The Dachigam National Park is in the picturesque surroundings along a very scenic valley, with a beautiful river flowing through it. The Daghwar river flows through the center of the forest and is a vital source of drinking water. Infact the park was originally set up with the main aim of protecting the water supply of the region, but today it is internationally known for protecting the Hangul, a Kashmiri stag, which is closely related to the reindeer. Besides the Hangul, it houses other animals of the cold region.

Dachigam National Park was setup in 1981. It lies in the eastern part of Jammu & Kashmir State. The park is at a high altitude, lying on the Himalayan mountains and therefore it is covered with snow. Owing to the snow factor, the park has less of vegetation and more of rocky mountains and coniferous woodland.

The place is a trekker's paradise. One can enjoy trekking and camping here along with its exclusive varieties of animal and plant species.

It is the only home for the Kashmiri Stag – the Hangul. Hangul is an endangered species and is only found in the Dachigam National Park. This lovely red deer is the special feature of the park. Lots of efforts are being made to protect the Hangul (Cervus elaphus hangul) from extinction. Poachers who market products made from these animals, threaten the Hangul and the Musk deer found in Dachigam. The Musk deer is hunted primarily for its musk pod from which musk is extracted, and is used in the perfume industry. The deers get the wrong kind of attention from the fashion industry and are therefore much sought after. There is a great need to protect these animals. A lot of effort is being made to protect these and other animals from poachers and encroachments. Due to the continuous and sincere efforts, the Hangul population is on a rise and once again flourishing in the valley. The park provides a relatively safer place for the animals but is not totally safe, as predators also inhabit the park. Leopard is the main predator. However, others like jackals, foxes and the other animals are also found in the region.

The fauna of the place provides a nice variety for the animal lovers. The Hangul, and cats like the Leopard can be seen in winters. In summers, the Himalayan Black Boar and an exclusive variety of Bear can be sighted. The park containing both the black and brown varieties of Himalayan Bear can be sighted. These animals are usually seen in the summer and spring season as they go into hibernation during the winters.

The beautiful white snow covered peaks radiating serenity and purity are also home to a variety of birds. The Black bulbuls can be seen in winters in abundance. Other rare birds which can be sighted here are the Cinnamon sparrows, Monal phesant, Golden oriole, Minivets, Wood peckers, Babblers, Laughing Thrushes, Pygmy owlets and the full fledged ravenous Wild Pit Vultures. The vultures prey on Hanguls at times but do not pose any kind of threat to the animal. The Yellow Marten Lammergeier also known as the beaided vulture, is a beautiful bird which is not to be commonly found in other places.

Dachigam is a very alluring place. Its calm and serene environs attract many tourists. The wildlife lovers and naturalists can go through its diversified flora and fauna. Adventurers can travel here extensively and trek.

Photographers can capture nature in its absolute form here at the Dachigam Park. In all, it is one of the most precious wild life sites that India offers and what is more, the Dachigam park is open almost all through the year except the winters. In winters, the upper regions of Dachigam get totally cut off from the lower park but except the winter season, the park is available to the tourists most of the year.

The park is divided in two parts, the upper and lower region. The upper region of the park is accessible from May to August when trekkers and campers can come and take full advantage of the place. This is because in winters the upper region becomes severely cold. Even in the day time, temperature in winter falls to freezing point but at this time of the year the lower Dachigam is open to visitors. Sept.- Dec. is the best time to tour the lower Dachigam because at this time of the year one can witness the wild life in its most abundant stage. The Black bulbuls, the Himalayan Ruby throat and the Wall creepers come out in winters.

This magical place is mainly rocky and is sparsely vegetated. The vegetation here comprises of Dry Alpine Scrub, covering most of the valley. The entire park is interspersed with river, the forest coniferous woodlands and alpine pastures. But during the winters, the whole area is covered with snow and the beauty is mystifying. People visiting nearby hill stations are drawn towards the park. Even a short visit here leaves one with fond memories of the place.

There is no problem getting to Dachigam, as it is only 22 km. away from Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated so close to the city that it is easily accessible and you can get to Srinagar by bus, train or even by plane, and from Srinagar to the park, as you like, because besides the state provisions, private travel is also allowed there.

As for accommodations, the government provides rest house and lodges at reasonable rates in Srinagar. Onc can also stay in House Boats in Srinagar and then travel to the park which is not far off. Inside the park, camping is allowed with prior notification to the authorities.