Photo: demotix.com
Meaning “Ten Villages” Dachigan Wildlife Sanctuary is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar (J&K). Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Zabarwan Range of the West Himalayan Range at an attitude of 550 ft to 14000 ft above the mean sea level. Protected since 1901, Dachigan was declared a National Park in 1981. With the area of 141 sq. kms, this is India’s northernmost and elevated Wildlife Sanctuary. The Park is home to 145 different species namely Lammergeier, colourful bird species like Monal Pheasant and Blue Magpie along with magnificent Kashmiri Stag, snow leopard, marten, ibex, musk deer and other animal’s characteristic of the Himalayas.
Photo: globalvisiontours.com
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuar is divided into two sectors – Upper and Lower Dachigam. These two sectores have varied topography ranging from deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpines. The sectors also have Masrar Lake situated at 4300m in the higher ranges.
With the widest range of Himalayan Species, Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best Natural Habitat for endangered species.
Best Season to visit: April to November. A visit to Upper Dachigam is best restricted to periods between May to August while March to May is ideal for bird watching.
Photo: gud2travel.com
Transport:
- By Air: Srinagar airport is 32 km. from the park.
- By Rail: Jammu (315 km.) is the most convenient railhead.
- By Road: Srinagar town is an accessible 21 km. away from Dachigam and is well connected to major cities and towns in India.
Places to visit:
- Drognar and Munyu Valley
- Sangargulu Valley Trek where one can view wildlife in Upper Dachigam
Photo: globalvisiontours.com
Accommodation: Lodges and Rest Houses are easily available for overnight stay within the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are not comfortable staying within the Park, there are various Hotel options in Srinagar to stay.
Tags: Dachigam Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
