Overview
Dachigam forms almost half of Dal Lake's catchments area and is one of India's most panoramic wildlife reserves. In the early 19th century, 10 villages were relocated outside the boundaries of the reserve, thus, the name Dachigam which means 'Ten Villages'.

Spread over 140 sq. km, spanning heights between 5,500 to 14,000 feet above sea level, the reserve has a wide variety of landscape like rain forests, grass lands, broad leaved woodlands, coniferous forests, bare rock faces and alpine pastures. Considered home to some unique Himalayan fauna, the hangul or Kashmir stag is the most endangered species of red deer in the world.

The upper reaches of Dachigam become inaccessible to visitors during winters as the temperature dips as low as -10 degree Celsius. Some birds and animals found during this time of the year include cinnamon sparrows, black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbuls, monal pheasant and the Himalayan grey langur. The leopard, jackal, hill fox, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, Himalayan griffon, lammergeyer, leopard cat, long tailed blue magpie, jungle cat and Himalayan weasel can be sighted during winter.

Spring finds the Himalayan black bear returning from his winter hibernation in rocks. Winged creatures also become active and golden orioles, pygmy owlets, Himalayan pied woodpeckers, warblers, babblers, buntings and laughing thrushes tweet and chirp among the trees. During the short summer, new varieties of birds like red-browed finch, Himalayan ruby throat and wag tails also make an appearance in the upper reaches. The parks in higher altitudes still harbour a few Himalayan brown bear.