Park of the Jammu & Kashmir valley. This park has
much to offer. The park is surrounded by the Himalayas
with magnificent crystalline mountain, owing the park a
divine area. The river channels flows through the park
and form small river outlets. The whole park presents a
very captivating view because of the river catchments.
One of its notable features is the
Hangul, a Kashmiri Stag mainly found in the Dachigam
National Park but during the winter months when it gets
extremely cold there, the animals travel by herds here.
That is to say that the Hangul migrate to this region in
counters and go back when the cold wears off. Other
animals like the musk Deer, Ibex, Markhor, Leopard, Wild
boar, Bharal, Indian muntijal, serow, Himalayan black
bear and rhesus macaque can also be viewed.
The park was established in the year
1981 to protect the snow leopards. This species is in
fragile circumstances. However, due to the extensive
care that is best taken to see that the leopards regain
their hold on the mountains, we see that much good has
been done. In fact all other animals are also getting a
chance to prosper here.
The Kishtwar National Park is a mix
and match of wildlife and the exquisite mountain ranges.
The park is covered with exposed rocks mainly composed
of granite and marble. Vegetation here as in the other
cold region is not very dense. Coniferous, alpine,
meadows scrub prevails in most of the park areas.
Silver fir, spruce birch, cedar, blue
pine, maple, chestnut, walnut, poplar, lozer, ash, yew
along with deodar and other vacieties of pine grow in
this part. Such varieties of fauna are amazing and give
a very alluring and panoramic perspective of the whole
park. The river encatchment with high current flowing
water surrounded by the trees provides breathtaking
beauty. Occasionally an animal such as the leopard can
be seen near the river drinking the water.
This place has weak monsoon, but the
River Chenab provides it with enough water. In winter
the place becomes too cold therefore the best time to
visit it is from April to October. At this time of the
season everything appears fresh and in full bloom
because the snow starts melting giving way to the
greenery to bloom. Other inner sources off this area are
River Rinnay, Kibar Nala and Maqna river.
One simply cannot miss this tourist
destination. It is good for trekking and camping, mainly
due to the fact that this place is not very accessible
by road. Efforts are on to build a road there and to
provide the tourist with better infrastructual
facilities. Right now the place provides you with Forest
Rest Houses only. Other arrangement can be made for your
own convenience.