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The Lower and Upper Dachigam regions
with altitudes of 1700 and 4300 meters, respectively.
Two steep ridges enclose the parks parameters. The
landscape at Dachigam varies from deep ravines, rocky
ridges, steep slopes and alpine pastures. The Masrar
Lake, in higher Dachigam, is at the mouth of the
Dachigam River. The river is regarded as the lifeline of
the park, for it winds through Lower Dachigam region
from its originating point, thus replenishing the entire
lower region. The park is home to the endangered hangul
or the Kashmiri stag, the only species of red deer to be
found in India. Various efforts are being made to save
this rare and beautiful species.
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
141 sq. km |
| Languages: |
English, Hindi |
| Best Time To Visit: |
Upper
Dachigam, May. August;
Lower Dachigam,
September. December
The park is closed between January and April.
Special permits are required for travel to this
part of India. |
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Climate
The region remains cold throughout the year. The summer season
(from May to August) is cool and very pleasant with
temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C; however, winters
(September and December) are particularly harsh when
the temperature drops to a range of . 2 to 4°C.
ABODE OF THE RARE AND UNTAMED
Apart
from its unspoiled natural beauty, its most important
wildlife remains the hangul (Kashmiri stag), an
endangered species of red deer. Despite its substantial
harshness, the winter season is the best time to view
the hangul, when it gathers in the shelter of the lower
valleys. The leopard, which is the only predatory animal
in the area, has been rarely spotted. It is the same
with the hard-to-pin-down snow leopard found in the
higher altitudes. However, tourists with resilience,
patience and a little luck have had the fortune of
seeing these unique wild cats. Apart from the hangul and
the two varieties of leopards, various other species
like Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Himalayan marmot
and species of wild goats like the makhor are found at
Dachigam. Various exotic Himalayan birds, colorful
pheasants like the crimson tagopan, monal pheasant,
blood pheasant and koklass pheasant, golden eagles and
bearded vultures (lammergeier) are also seen encircling
the beautiful blue skies above Dachigam forest.
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