Place: Srinagar, Jammu
& Kashmir
Best time to visit: May to August for upper Dachigam and September
to December for lower Dachigam
Nearest town: Srinagar (22km)
Main attraction: Hangul /Kashmir stag (Red Deer)
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°C to 14°C 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.
Where to Stay
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.
How to get there
Air :Srinagar airport is the closest
air link to the National Park.
Rail : The nearest rail junction is Jammu at a distance
of 310 kms away from Dachigam National Park.
Road : The nearest town is Srinagar at a distance of
22 kms and is well linked to Dachigam by a proper road. There are buses and
jeeps available from Srinagar.
Contact Information
-
Chief Wild Life Warden
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
