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The Hangul or Kashmir Stag is the only species of Red deer found in India. They are magnificient animals, with rich red coats and an impressive head of antlers. Kashmir red deer (Cervus elaphus hanglu) are usually seen in herds led by a dominant male. Hangul are active during the day and early winter, when they descend to lower grazing slopes, is a good time to see these incredibly beautiful animals.

Undoubtedly the Dachigam wildlife reserve is one of India's most scenic National parks. Rich and very unspoilt, Dachigam National park lies very close to Srinagar town, nestled in the stunning slopes of the Kashmir Himalayas. Dachigam literally means Ten (Dachi) + villages (gam) and owes its name to the fact that 10 villages were relocated from the park in the early 1900's.

Earlier the exclusive preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, Dachigam National Park has been well protected over the years. Even today, the fact that it is in the Kashmir Valley ensures that visitors are low, and it remains largely unspoilt; visited by those who truly understand and respect its wild treasures and care enough to keep it that way.

When you enter Dachigam National Park, the sheer green and quiet of the parks hushes you to silence. Thanks to its unique geographical location, Dachigam national park is home to some of the rare and unique species of Himalayan flora and fauna. The park is renowned as the only habitat for the highly endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag. It is the only species of red deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to catch a glimpse of these rare animals, when they come in groups to the lower region of the park. Various efforts are being made to save this rare and beautiful species.

The other wildlife at Dachigam National park include the  Himalayan Black Bear, few species of the goat including Markhor and Ibex, Leopard and the rare snow Leopard (seen in the upper regions only), Musk deer and the Himalayan Marmot.

Very rich in birdlife too, it’s not unusual to see otherwise uncommon birds quite easily in Dachigam. Over 150 species of birds can be commonly seen in the area; these include the Monal Pheasant, Crimson Tragopan, Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture, not to mention their smaller colourful cousins.

No fancy jeep safari in Dachigam. It will be easy walking through jungle trails (and yes these are really trails, not metalled, not worn over)- just the crisp fresh air, the crunch of the grass under your feet and the air of anticipation for company. It’s recommended to go to the park in the morning hours, nights being cold, most of the animals feed in the morning and are best seen then. Be sure to take along a forest guard. Enquire around for a good one. The guards here are still such that if they see your interest, they will really take you around; money is not everything, though a tip will help. A trip to the Dachigam national park never ceases to leave you with a feeling that you have hardly seen it all, that there are still some secrets left to be discovered.

Go! You will be rewarded not only with an outstanding wildlife but with the special hospitality of the Kashmiri people and an experience not easily matched elsewhere.

Places to see in & around Dachigam National Park

Quick Tips Best time to go to Dachigam Upper Dachigam - May to August (Mammal/Bird viewing) Lower Dachigam - September to March (Mammal viewing) Bird viewing - March to May Park timings are 5:30 am to 6:30 pm. Within the Dachigam national park itself, there is a wildlife re-hab area and animal recovery center that usually has some animals undergoing care. It also has the only loos in the park. Near the entrance of the Dachigam park is a trout farm, that's well worth a visit. Outside Dachigam are then the obviously spectacular attractions of beautiful Srinagar city – the Gardens (in spring: April – May). The majestic Dal Lake - not just the tourist circuits in the front, but also the back-water canals. You could also go to the Sankracharya Temple, the famous Hazratbal mosque, and Srinagar town is wonderful to walk through, in itself. Places to stay at Dachigam At Dachigam, there are 2 Forest Rest houses at lower Dachigam in the form of two forest rest houses, Laribal and Panzam. Permission to stay here has to be got though the State and Dachigam Forest Dept. To visit Dachigam, one usually stays at Srinagar city. There are a range of hotels that would suit the budget of every traveller. It would be interesting to stay on a house-boat on the Dal lake too. Here are some recommended places - details

About Dachigam National Park: Dachigam National Park Information

Altitude 1700-4300 meters Temp Summer 26 (Max) & 8(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 9 (Max) & -6 (Min) Degrees Celsius Best time to Go May to August and October Monsoon July – September Summer April - June Snowfall November – March Clothes Very heavy woolens in winter and light woolens in summer Nearest Airport Srinagar, 22 km Nearest Railway Station Udhampur, 230 km Bus Station Srinagar, 22 km Hospital & Doctor Srinagar (22km) has a Civil and a District Hospital well equipped to handle emergencies Places to see Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashmashahi, Shankracharya Temple, Hazrathbal Shrine, Jama Masjid …