Dachigam National Park has located 22 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The name literally stands for ‘ten villages’, which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated in order to create the park. The Park is only 141 sq. km. and roughly rectangular in shape, approximately 23.5km by 6km.
It is best considered as two sections – Upper and Lower Dachigam. Lower Dachigam, in the west, comprises approximately a third of the total area and is the area most accessible to a visitor. Upper Dachigam in the east extends over the higher reaches and is a good day’s trek from the nearest road head.
Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar city. A protected area since 1910, it was declared as a national park in 1981. The park is best known as the home of the hangul, or Kashmir Stag.
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The Park harbours the last viable population of the endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag. Himalayan Black Bear is visible in the lower reaches from spring to autumn and hibernates in winter.
Long-Tailed Marmots are very conspicuous during summer in the upper reaches while Mouse Hare are active throughout the year. Other wildlife includes Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten and Himalayan Weasel.
Over 145 different bird species including the Lammergeier, colourful species like Monal Pheasant and Blue Magpie are seen.
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