Wildlife safari in Kashmir

As the world moved into the future
of technology and urbanization nature slowly has been disappearing. The decline in forest covers have led to the loss of those inhabiting it too. They are the real treasures of our earth yet the majority of the population turn a blind eye towards its conservation. However as the saying goes “better late than never”, some people seemed made the efforts to conserve them. Among these conserved lands that have a treasure trove of Mother Nature’s boons one is Dachigam national park, located in Kashmir.

This is the northernmost state of India and is probably one of the most beautiful places not only in India but the entire world. The lush green valleys, the glassy lakes, scenic landscapes, marvellous architectures, blossoming well planned gardens, snow capped mountains, holy shrines and not to forget the diverse wildlife makes this place a heaven to be in.

The Dachigam national park is a nature treat to all those nature lovers seeking a haven to experience the pleasures that Mother Nature grants us. This nature trove is located at a distance of about 22 kilometres from the capital city of Srinagar and towers at an altitude of 5500-14000 feet.

The park was formed during the year of 1981 is place where nature has truly blossomed to its ultimate glory. The forests that comprise of trees such as the apricot, cherry, peach, pear, apple and wildlife such as the elusive Himalayan snow leopard, the musk deer, the Himalayan black bear and the Himalayan marmot makes it an exciting treasure trove of nature to be visited.

As the park extends at an altitude of 5500-1400 feet, it has been broadly classified into two zones i.e. the upper and lower Dachigam. The climate in these two regions is the main factor that divides them, for the upper regions of the park are terribly freezing during the winter months while it’s not so drastic in the lower regions.

The climate plays a part not only in the visiting season of the park but also that of the wildlife found here. The lower part of the park is a host to the animals such as the Himalayan black bear, the makhor and the ibex goats the upper part plays a host to the majestic snow leopard. The animals of the park are not the only attractions; the aviary class too nest in the park and make some of the most heart-warming sights that you will see when here. Some of the birds that can be spotted here are the bearded vulture, the monal pheasant, the crimson tragopan, the koklass pheasant and over 150 more species.

A great way to explore the park is on foot. One can trek through the forests here searching for wildlife but it is advisory to take a guide to ensure that you do not lose your way for the forests can be quite tricky. The lower area of the forest/park is quite easy to move about in however as you go higher the trek becomes difficult. The difficulty in the upper areas is due to the snow that carpets it almost all year around.

Accommodations can be found in the park but one doesn’t have much choice other than the two forest rest houses. However one can get many accommodation choices in the nearby city of Srinagar.

The best part about visiting this park is that one need not shell out cash to visit it however a special permission is required chief wildlife warden.