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Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir | Wildlife Tours

Dachigam National Park is a beautiful and serene national park located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is situated at an altitude of 5,500 to 14,000 feet above sea level and covers an area of 141 square kilometers. The name "Dachigam" means "ten villages" in the local language, as the park was initially created to protect the watershed of the region, which was the main source of water for ten villages.

Dachigam National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered species, including the Hangul, which is a subspecies of red deer.

History and Culture

Dachigam National Park was initially created in 1910 as a game reserve by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. The park was later upgraded to a national park in 1981. The park has significant cultural importance as it is home to several communities, including the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who are nomadic herders and use the park for grazing their livestock.

Biodiversity

Dachigam National Park is home to a diverse

range of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most notable mammals found in the park include the Hangul, Himalayan black bear, Kashmir stag, Himalayan marmot, and leopard. The park is also home to over 150 species of birds, including the bearded vulture, golden eagle, and Himalayan monal.

In addition to its rich mammalian and avian diversity, Dachigam National Park also boasts of a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the common species found in the park include the Indian cobra, common krait, and the Himalayan pit viper.

The park is also renowned for its diverse flora, with over 50 species of trees and hundreds of species of flowers and plants. Some of the notable tree species found in the park include the Himalayan elm, Himalayan spruce, and Himalayan cedar.

Trekking and Hiking Trails

Dachigam National Park is known for its several trekking and hiking trails, which provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the park's stunning natural beauty. The most popular trekking trail is the Dachigam Trek, which takes visitors through the park's picturesque valleys and forests. The trek covers a distance of around 8 kilometers and can be completed in a day.

The park also has several other hiking trails, including the Harwan-Kangan Trail, which takes visitors through the Harwan Valley, and the Kangan-Gagangir Trail, which passes through the Gagangir Village.

How to Reach Dachigam National Park

The nearest airport to Dachigam National Park is the Srinagar International Airport, which is located around 25 kilometers from the park. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is around 295 kilometers from the park.

Visitors can also reach the park by road, with several buses and taxis available from Srinagar and other nearby cities.

Accommodation Options

Dachigam National Park has several accommodation options for visitors, including forest rest houses, tourist lodges, and hotels. The forest rest houses are managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department and offer basic amenities.

Tourist lodges and hotels are also available in the nearby towns of Srinagar and Ganderbal, with a range of options to suit different budgets.

Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park

The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. The park is closed during the winter months, from December to March, due to heavy snowfall.

Entry Fees and Permits

Visitors to Dachigam National Park are required to pay an entry fee, which varies depending on the season. The fee for Indian nationals is INR 20 per person, while foreign nationals are charged INR 100 per person.

Visitors are also required to obtain a permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department before entering the park. The permits can be obtained from the department's office in Srinagar.

Tips for Visitors

Visitors to Dachigam National Park are advised to follow a set of dos and don'ts to ensure their safety and to preserve the park's natural beauty. Some of the dos include carrying sufficient water and food, wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes, and carrying a first-aid kit. Some of the don'ts include littering, smoking, and feeding the animals.

Dachigam National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty, the park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the wilderness and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The park's diverse range of flora and fauna, coupled with its several trekking and hiking trails, make it an ideal destination for those seeking an adventure in the lap of nature.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Dachigam National Park is a destination that should not be missed. So pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

How to travel by road to Dachigam National Park and the nearest bus stand

To travel by road to Dachigam National Park, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Srinagar city. The park is located about 22 kilometers from Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.

The nearest bus stand to Dachigam National Park is the SRTC Bus Stand in Srinagar. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a private taxi to reach the park. The distance from the bus stand to the park is approximately 22 kilometers and it takes around 1 hour to reach by road.

It is advisable to book a taxi in advance to avoid any inconvenience. The roads leading to the park can be narrow and winding, so it is important to have an experienced driver. Additionally, it is recommended to check the weather conditions before planning a trip to the park as the roads may be closed during heavy snowfall or rainfall.

How to travel by train to Dachigam National Park and the nearest railway station

Dachigam National Park is not connected by train. The nearest railway station to the park is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located in Jammu city, approximately 290 kilometers away from the park.

From Jammu Tawi Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Srinagar city, which is the nearest city to the park. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar takes around 8-9 hours by road.

Once you reach Srinagar, you can take a shared taxi or a private taxi to reach Dachigam National Park, which is approximately 22 kilometers away from the city.

It is important to note that the roads leading to the park can be narrow and winding, so it is advisable to have an experienced driver. Additionally, it is recommended to check the weather conditions before planning a trip to the park as the roads may be closed during heavy snowfall or rainfall.

How to travel by air to Dachigam National Park and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Dachigam National Park is the Srinagar International Airport, which is located approximately 30 kilometers away from the park.

From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared taxi to reach Dachigam National Park. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach the park by road.

Alternatively, you can also book a private car in advance or take a pre-paid taxi from the airport to reach the park.

It is important to note that the roads leading to the park can be narrow and winding, so it is advisable to have an experienced driver. Additionally, it is recommended to check the weather conditions before planning a trip to the park as the roads may be closed during heavy snowfall or rainfall.

FAQs

Q.1 Is Dachigam National Park open throughout the year?

No, the park is closed during the winter months, from December to March, due to heavy snowfall.

Q.2 Are visitors required to obtain a permit before entering the park?

Yes, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department before entering the park.

Q.3 What is the best time to visit Dachigam National Park?

The best time to visit the park is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the park's natural beauty is at its peak.

Q.4 What are the accommodation options available at Dachigam National Park?

The park has several visitor accommodation options, including forest rest houses, tourist lodges, and hotels.

Q.5 What are some of the dos and don'ts that visitors should follow while visiting the park?

Visitors are advised to carry sufficient water and food, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and avoid littering, smoking, and feeding the animals.