Dachigam National Park National Park

Dachigam National Park is a protected mountainous area in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, established to conserve regional wildlife and watersheds. It is the primary conservation area for the Kashmir stag (Hangul) and other Himalayan species.

The park contains a mosaic of forest types across elevation gradients, with alpine meadows and higher ridges giving way to oak and conifer woodlands lower down. Wildlife monitoring and regulated visits are the main activities; sightings of Hangul are a key attraction though the species is elusive.

The area was originally set aside to protect a catchment supplying water to Srinagar and later gained national park status as conservation priorities expanded. Management has focused on species protection, anti-poaching and habitat restoration.

Dachigam lies in the foothills northeast of the city of Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, within a few dozen kilometres of the urban area, and comprises valleys and ridges that feed local waterways.

• Establishment: The park was declared a national park in 1981 and is managed for wildlife conservation and watershed protection.
• Conservation focus: It is the principal protected area for the Kashmir stag, locally known as the Hangul, and for other Himalayan fauna in the region around Srinagar.

What to See#

• Dachigam Reservoir: The Dachigam Reservoir, which lies within the protected area and supplies water to nearby urban centres while forming part of the park’s riparian habitats.
• Mountain valleys and forests: Higher-elevation alpine and subalpine valleys and slopes that form the habitat for native wildlife, including dense oak and conifer stands at lower elevations.

Dachigam lies about 22-25 km east of Srinagar town. Access is usually via the Srinagar-Ganderbal road; the park’s main entry points are reached by jeep or taxi from Srinagar (journey time approximately 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions). Visitors should contact the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department or local tour operators for current permit requirements and guided-visit arrangements.

• Access is restricted and typically requires permits from the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department - check with local authorities in Srinagar before planning.
• Go with a licensed local guide experienced in the park's trails; routes can be confusing and conditions change seasonally.
• Avoid the breeding season for hangul (Kashmiri stag) if photographing - the park manages visitor flows to reduce disturbance.