Dachigam National Park
Overview
This National Park has remained a protected land since 1910. It was given the status of National Park in 1981. The park was initially inhabited by 10 villages in the same area. But to protect the wildlife and to avoid the human-animal conflict, the 10 villages were relocated and the entire area of this wildlife population was secured.
There is a river stream that comes down through this park and then merges with the Dal Lake. The water comes down from the alpine lake called Tarsar, Marsar Lake.
Some of the animal species in Dachigam are Musk Deer, Kashmir Grey Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Hill Fox, Long Tail Marmot, etc. Some of the birds present here are Black Bulbul, Babbler, Wall Creeper, Wagtail, etc.
Book & get upto 30% off on: Kashmir Packages
Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park
The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is in the balmy climate of summer. Lasting from May To July, the weather is conducive to sightseeing and wildlife spotting. The temperature at the park ranges between 20°C to 25°C. As you go out on wildlife safaris, the days are warm and you can feel the sunlight hitting your body. The specificity of the park, Hangul, is often spotted in summer near the water streams. It is the perfect time for every kind of activity such as trekking, bird watching, wildlife safari, etc.
Moving to the monsoon season(July and August), occasional rainfall is received. However, it does not rain heavily. The temperature remains the same as the summer season. With prior rain checks, you can surely plan an outing in the national park.
The autumn season, lasting from September to November, offers a somewhat cooler climate. The temperature drops down and fluctuates between 15°C to 18°C. The vibrant hues, golden leaves, and pleasant weather makes the entire landscape a memorable one.
In late spring like April and the start of May, the National Park reopens for tourists. The entire park is filled with greenery and crystal clear views prevail throughout.
As the temperature rises, activities like trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting become accessible.
Due to heavy snowfall, Dachigam National Park is closed in winter(December to March).
Dachigam National Park Hike
Cliffhangers India organizes a day hike to Dachigam National Park. The hike is a blend of walking and education. This hike takes you through the beautiful trail of Dachigm. The trail goes through the middle of the jungle while the river streams flow beautifully beside you.
In this hike, you get to see many animals like brown bears, black bears, leopards, langurs, and different bird species. Further, the hike takes you through the trout fish farm where you can see and buy also fantastic colorful trout fish.
Route of the Dachigam National Park Hike
Dachigam National Park Hike starts from the main gate of the park and takes a right turn towards the jungle. One has to cross a beautiful bridge over the river stream. The trail passes another bridge which is concrete and surrounded by wild plants. Just near this bridge, we take a right turn towards the rehabilitation center. Here you will see brown bears, black bears, and leopards.
After seeing the animals, the trail makes a tunnel shape in the forest and runs beside the river streams, and goes via Panzgam. You will see another bridge here and to see a brown bear, one has to take a detour.
The trail then runs into the thick jungle where you can see in open red fox, langurs, bears, stags, etc. It is an easy walk with no steep climb. The trail runs for a couple of kilometers before there is a dramatic change in the landscape.
Once the jungle trail finishes, it transports you to a vast grassland in the upper reaches of this National Park. This is a fantastic view of high grassland which stretches long and wide. You will get amazed to see the variety in landscape and jungle as you move further up to get a panoramic view.
On the one side, there is thick jungle across the Zabarwan mountains, on the other side, you have a thick jungle full of creepers and bushes and then this vast grassland. You get to see the variety on this walk of both flora and fauna.
Cliffhangers India’s Naturalist Guides are an expert in the wildlife here. They are quite abreast with all the information related to any animal or plant in the park. They will make your hike an education tour as well by giving on each step the information about the herbs, bushes, trees, and birds.
The park is vast and has a beautiful hiking trail in between. Cliffhangers India organizes day hikes to the upper reaches of the Park.
Why is the Park famous?
