Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park covers about 141 square kilometres of forest, meadow and mountain behind Harwan, just north-east of Srinagar. It was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Kashmir and was declared a national park in 1981. Its name is usually explained as “ten villages”, recalling the settlements moved out to create it.

It is the only significant habitat left for the hangul, the Kashmir red deer — the state animal, critically reduced in number. Dachigam is also one of the best places in India to see the Asiatic black bear, especially in autumn when they come down for fruit, and holds leopards, long-tailed marmots and a rich list of Himalayan birds.

How a visit works

Entry requires a permit from the Wildlife Department office in Srinagar, issued for the day. Most visitors explore Lower Dachigam on foot or by vehicle along the forest road with a department guide. Upper Dachigam, towards Marsar Lake, is a serious trek and needs separate arrangement.

Hangul are shy and you are not guaranteed a sighting. Your best chance is early morning in late autumn and winter, when the deer move lower down. This is a park for patient wildlife lovers rather than a quick stop.