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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