Dachigam National Park is a 141 sq km protected area 22 km from Srinagar, known for its forest habitat and the hangul, or Kashmir stag. You can plan a visit from Srinagar, but you’ll need to apply for permission online and confirm current access details before setting out. The park is about 2.1 km from Naqash Residency.
- Location: 22 km from Srinagar.
- Best time: April through August.
- Permission: Apply online through the park’s booking portal.
- Entry fees: ₹100 per Indian visitor and ₹500 per foreign visitor; children under 10 enter free.
Where Dachigam National Park is
Dachigam National Park lies in the hills 22 km from Srinagar and covers 141 sq km. Its name refers to the ten villages said to have been relocated when the park was created.
The area has been protected since 1910 and became a national park in 1981. It was first established to help secure a clean drinking-water supply for Srinagar. Dachigam is best known as habitat for the hangul, also called the Kashmir stag, and is the only area where this stag is found.
Park zones and visitor access
Dachigam’s visitor routes include paths from park gates toward named destinations, but access arrangements should be confirmed before you go.
A park management plan from 2011–2016 describes a route from gate 1 to Daraphama VIP guest house, another from gate 2 to Kawnar bridge, and a trekking track between Drog and Menu watch towers.
It also describes visitor access toward Lilcham and Draphana as about 3–5 km from gate 1, and department-operated battery carts on road 1 toward Draphama. These are details from an older plan, so check which routes and services are currently available.
Permits, guides, and responsible wildlife viewing
Visitors must apply online for permission through the booking portal, which sets limits on bookings and group size.
The portal allows only one booking per day and sets a maximum group size of 15. The application requires an image of one group member’s ID; foreign visitors must upload a passport copy.
Indian and foreign nationals must make separate bookings. School and college groups follow separate instructions: groups can include up to 80 students, with a signed and stamped institutional list of students and teachers.
Entry costs ₹100 per Indian visitor and ₹500 per foreign visitor; children under 10 enter free. Student and teacher fees are ₹15 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreign visitors. Still-camera shooting fees are ₹500 per camera for Indian visitors and ₹1,000 per camera for foreign visitors.
A 2011–2016 management plan identified a shortage of well-trained guides and drivers as a tourism-management issue. Confirm whether a guide is required for your visit, and follow park staff guidance around wildlife.
How do you get to Dachigam National Park from Srinagar?
Dachigam is 22 km from Srinagar. The park is 40 km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport, 32 km from Srinagar Railway Station and 22 km from Lal Chowk.
For a broader city plan, you can pair park planning with a one-day Srinagar itinerary.
Seasonal conditions and preparation
April through August is identified as the best time to visit. Confirm current access and hours with the wildlife authority before travel.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Before you go, check the official site before you go: use the park’s official booking portal for permission, fees and booking conditions. Confirmed bookings are not refundable or changeable to another date.
FAQs
What is Dachigam National Park known for?
It is best known as habitat for the hangul, or Kashmir stag, and is the only area where the Kashmir stag is found.
Do you need permission to visit Dachigam?
Yes. Visitors must apply online through the park’s booking portal.
What is the best time to visit Dachigam?
April through August is identified as the best time. Confirm current access before travelling, as opening information can vary.