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Index :
About | Wild
Divisions | Wild
Attractions | Access |
Accomodation
Location: 22-km from Srinagar in Kashmir.
Total Area: 141 sq. kms.
Declared As: A National Park in 1951.
Visiting Season: May-Aug. - Upper Dachigam;
Sept.-Dec. - Lower Dachigam
Description:
The scenic Dachigam valley is one blissful place of
natural world and its surrounding mountainside contains
the rare Kashmir stag (Hangul), also black and brown
bears. If you go trekking over to the upper reaches, the
spectacular vistas make perfect camping hideout. There you
may also see the musk deer, a small species widely hunted
for the male's musk gland, consider valuable in treating
importance and a major export to Europe's perfumeries.
Located very close to Srinagar, Dachigam National Park
with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is
easily accessible. Dachigam is the best known among the
whole state of J & K. Once the exclusive hunting preserve
of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national
park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced
conservation programme, the hangul population, once 150,
now stands at over 400 animals.
The Two Wild Divisions
The two sectors of the Park - Upper and Lower Dachigam are
spread over an area of 141 sq. km. and altitudes vary
between 1,700 and 4,300 metres. 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
(4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds
through Lower Dachigam.
Wild Attractions:
The Park is a natural habitat of the endangered hangul or
the Kashmir stag - the only species of Red Deer to be
found in India. Winter makes the best time to view the
hangul, when they gather together in the shelter of the
lower valleys. Related to the red deer of Europe, this
breed is characterised by its white rump patch and
impressive spread of antlers. Other inhabitants of this
wild hub 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 can also be seen circling the brilliant blue
skies. The leopard, the only predator of 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.
Access:
By Air: Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar,
22-kms from the national park.
By Rail: Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar,
22-kms from the national park.
By Road: A metalled road takes visitors from
Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be
explored on foot.
Accommodation:
Lodges and Rest Houses are available for an overnight stay
within the sanctuary or check out the Hotels in Srinagar
to stay.
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