Located
very close to Srinagar (22km), Dachigam National park 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 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 metallic
road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only
be explored on foot.
General Information:
Best Time to Visit: May- August, Upper Dachigam & September to December
for Lower Dachigam
Nearest Town: Srinagar (22 Km)
How to Get Here:
Air: Srinagar (22 Km)
Rail: Jammu.
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