Located
very close to Srinagar (22km), Dachigam National park with its splendid
forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible. The two sectors of the
park -Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km. And
altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. Two steep ridges enclose the
Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops,
steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures.
Tumbling down
from the Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River
winds through Lower Dachigam.
The Park is the habitat of the
endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red deer to be
found in India. Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they
congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys.
Other
inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the
markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. Colourful
pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with
its glittering plumage, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant.
The golden eagle and
the bearded vulture or lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue
skies. The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely
seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher
altitudes.
Other animals include the rare musk deer and the
Himalayan marmot. A metallic road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower
Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
General
Information: Best Time to Visit: May- August, Upper
Dachigam & September to December for Lower
Dachigam Nearest
Town: Srinagar (22 Km) How to Get Here: Air: Srinagar
(22 Km)
Rail: Jammu.
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