Kashmir is not just a heavenly place that offers mesmerizing alps and panoramic views. Dachigam National Park showcases a completely different outlook that gives you a chance to witness the distinctive flora and fauna of Kashmir closely.
What makes this park an unparalleled utopia is the fact that the entire sanctuary is covered with snow-capped mountains at the backdrop. This gives the most exuberant atmosphere, and it almost feels like the entire national park is nestled in mountains.
The rich biodiversity and soothing environment make the entire tour of the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary worth remembering. Making it a worthwhile visiting spot in Kashmir.
Dachigam National Park Overview
The terrain of Dachigam itself is a blissful tract where every step showcases immense beauty. Covered with pine trees and filled with the fragrance of deodar trees is enough to tranquilize city dwellers. You would get the opportunity to witness exotic flowers, including rhododendrons, blue poppies, and lilacs.
The entire area is spread across 500 sq km, and a one-day tour would be enough for the park. The entry fee is ₹25 for Indian citizens and ₹50 for foreigners. Moreover, the park charges an extra ₹100 for photo shooting from Indians and ₹200 from foreigners.
Exotic bird species like golden eagles, koklass pheasants, Himalayan monals, and woodpeckers are a common sight and can easily be spotted. The sanctuary is also home to black bears, leopards, Hangul deer, and even snow leopards in restricted regions.
Dachigam Park was first established in 1981 but existed since 1901, originally to preserve Hangul deer, but later became a habitat center for various species. And if you are lucky, you might get a chance to get a taste of some delicious fruits like apples, cherries, walnuts, and pears straight from the trees, fresh and juicy.
Every Tuesday the park is closed, and to make an entry, you have to make an online booking in advance. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to enter in their personal vehicles and have to explore the entire area on foot, which can be a bit tiring, but the amazing scenic view accompanies you perfectly to boost your energy.
Activities in Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
There is no shortage of activities in the park, whether you want to explore the area, learn about the ecosystem, or get your photoshoot. Dachigam is a perfect escape spot.
The list of traditional activities includes
- Birdwatching: There are over 150 different species of birds that you don’t usually see. So do carry your binoculars with you, stay still and let nature showcase its wonders.
- Get a Closer Look at Wildlife: Many of the visitors have witnessed black bears and trout fish farms. However, there are some restricted regions in the sanctuary, but it’ll be more than enough.
- Wander Around Nature’s Best Creation: The sanctuary is blessed to have clear crystal streams, lush green meadows and exotic flowers that act as gems on the crown. Wandering around the place is enough to wash away all your anxiety and stress.
- Visiting Nearby Attractions: You also have an option to visit nearby famous tourist spots like Mughal Garden, Paris Mahal, and Nagin Lake.
Is Dachigam Worth Visiting, and What’s the Best Time?
Obviously Dachigam is worth the visit and deserves the attention of every tourist that lands their foot on Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park is just 22 km away from Srinagar, and unlike other trekking or offbeat tourist destinations, it is easily accessible to reach there. The timing of the park is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday closed, so if you are looking for a spot that doesn’t take up your entire day, you know exactly where to head to.
To fully enjoy the wildlife activity of the park, May to August is the perfect time, as you will be accompanied by beautiful, pleasant weather. The fact that wandering around the park won’t take you the entire day and other spots in Srinagar like Strawberry Valley and Dal Lake, are nearby. Allowing you to stroll over there too, making it easy to cover more places with more enjoyment.
How to Reach Dachigam?
Dachigam is 28 km away from Srinagar International Airport, and you can easily avail yourself of a shared or private taxi. It’s just a 1-2 hour drive, and the entire network of roads is quite smooth and convenient.
Moreover, Dachigam offers several famous trekking routes like Pathlipora and Dachigam Trail, that take you through some of the best untouched, mesmerizing beauty of Kashmir.
FAQs
Q1. Does Dachigam have snow leopards, and can we see them up close?
Ans. Yes, there is a small population of snow leopards in Dachigam, and no, you cannot witness them up close as they live in restricted parts of the park. Moreover, it is not safe to visit their territory.
Q2. Am I allowed to carry food to Dachigam National Park?
Ans. Yes, you are allowed to carry your own food and water, as there are no pantries in the park. However, make sure you don’t litter the sanctuary.
Q3. What are some easy-to-see animals in the sanctuary?
Ans. Kashmir stags, black bears, brown bears and musk deer are easily seen in the park. Moreover, birds like the Himalayan monal, golden eagle, woodpecker, and koklass pheasant.
Q4. Can we avail ourselves of a safari ride?
Ans. No! There are no safari ride options in the park, as no vehicles are allowed inside the zone.
