Ever curious to know what magic lies beyond the wild tracks of Dachigam? This part of Kashmir holds secrets that'll get your heart racing!
After hanging out with hangul deer and getting a whiff of that refreshing mountain air, don't head back home too soon. The top Places to Visit Near Dachigam National Park will leave you gasping. Dal Lake is beckoning you - picture yourself waking up on a houseboat with mountains mirrored in calm waters. Pure poetry, anyone?
Srinagar's old city appeal strikes differently when you're walking through its
crowded alleys after a day in the wilderness. And those Mughal Gardens? Shalimar and Nishat aren't gardens - they're time machines that take you back to royal Kashmir.
Here's what we're loving the most, though - Pahalgam and
Gulmarg is are complete game-changer. These places to visit in Kashmir dish out snow mountains and meadows that belong straight to a fairy tale. Sonamarg is another gem with its golden fields.
We suggest packaging all of this with our Kashmir Tour Packages because, let's be honest, it's just too much work to plan on your own!
Dachigam National Park Highlights
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
- Popular For: Hangul
- Distance from Srinagar: 22 kilometres
- Entry Fees: Vary from one season to another
- Permits: Permits are required for the entry
- Best Time: May to August
- Ideal Duration: 1 day
Covering an area of 141 square kilometres, the Dachigam National Park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna and is particularly popular for Hangul, and features dense valleys, blooming meadows, steep slopes, and immense beauty that surrounds the place.
Besides the beautiful park, there is more to Kashmir, so let’s check out the places to visit near Dachigam National Park.
Places To Visit Near Dachigam National Park
Aru Valley is a green valley with diverse landscapes is a treasure trove, and is also popular for the plenty of movies shot here. Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, Aru Valley is situated at an altitude of 2414 meters above sea level.
Located at a distance of approximately 12 km from the main market of Pahalgam, and 21 km from the Dachigam National Park, Aru Valley is one of the most serene Places to Visit Near Dachigam National Park within 25 kilometres.
- Distance From The Park: 21 km approximately
- Best Time To Visit: May to October
If you are a history buff and wish to witness the grandeur and the cultural and historical side of Kashmir, then you should head to Chashme Shahi. It is a beautiful Mughal Garden, situated in Srinagar, and is located at a distance of approximately 15 km.
This Mughal Garden’s terraced garden was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 AD and was designed by the governor Ali Mardan Khan. The garden is very well maintained, and one can have a nice time having family picnics while enjoying the panoramic views of the Dal Lake, making it one of the beautiful Places to Visit Near Dachigam National Park within 25 kilometres.
- Distance From The Park: 15 km approximately
- Best Time To Visit: May to October
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pari Mahal, which means Palace of Fairies, is another one of the beautiful places to visit near Dachigam National Park, and is a historic garden established in the mid-17th century under the reign of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. This garden overlooks the popular Dal Lake and the mountains that surround it.
The best part about Pari Mahal is that you can witness a small corner where you can see bars, similar to those you find in lockups, and it is believed that the fairies used to visit the Palace from that place. Even though it looks scary, and you may feel like only a witch can come out of something so dark, maybe we have to believe, however the story goes.
The structure of the Pari Mahal stands as an architectural wonder and allows you to dive deep into the historical realms of the Mughal Era. The structure features Islamic architecture with a blend of Persian elements, making it one of the most beautiful nearby places in Dachigam National Park.
- Distance From The Park: 25 km approximately
- Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hazratbal Shrine, situated on the banks of Dal Lake and located at a distance of approximately 18 km from the Dachigam National Park, is an epitome of beauty and the brilliance of Mughal Architecture.
The Hazratbal Shrine is not only one of the most fascinating Places to Visit Near Dachigam National Park within 25 kilometres but also an iconic religious site in Kashmir. The shrine features a perfect blend of Mughal and Kashmiri architecture, attracting thousands of visitors from all corners of the country throughout the year.
- Distance From The Park: 18 km approximately
- Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day (except on Fridays when it’s closed for some time due to Friday prayer)
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes and also one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. If you visit Kashmir and don’t go for a Shikara ride in Kashmir, then you would just be wasting your money.
A Shikara ride in Kashmir is the experience of a lifetime, especially during sunset, when the sky takes on some really pretty hues, while you take in all the stillness and calm present in the moment, making it one of the best Places to Visit Near Dachigam National Park within 25 kilometres.
- Distance From The Park: 16 km approximately
- Timings: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Jamia Masjid is a mosque located at Nowhatta in the Old Srinagar area and is also an attraction that you can explore if you are looking for top places to visit near Dachigam National Park.
The mosque features a perfect example of Kashmiri wooden architecture, with elements of Mughal architecture, making it one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the Nearby Places In Dachigam National Park.
Despite having a traumatic past with all the earthquakes and attacks, it has survived, and the grandeur of the mosque remains undiminished.
