Wildlife · Dachigam National Park, Kashmir
Morning wildlife walk in lower Dachigam
Lower Dachigam is a broad, gentle valley floor of forest, orchards and meadow along the Dagwan. A guided morning walk or drive with a permit gives a good chance of seeing deer, bears in season, and plenty of birds, only an hour from Srinagar.
Photo: Jyoti Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsApply for a permit at the Wildlife Department office in Srinagar, ideally the day before, and bring photo ID. At the gate your permit is checked, and a staff member or guide may accompany you. Routes are fixed, and visitors are limited to the lower valley; upper Dachigam and Marsar are restricted.
The lower valley is gentle, following the Dagwan through mixed forest of willow, poplar, walnut and conifer, with grassy clearings where hangul and other animals graze. In spring and summer, Himalayan black bears feed on fruit trees and nuts and are often seen at a distance. In autumn and winter, hangul move to lower slopes.
Walk quietly, keep together, and let your guide lead. Bears can be dangerous if surprised, especially mothers with cubs; never approach them or leave food. Binoculars make a big difference. Allow three to four hours, and combine the visit with Shalimar Bagh on the way back to Srinagar.
Good for
Also in Dachigam National Park
More days here
Photo: Tahirshawl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Listening for the hangul rut in autumn
In autumn, hangul stags bugle across the forested slopes of Dachigam during the rut. Hearing their calls at dawn, and w…
Photo: Jyoti Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Birding along the Dagwan river
The Dagwan river and the mixed forest of lower Dachigam are good for birds, especially in spring when summer visitors a…
Questions
Before you book
How do I get a permit for Dachigam National Park?
Apply at the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden or the Wildlife Department in Srinagar with photo ID, ideally a day before. Fees have been nil or nominal, but rules and procedures change. Check current status before you travel.
Can I see a hangul in Dachigam?
Sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as numbers are small. The best chances are from autumn into winter, when herds move to lower slopes. Early mornings and a knowledgeable guide help a lot. Bears are seen more often in spring and summer.
Is Dachigam suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, lower Dachigam is gentle and mostly flat. Children must stay close to adults because bears live here. Seniors can manage short walks, and some sections may be covered by vehicle where allowed.