Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and is known for its incredible natural beauty. It is often known as the “Land of Giants,”. It is home to the world’s second-highest alpine plains. The National Park and the Sheosar Lake are the literal personifications of Wordsworth’s poetry “The Daffodils”.
Deosai Plains
The Plains, also known as Deosai National Park, is a high-altitude plateau located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. These Plains offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is one of the”Places to Visit in Skardu“.
Deosai Bridge
Deosai Bridge which is called Bara Pani Bridge is one of the most well-known bridges, crossing the Bara Pani River, the largest river flowing through the park. It’s known for its wooden planks and iron rope construction, offering a unique and somewhat rustic charm.
Deosai Altitude
Deosai boasts a staggering average altitude of 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level. This makes it the second-highest plateau in the world, only surpassed by the Changtang Tibetan Plateau. You can also visit Basho Valley but it will take some time to reach there.
Deosai Area
The National Park, covers a vast area of 1,384 square miles (3,584 square kilometers), making it a truly remarkable place to explore. Chunda Valley is also a charming destination to visit from here.
Deosai Desert
Despite its meadows and vibrant flowers during spring and summer, it receives very little rainfall throughout the year, averaging around 300 mm (12 inches). The DeosaiNational Park truly is a cold desert, offering a unique combination of desert-like characteristics with stunning landscapes.
Deosai Night View
It also offers an outstanding view of the night sky, with countless stars appearing illuminating the darkness. The Milky Way galaxy is frequently visible, extending across the sky in a sparkling band.
Things to Do In Deosai
Gawk at the Stars
Gazing at the stars in Deosai National Park is an awe-inspiring experience. Due to its high altitude, remote location, and minimal light pollution, it offers a breathtaking view of stargazing.
Horse Trek DeosaiNational Park
Embarking on a horse trek through it is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to experience the park’s breathtaking beauty in a truly unique way. It offers a vast and diverse landscape perfect for exploring on horseback.
Bears in Deosai
This place is home to the Himalayan brown bear, also known as the Ursus arctos isabellinus. These majestic creatures are the keystone species of the park, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health.
Golden Marmot
The Golden Marmot, also known as the Long-tailed Marmot, is a delightful resident. These social and intelligent rodents add to the park’s charm with their playful antics and fascinating behaviors.
Climb to the top of Burji La
Climbing to the top of Burji La is a thrilling adventure with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, it is critical to be aware of the hurdles and prepare adequately before going on this journey.
Majestic Grassland
It truly lives up to the title of “Majestic Grassland.” Imagine vast areas of green meadows that reach as far as the eye can see. During the spring and summer, these meadows bloom with brilliant wildflowers, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Alpine Flowers Deosai
It is also home to a ranged and amazing variety of alpine flowers. During the spring and summer, the meadows turn into a stunning symphony of color, giving it the nickname “The Roof of the World’s Flowers.”
Bara Pani, Kala Pani Sheosar Lake
Bara Pani, Kala Pani, and Sheosar Lake are all captivating landmarks located within Deosai National Park. It is located between Deosai Top and Kala Pani, it’s a larger water stream flowing from the icy mountains of it towards the lower plains. Many tourists stay here overnight before continuing their journey to Sheosar Lake. Kala Pani is a smaller stream of water flowing just before reaching Sheosar Lake. It appears almost black from a distance due to its depth and reflection but the water is actually crystal clear and freezing. Sheosar Lake is located at an altitude of 4,140 meters (13,580 feet). It is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world, known for its stunning beauty.
Fishing Trout
The National Park is a protected area with strict regulations to safeguard its fragile ecosystem. Fishing is prohibited to protect and conserve the native fish population, including brown trout. Introducing fishing activities could disrupt the ecosystem’s delicate balance and potentially harm other aquatic species.
Nangaparbat view from Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake lies at the eastern edge of Deosai National Park, while Nanga Parbat is located towards the west. As you travel towards Sheosar Lake from the Deosai Top the area near Kala Pani Stream offers a relatively open view towards Nanga Parbat.
Deosai National Park Weather
The Deosai Park experiences a harsh and cold climate due to its high altitude, averaging 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level. It receives low yearly precipitation, averaging around 300 mm (12 inches). Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of snow during spring and winter. The park experiences strong winds frequently, especially during the spring and summer months.
The best time to visit Deosai Plains
Spring and summer (May to September) are widely considered the best time to visit Deosai Plains. Compared to the harsh winters and cold shoulder seasons spring and summer offer the most comfortable temperatures and most sunshine hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and sightseeing.
Deosai Location
Deosai is located on the border between Karakoram and the western Himalayas, and it is 4000 meters above sea level. It remains snow-covered for eight months. The rest of the year, it is covered in lovely flowers of all colors but there is not a single tree on this plateau spanning 3000 square kilometers.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/V4poPjzdfhF2DGFy8
Map of Deosai National Park
Road Conditions in Deosai
During the open season, the main road to Deosai National Park, Skardu-Deosai Road is generally accessible to four-wheel drive vehicles. During the closed season, the park is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. The Skardu-Deosai Road becomes impassable and dangerous due to snow and ice. Always check the latest road conditions before your trip.
Distance From Various Cities
Distance from Islamabad to Deosai National Park
The distance from Islamabad is approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles). However, it’s important to understand that travel time will be significantly longer than the distance suggests due to the mountainous terrain and road conditions. There are two primary travel routes:
- Via Naran and Babusar Pass:
- Via Besham and the Karakoram Highway:
Distance from Lahore/ Faisalabad/ Karachi
The distance from Lahore to Deosai National Park is 391.4 km. The distance from Faisalabad is approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles). Distance from Karachi is approximately 1,961.8 kilometers (1,220 miles) by road.
Is it safe to travel to Deosai Plains?
Deosai National Park itself is not inherently unsafe. Many tourists visit and enjoy the scenery and wildlife responsibly.
Conclusion
Deosai Plains provides a stunning natural experience for all types of tourists. Whether you’re looking for adventure with hard climbs, a chance to view different animals, or simply a peaceful vacation amidst amazing scenery, this place has something for you. So, pack your luggage, embrace the adventure, and prepare to be blown away by the magic of National Park.