- Distance From The Park: 21 km approximately
- Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Another Best tourist destinations around Dachigam National Park is Tarsar Lake, which is an alpine lake, situated in the Kashmir Valley.
Situated at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, the Tarsar Lake is an absolute beauty, surrounded by green mountains and snow-capped peaks, and is every trekker’s paradise. The trek starts from the Aru Village, encompassing Lidderwat, and travels through the rugged terrains.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity in the places to visit near Dachigam National Park, then this is your chance. You can take plenty of pictures to freeze the moment and have family picnics near the lake to make infinite memories.
- Distance From The Park: 10 km
Another spot in our list of Best tourist destinations around Dachigam National Park is Tulip Garden, which is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Srinagar. The park is a marvellous attraction, spread across 30 hectares, and was opened in 2007 to boost tourism, horticulture and floriculture 2007.
You will be stunned to witness the millions of tulips all neatly organised in flowerbeds, making it one of the must-visit places to visit in Srinagar.
- Distance From The Park: 15.4 km
- Timings: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Best Time To Visit: April
- Entry Fees: INR 75 for adults; INR 30 for kids; INR 200 for foreigners
Kolahoi Glacier, popularly known as the Goddess of Light, is an alpine glacier, located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, and one of the most Famous tourist attractions near Dachigam National Park.
The Glacier is a major source of water for the Jhelum and Lidder Rivers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Adventure lovers are in for a treat, for one can indulge in adventure activities to get that adrenaline pumping, including some beautiful trekking trails.
- Distance From The Park: 27.7 km approximately
- Timings: Daylight Hours
- Entry Fees: Free
Doodhpathri, also known as the Valley of Milk, is popular for its lush landscapes and the rivulets of milk-white water. The place is named after its milky white water, and the water is believed to be rich in milk-like density and purity, making it one of the Famous tourist attractions near Dachigam National Park.
- Distance From The Park: 51 km
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Historical Roots Of Dachigam National Park
The history of Dachigam National Park goes back to the year 1910, when the park was established to supply clean drinking water to Srinagar city.
The name Dachigam stands for 10 villages, which could mean that 10 villages had to be relocated to build the park. This protected area was converted into a National Park in the year 1981.
From that time onwards, the Dachigam National Park has been a popular tourist attraction and is popular for Hangul or the Kashmiri stag that is found here in abundance. There are plenty of places to visit near Dachigam National Park as well, so you can try visiting them.
Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park
The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is from May to August, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is most active. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and wildlife safaris while soaking in the lush green surroundings, making it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
How To Reach Dachigam National Park in Kashmir
By Air
- The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), located about 22–40 km from the park, depending on your route.
- Once you land, take a taxi or cab straight to the park; it takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic and entry point.
By Train
- The closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi, approximately 327 km from the park.
- From Jammu, take a train or bus to Srinagar. As of June 2025, the newly completed Jammu–Baramulla rail link now connects directly to Srinagar, cutting travel time significantly.
- From Srinagar station, it’s about 25–32 km by road to the park
By Road
- From Srinagar: A well-maintained road runs via Shalimar Bagh and Harwan to the lower park area—all vehicles can reach here. To access the upper region, you may need to walk or take a park jeep.
- From Jammu/Delhi: Drive via NH1 to Srinagar, then proceed along the same access route
- Estimated drive time: Around 30 to 60 minutes (17–22 km) from central Srinagar; from Jammu, around 7–8 hours for the 327 km journey via road or rail
Local Transport & Entry
- There is no public transport inside the park—you’ll need to hire a taxi/jeep from Srinagar or walk, especially into the inner zones.
- Entry passes are required, that is to be obtained from the J&K Forest or Wildlife department office in Srinagar.
Suggested Read: Trekking Guide In Kashmir
Best Hikes And Trails In Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park Tourism offers some of the best hiking trails, which are also top sights in Dachigam National Park are as follows:
- New Theed: Length 10 km
- Pathlipora Trek: Length 17 km
- Nishat Bagh to Daghvan River Trail: Length 26.7 km
- New Theed Loop: Length 15.6 km
- New Theed to Daghwan Nala: Length 13.2 km
- Daghwan Trek: 28.3 km
Dachigam National Park Travel Tips
Before you move ahead, it is important to go through our Dachigam National Park travel tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- No food stalls are available, so carry food and water and some basic medicines.
- Dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather.
- Do not litter the place
- Make sure you have a permit.
- Take plenty of pictures
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Final Thoughts - Why Visit?
There’s so much more to see around Dachigam than just the park itself. Whether it’s a peaceful lake, a quiet garden, or a small village nearby, each place has its charm. If you’re already visiting the park, take some time to explore what’s close by. These spots are perfect for a relaxed walk, a short drive, or just to enjoy nature. You don’t need a long plan — even a day out can feel special. So slow down, look around, and let Kashmir surprise you in the best way.
