus colurna, quercus robur, ulmus wallichiana, aesculus indica, etc.shrubs include berberis spp, desmodium tiliaefolium, parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, indigofera heterantha etc.
The Fauna
The fauna of the park comprises of - Hangul (Red Deer), Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan marmot and species of wild goats. Book a tour to Dachigam National Park The Avifauna Various exotic Himalayan birds, colorful pheasants like the crimson tagopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant, golden eagles and bearded vultures are commonly spotted.Mammals
Kashmir stag, hangul, musk deer, leopards, himalayan brown bear, jackals, yellow-throated martens, hill fox, himalayan gray langurs, , long-tailed marmots, leopard cats, himalayan black bear, himalayan weasel, jungle cats.Wildlife
Dachigam National Park of Jammu & Kashmir is the last proper habitat of the Hangul, also known as the Kashmir Stag. While visiting this park, you may also come across Musk Deer, Langur, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, etc.Birds Species
Dachigam National Park provides home to as many as 150 species of birds. The most popular ones include Black Bulbul, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Paradise Flycatcher, Western Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, Golden Oriole, Grey Heron, Koklas, etc. The best time to enjoy the rich bird life of the park is from March to May.Himalayan monals, cinnamon sparrows, black bulbuls, woodpeckers, minivets, pygmy owlets, babblers, black-and-yellow grosbeaks, himalayan griffons, redstarts, bearded vultures, red-billed blue magpies choughs, orange bullfinch, tits, golden orioles, kashmir flycatcher, tytler's leaf warbler, wagtails, koklass pheasants, , himalayan rubythroats, wallcreepers, and streaked laughingthrushes.
Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered HANGUL species of the Deer in the country. dachigam is also host to other wildlife of the state viz Black/ Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam. It is big natural reserve which requires permissions from the Wildlife Authorities for excploration. The dense forests of Dachigam offer a brilliant view alongwith a Glacier fed rivulet flowing right through the middle.
It is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, 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.
Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan range of flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul or Kashmir stag, the most endangered species of red deer in the world.
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.
Topography of Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National park is located among the high mountains of the mighty western Himalayas. 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 terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. Part of the park lies above the tree line and this area displays its own kind of natural beauty with bare rock mountains and crevices.Venture Into The Dachigam
Surrounded by snow capped mountains and lush green valley is the Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir. The ideal way to explore Dachigam is by foot. Traverse through the numerous tracks, many of which do not consist of challenging climbs and can be attempted by all. If you desire to trek to the upper region then you may face some strenuous climbs. So it is advisable that you carry some proper camping and climbing equipments. The treks to upper Dachigam should mostly be attempted by serious trekkers or by die-hard nature lovers. This is possible only in the summers, as the higher areas are totally inaccessible during the winters. A small portion of the lower region can be toured by jeep. You can hire jeeps from Srinagar, which is only 22 km away from the park.Additional Punch
Areas of interest near Dachigam include the picturesque city of Srinagar (22 km) Jammu city (200 km), the base point for Vaishno Devi (an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus), and Patnitop, a scenic hill resort. If you are a die-hard trekker and love to face challenges then head towards Leh-Ladakh region. Leh-Ladakh is completely bewitching.Dachigam National Park Extend the Trip
Though the beauty and charm of Jammu & Kashmir will bind you and you may not think of going to any other place from here. But, if you want to see and feel more then head towards, Himachal Pradesh. Himachal is the most ideal break for you, after your visit to Jammu & Kashmir. Here you will find all you desire to see & feel.Few Difficulties
Accessing the park is not so easy. There are many strenuous treks in the park area. You may not be able to interact with the local people, as only the educated one can speak English. The climate is too chilling in the winters. The routes are blocked by snow fall during the winter season.Few Suggestions
Make sure you're physically fit and wearing a sturdy pair of boots. Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.
How to Reach
The Lower Dachigam region is accessible via a metaled road, but Higher Dachigam areas are accessible only on foot. International Airport : Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.By Air
The nearest airport is situated in Srinagar. Srinagar airport is the closest air link to the National Park.By Rail
The railway station of Jammu is the closest to Dachigam. The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance of 310 kms away from Dachigam National Park.By Road
The nearest road-link from Dachigam is that of Srinagar. The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of 22 km and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper road. There are buses and jeeps available from Srinagar.Travel Information (Dachigam National Park)
Closest town to the park is Srinagar (22km)
Closest Railway Station to the park is located at Jammu (315km)
Closest Airport to the park is located at Srinagar (22km)
Accommodation
Lodges and Rest Houses or Hotels in Srinagar. Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available for accommodation, Sangargulu Valley in Upper Dachigam and at Gretnar in Lower Dachigam. Several budgeted hotels, rest houses and lodges can be seen in the Srinagar city.Accommodation is available at Srinagar city. There is a choice of hotels, rest houses and lodges that are reasonably priced and have options for the budgeted tourist as well as the luxury holiday seeker. Apart from these, there are many other hotels, rest houses and lodges in and around Srinagar.
Contact Information
Chief Wild Life WardenDachigam National Park,
J&K, Srinagar.
Ph: 0194- 275411.
Tourist Office,
Leh (Near Khagri Hotel), Ladakh, J&K
Tourist Office of J&K,
Tourist Reception Centre, Shervani Road
Srinagar 190001.
Tel : 0194- 2476063, 2476107
General Information
Location: Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir, IndiaState : Jammu & Kashmir, in the extreme north of India.
Area: 141 sq. km
Established In: 1910
National Park: 1981
Nearest town : Srinagar (22 km)
How to get there : Air-Srinagar (22 km) Rail-Jammu (200 km)
Best time to visit : Upper Dachigam, May-August; Lower Dachigam, September-December
Climate : The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season (from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 8 degC to 14 degC; however, winters (September and December) are particularly harsh when the temperature drops to a range of -2 to 4 degC.
Main Attractions : Hangul Deer, Musk Deer, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, etc
Best Time: Upper Dachigam - May to August
Lower Dachigam - September to December
Bird viewing - March to May
Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get enough information about the place you are going to visit.
 Photo by : Ruchi Sehgal in flickr |
 Photo by : Nabz! in flickr |
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