The Park is famous mostly for being the home of the Kashmiri Stag called Hangul. Hangul is an endangered specie that is only present in Dachigam National Park. The park is also famous for its beautiful jungle and landscape. This is the best spot in Srinagar for a day hike or education tour of colleges and universities.
Is Dachigam National Park worth visiting?
The Park is worth visiting because it has the best soothing landscape in Kashmir. It is situated across the Zabarwan mountain range and has colorful flora and fauna. The park has the best bird species both migratory and others. It is also home to the Himalayan black bear, brown bear, Kashmiri stag, etc.
Where is Dachigam National Park?
The Park is situated in the Kashmir regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the heart of Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar. It is just half an hour’s drive from the famous Dal Lake. The Park on the main side has an entrance from Srinagar and then spreads to the Aru side of the Pahalgam area.
Dachigam National Park Safari
Dachigam National Park safari is a tour of the prominent attractions of Dachigam. The safari is carried out in a Golf Cart. If you are someone who doesn’t want to hike or walk, you can book this Park Safari with us and we will tour you around this park quite comfortably.
The cart takes you to the rehabilitation center which houses the famous leopards, black bears, and brown bears. It also takes you to the trout fish farm where you will see colorful fish dancing on the farm. Further, it goes through the jungle and makes you see the wildlife and wild plants and birds.
In Dachigam National Park Safari you will be quite amazed by the serenity of this tour.
Things to do in Dachigam National Park
As you visit Dachigam National Park, there are a number of things available there. Here’s some listed ones.
- Wildlife Safari: The best way to explore Dachigam National Park is via wildlife Safari. It is a guided tour where you sit back and enjoy the wilderness of the park.
- Trekking and hiking: While Safari is one option, for thrill enthusiasts, trekking is an excellent option. The park is home to a number of trails with varying difficulty. Needless to say, these trekking expeditions offer some gorgeous views of the biodiversity of the region. You get scenic sights of the surrounding mountains as well.
- Birdwatching: Birdwatching is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dachigam National Park. Various kinds of birds are found inside the park, keeping it sonorous with their chirping. More than 150 bird species such as Koklass and Himalayan rubythroat are spotted inside the park.
- Nature Walk: When you are surrounded by abundant natural beauty, taking a nature walk or stroll has to be in the itinerary. The trails in the park offer some fun yet peaceful long walks.
Tips for Visiting Dachigam National Park
- March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are considered the best time to explore Dachigam National Park. These seasons offer the best wildlife sightings along with pleasant weather.
- Obtain prior permission from the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department. You have to apply for the permit via an online website.
- The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, entry is not permitted without permits.
- Plan the visit during early morning and late afternoon. It is the ideal duration for spotting Hangul deer, leopards, and Himalayan black bears.
- Consider hiring a local guide as it increases your chances of wildlife sightings and even enhances your experience.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and suitable clothes according to the weather. Pick neutral-colored outfits to blend in with the surroundings.
- The park adheres to a strict no-plastic policy. Do carry reusable bottles and eco-friendly bags to bring back any kind of garbage.
- Photography is allowed inside the park. However, avoid flash to prevent disturbing wildlife.
- Srinagar offers the nearest accommodation options, as staying inside the park is not permitted. It is located at a distance of around 22 kilometres from the capital city.
- Avoid loud noises inside the Dachigam National Park.
FAQ's
The park is extremely rich in flora. Apple, apricot, walnut, cherry, peach, plum, and pear are some of the popular flora that you can find in this park. The park is well connected by road from Srinagar. Apart from the flora, you can also spot many endangered species in this park such as jackals, snow leopards, Himalayan weasels, and Musk deer.
The park is open throughout the year. You can visit here in all 12 months but the best time to visit Kashmir is from April to September. During this time the park is in its full bloom, and the weather is pleasant at that time.
If you are a birdwatching lover, then this place is also home to many birds. You can spot several migratory birds here in this park. White-backed vultures, Eastern eagle, and Himalayan golden eagles can be easily see during the migratory
Call Now
