|
About Dachigam National
Park
The scenic Dachigam valley is one blissful place of natural world and
its surrounding mountainside co ntains
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 thr ough
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. |
|
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is May to August.
How to Get there
Air : Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar, 22-kms from the
national park
Rail : Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar, 22-kms from the
national park
Road : A metalled road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower
Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot |
