Dachigam National Park is located only 22 kilometers from Sriniagar, the capital city of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers consisting of some of the most scenic natural beauty present on Earth. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The best times to explore these two areas are summer and winter respectively. Due to the upper region's extremely harsh winter, the best months for visiting here is between the months of May and August. For the lower region, the ideal time is between September and December but is also equally rewarding in the summer months.

The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care and watchful eye of the Maharaja of J & K and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for it's formation. It was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981. Although it is the last proper home of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, and harbours many rare species within it's borders, it was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar.

Owing to its unique geographical location, Dachigam is home to some of the most rare and unique species of flora and fauna. The park is the only habitat for the highly endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag. Winter is the best time to catch a glimpse of these rare animals, when they come in groups to the lower region of the park. Other wild residents of the park include the Himalayan Black Bear, few species of the goat including Markhor and Ibex, Leapord and the rare snow Leapord (seen in the upper regions), musk deer and the Himalayan Marmot.

The place is also home to a variety of exotic looking rare Himalayan bird species. Over 150 species of birds can be commonly seen in the area which include Crimson Tragopan, Monal Pheasent, Blood Pheasent, Koklass Pheasent, Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture.

Safaris
The lower area of the park has gentle terrain which is not too harsh even for the 'not so fit' people. Trekking and walking are the best ways to explore the park while it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable walking in the midst of machine guns peeking out from the BSF checkposts. Beware of the leopards and bears and try not to go on a trek without the company of a local person, preferably a guide with good knowledge of the area.

Srinagar
The park is located just 22 km from the state capital Srinagar. The place is filled with tourist attractions which include the Shankracharya Temple, Srinagar Museum and the Dal Lake.

Trout Farm
There is a trout farm in Dachigam, located just near the entrance of the park. The big natural reserve requires special permission from the warden's office for a visit. Angling is not allowed here.

The Animal Beings
The Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.

The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot.