Introduction to Dachigam National Park

As someone said "when Dachigam is in full bloom with all it's wild fruit trees and beautiful animals, it makes you feel that this is the closest you could get to the abode of the Gods". It wouldn't be surprising if the Gods are actually envious of this place on Earth. Try and picture a place beautiful beyond your imagination, and then to your image add Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut and Chestnut trees! All growing wild!

This beautiful reserve is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, the capital city of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers consisting of some of the most scenic natural beauty present on Earth. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The best times to explore these two areas are summer and winter respectively. Due to the upper region's extremely harsh winter, the best months for visiting here is between the months of May and August. For the lower region, the ideal time is between September and December but is also equally rewarding in the summer months.

The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care and watchful eye of the Maharaja of J & K and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for it's formation. It was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981. Although it is the last proper home of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, and harbours many rare species within it's borders, it was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar.

Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all it's glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes it's entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.

The only threat to this natural wonder is from us humans. A major portion of the park is under constant stress from over grazing and encroachments by neighbouring communities. Although the problem is still very much prevalent, it has been controlled to a large extent by the park authorities. A permit from the chief Wildlife Warden is necessary for anyone wanting to enter the park premises.

The closest town to the park is Srinagar (22km)
The closest Railway Station to the park is located at Jammu (315km)
The closest Airport to the park is located at Srinagar (22km)