Dachigam National Park, Srinagar - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 17 km from Srinagar Bus Station, Dachigam National Park is a wildlife and environment conservation area located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Situated outside the city of Srinagar, it is one of the popular national parks in Jammu Kashmir, and among the top places to visit in Srinagar.

With lush green environs, exotic flora, and fauna, Dachigam National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife buffs. Dachigam literally means 'Ten Villages', which stands for the number of villages that were relocated to create the park. The area was previously a game preserve of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Since 1910, the park became a protected area as it has the catchment area for Harwan Reservoir which supplies clean drinking water to the city of Srinagar. Later, it was declared as a National Park in the year 1981.

Covering an area of more than 141 sq. km, Dachigam National park is located in the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas at an altitude ranging from 1600 m to 4200 m. Due to this vast variation, the park is divided into two regions - the upper region and the lower region. From dense forests to sprawling grasslands, it has a variety of ecosystems that are inhabited by various animals. The park is best known as the habitat of the last surviving population of Hangul, or Kashmir stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India. Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Long-tailed Marmots, Jungle Cats, Himalayan black bear, and a few species of wild goats like the markhor and ibex are the other inhabitants of the park. The elusive snow leopard is also found at a higher altitude and is the only predator.

It also attracts ornithologists and birdwatchers as around 145 bird species can be spotted here which includes rare birds like Black Bulbuls, Cinnamon sparrows, Himalayan Monals, Kashmir Flycatcher, and colorful pheasants like the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant, the blood pheasant, and the koklass pheasant. Besides, the golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeyer can be seen flying higher in the sky. Apart, the park is extremely rich in Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine, and Elm.

If you are a trekker, then this park has great potential for exploration on foot. Lower Dachigam has an elevation of 1700 m with a gentle ascent and is most suitable for the casual trekker. It covers one-third of the total park area with a thick canopy of Alpine trees. A 10 km long trek will bring you to middle Dachigam and usher you into a thicker, more diverse cover of rich flora. Upper Dachigam, with an elevation of 4300 m, is not for the faint of heart or the occasional trekker. But, for the seasoned trekking enthusiast, it offers an exhilarating experience. It takes at least a day to reach Upper Dachigam from the nearest road, and you need special permits for your trek here. Be prepared for an unforgiving and challenging terrain with harsh weather conditions as you gear up for the trek of a lifetime.

Although the park is open throughout the year, the best time to visit lower Dachigam is from September to December and the upper Dachigam is from May to August. The main gate entrance is very close to the New Theed general bus stand on either side of Darul Uloom Kousaria. There are a few Forest Department accommodations available inside the park and reservations can be made from the office of Srinagar's Tourist Reception Centre through the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Tourists have to get an entry pass from Wildlife Office near Dal Lake to visit Dachigam National Park. Since private vehicles are not allowed inside, one needs to hire a golf cart to traverse the park which is the only possible way apart from traveling by foot in this heavenly abode of nature.

Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 25 for Indians & Rs. 50 for Foreigners, Rs. 1200 for Golf Cart, Still Camera: Rs. 100 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners