Seasons at Dachigam National Park

Changes with Seasons: The only way it would be possible for anyone to see Dachigam in all it's glory would be to spend an entire year there.

Starting from the cold winter season during the months of November to February, when the temperature in even the lower areas in sub zero, the park adorns a white cloak that covers it's every corner. During this time, the park's famous resident, the Hangul, moves down to the lower regions and more easily sighted. Due to the lack of greenery and nourishment for the animals during this period, the park authorities create mineral licks and feeding areas. It is advisable to find a guide well versed with these areas as they provide excellent viewing and photographic opportunities of these rare animals.

Spring arrives with the Coming of March. A lot of trees come into leaf and greens in complete contrast to the preceding snow can be seen everywhere, especially on the mountain slopes. Wild Cherry and other fruit trees give the lower regions a splash of pastel colours.

May heralds the arrival of the short summer period. Waterfalls and streams are visible everywhere due to the melting snow. Even the higher regions during this period consist of vast grassy meadows covered with bright and beautifully scented flowers. The male Hanguls, which have already moved to the higher region are followed by the females and their recently born young ones during this season. The Langurs also move up at the same time and it isn't unusual to spot the two animals species together. Towards the end of summer, the fruits start appearing and this is party time for the Himalayan Black Bear who starts stocking himself for the coming long winter sleep.

With August comes the most amazing phase of the park. All the tree leaves turn to bright shades of red, gold, yellow and orange. The most outstanding tree during this period is the Chinar, which is the last of the trees to shed it's leaves before the onset of winter. During this time, entire mountainsides take on these brilliant colours and it is almost impossible to imagine it as a plain white scenery, which is what it changes back to in only a matter of a few weeks. Also during this time of the year, animals can be seen moving back to the lower areas to shelter themselves from the wrath of winter.