Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park, in the mountains just outside Srinagar, is best known as the last significant refuge of the critically endangered hangul, or Kashmir stag, alongside populations of Himalayan black bear, musk deer and leopard. The park's terrain rises steeply from lower valley forest to high alpine pasture, giving it an unusually wide range of habitats within a relatively compact, easily accessible protected area.

Guided jeep safaris and walking trails through the lower reaches of the park offer the best chances of spotting hangul, particularly during the spring rutting season, while the upper reaches require a more demanding trek better suited to serious wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. Dachigam's combination of genuine conservation significance and proximity to Srinagar makes it a worthwhile addition to a Kashmir itinerary for visitors interested in the region's wildlife beyond its more famous scenery.

Originally established as a protected water catchment area supplying Srinagar, and later formally declared a national park, Dachigam's protection has been central to preventing the extinction of the hangul, whose population had fallen to critically low numbers by the mid-20th century.

About 22km from Srinagar, roughly 45 minutes by road.