Dachigam - National Park in Kashmir

Dachigam National Park, located 22 kilometers from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, covers an area of 141 km2. The park's name, "Dachigam," meaning "ten villages," likely honors the ten villages that were relocated during its formation. Established as a protected area since 1910 under the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, and later managed by government authorities, it was initially designated to safeguard Srinagar's drinking water supply. Upgraded to National Park status in 1981, Dachigam lies within the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas, with elevations ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above sea level. Its terrain varies from gently sloping grasslands to rugged rocky cliffs, including areas above the tree line featuring bare rock mountains and crevices.

Flora in the park consists of dense coniferous forests below the tree line, interspersed with alpine meadows, waterfalls, and scrub vegetation. The landscape is adorned with colorful flowers in seasons other than winter. Marsar Lake and the Dagwan River are prominent water bodies within the park, sustaining diverse flora and fauna, including a notable trout population.

Dachigam National Park is renowned for its wildlife, notably the hangul or Kashmir stag. Other species found here include musk deer, leopard, Himalayan serow, Himalayan grey langur, leopard cat, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, jackal, hill fox, Himalayan weasel, yellow-throated marten, jungle cat, long-tailed marmot, and otter. The park is also a haven for birdlife, hosting species such as the cinnamon sparrow, Himalayan monal, golden oriole, minivet, pygmy owlet, woodpecker, babbler, redstart, wagtail, koklass pheasant, and many others, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot in the region.