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Dachigam National Park: Kashmir’s Wild Sanctuary of the Hangul

Dachigam National Park, nestled in the picturesque Kashmir Valley near Srinagar, is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Spanning approximately 141 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Dachigam is globally recognized as the last refuge of the critically endangered Hangul, or Kashmir stag (Cervus hanglu), the only species of red deer native to India. The park is also home to a diverse array of mammals, including the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and the elusive snow leopard in its upper reaches. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting over 145 bird species, such as the Himalayan monal, crimson tragopan, koklass pheasant, and golden oriole 

The park's varied terrain ranges from dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows, with elevations between 1,600 and 4,200 meters. Flora includes over 500 species of herbs, 50 types of trees, and 20 types of shrubs, featuring species like walnut, oak, pine, and wild cherry. Notable water bodies within the park include the serene Marsar Lake and the Dagwan River