Dachigam National Park: A Natural Wonderland in the Himalayas

Dachigam National Park is a national park located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, 22 kilometers (14 mi) from Srinagar city. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers (54.4 sq mi). The name of the park literally stands for “ten villages” which is in the memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation. These ten villages were living in this region before the World War I in the beginning of 20th century. The main gate entrance is very close to the New Theed general bus stand on the either side of Darul Uloom Kousaria.

Dachigam National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered hangul (Kashmir stag), leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and a number of bird species. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including cedar, pine, and oak trees.

Dachigam National Park was initially established as a protected area in 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was initially created to ensure a supply of clean drinking water for Srinagar. It was upgraded and declared a National Park in 1981.

The park is open to tourists from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There are a number of things to do in Dachigam National Park, including:

• Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the animals in the park. Jeeps are driven along the park’s roads, giving you a good chance to spot hangul, leopards, and other animals.
• Elephant safari: This is a more leisurely way to see the park. You will ride on an elephant’s back as it walks through the forest. This is a great way to get up close to the animals and learn about their natural behavior.

• Trekking: There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. This is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and see some of the less-visited areas.
• Bird watching: Dachigam National Park is home to a variety of bird species, so it is a great place to go bird watching.

The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The park is also open during the winter, but the weather can be cold and snowy.

Permission Required

Dachigam National Park, situated in the beautiful region of Jammu and Kashmir, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. To explore this magnificent park, visitors need to acquire a permit from the Wildlife Department office. The permit allows access to the park and ensures the preservation of its natural resources.

Entry Fees

Upon entering Dachigam National Park, visitors are required to pay an entry fee of INR 25. This fee contributes to the maintenance and conservation efforts of the park.

Timing

The park operates between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm every day, allowing visitors ample time to explore its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. It is important to adhere to the designated visiting hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Vehicle no entry

It is worth noting that vehicles are not permitted inside Dachigam National Park. The park can only be explored on foot, emphasizing the need for visitors to be physically fit and prepared for extended periods of walking. The Sangargulu Valley trek, specifically, is advised for seasoned trekkers due to its challenging nature.

To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to start exploring the park early in the morning. This allows ample time to witness the beauty of the park, spot wildlife, and immerse oneself in the serene surroundings.

Since there are no food or water facilities available in or around the park, it is essential to carry your own food packets and an ample supply of water. This ensures that you stay nourished and hydrated throughout your visit.

To reach Dachigam National Park, here are the different transportation options:

By Air:
The nearest airport to Dachigam National Park is in Srinagar, which is located approximately 22 km away. Srinagar Airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Bengaluru, Indore, and Leh. International travelers can reach Delhi, which is about 876 km from Srinagar and has excellent connectivity with major cities worldwide.

By Train:
The closest railhead to Dachigam National Park is in Jammu, which is about 327 km away. Jammu Railway Station has good connectivity with various major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kanyakumari, Indore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, and Rishikesh. During the holiday season, additional trains may operate on this route.

By Road:
Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is well-connected to Jammu and other towns by public and private buses. There are bus services available from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Leh, and Pahalgam to Srinagar. If you are coming from Jammu, which is approximately 290 km away, you can easily find taxis for Srinagar. Taxis can also be hired from Srinagar to reach Dachigam National Park. Buses specifically ply to Dachigam from Srinagar, although they may be relatively basic in terms of comfort. Jeep services are also available regularly from the park to Srinagar.

These transportation options provide visitors with various ways to reach Dachigam National Park, allowing them to explore the stunning natural beauty and wildlife it has to offer.