Deosai national park is nestled in northern Pakistan in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its inhabiting natural treasures, wildlife, and scenery.
This protected area is located at a remarkable height of 4,144 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level and it also spans across an extensive land of 3,000 square kilometers (1,158 square miles).
It is known as the world’s second-highest plateau which is second to Tibet only. Deosai national park has a captivating ecosystem that can support a diverse range of wild animals and plants. Among the precious wildlife found in this region, Himalayan bears, snow leopards, and charming marmot are some standouts from the list.
Deosai national park is also blessed with breathtaking views and scenery beyond the wildlife. It has views of towering mountains and sprawling glaciers that left the tourists awe-struck. Due to its height and weather, it comes as no surprise that it has become the destination for adventure enthusiasts, trekkers, and hikers.
Deosai National Park Location
It is located and nestled in the jaw-dropping beautiful lands of northern areas of Pakistan, in the Gilgit Baltistan region. It is embraced and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges.
Due to its high altitude, the park remains covered in a white cloak of snow for a significant time of the year. This provides extra points for this beautiful destination. The presence of snow also attracts many adventurists and trekkers to this destination, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.
Whether for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, and adventurists Deosai national park is the best place to visit in Northern Pakistan.
Deosai National Park Weather
Known for its diverse wildlife and breath taking views and scenery, the weather of the Deosai national park depends on the time and season of the year.
7°C| Month | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C to -15°C | Cold, snowfall possible |
| February | -5°C to -15°C | Cold, snowfall possible |
| March | 0°C to 10°C | Cool, occasional snowfall |
| April | 5°C to 15°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| May | 10°C to 20°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| June | 10°C to 20°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| July | 10°C to 20°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| August | 10°C to 20°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| September | 5°C to 15°C | Mild, occasional rain |
| October | 0°C to 10°C | Cool, occasional snowfall |
| November | -5°C to -15°C | Cold, snowfall possible |
| December | -5°C to -15°C | Cold, snowfall possible |
History of Deosai National Park
The history and heritage of the Deosai national park are very rich and old. The word ‘Deosai’ originated originally from the Balti language which signifies the ‘area of colossal and enormous entities’. The term Deosai may glorify the land between the majestic ranges of Karakoram and the Himalayan mountain ranges that surround the park.
Over the centuries many indigenous communities have relied upon this land, utilizing the very green pastures for their livestock. The park was officially established in 1993 and it received formal recognition as a protected area in order to protect the region’s very own distinct fauna and flora.
The height of the park along with the difficult way, and lack of infrastructure have been the challenges over the years in management.
However the advancements in the new roadways and amenities, the park has gained improved accessibility for its visitors. It has become a very famous and best place to visit in northern areas of Pakistan in recent years.
Bird life international has also contributed to the park with the esteemed designation of an important bird area, recognizing the importance of the area as a habitat for various avian species such as golden eagle, Himalayan griffon, and Himalayan snowcock.
The park also provides protection and habitat for numerous rare and endangered animal species including the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and marmot.
In the end, Deosai national park represents a distinctive protected area that boasts a storied past and also fulfills the vital of preserving the region and promoting sustainable tourism.
Wildlife at Deosai
Deosai national park proves a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the wildlife and species are limited to this area only. Some of the important and highlighted wildlife found in this area include:
Himalayan Brown Bear
Also known as the moon bear, it is a subspecies of the Brown bear found in the high-altitude regions of the Karakoram and Himalaya mountain ranges. The park serves as one of the few habitats for this endangered species.
Snow Leopard
This large cat is also found in the high-altitude regions of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush. The parks serve as one of the protected habitats of the species.
Marco Polo Sheep
Known as the ‘Argali’ or arco polo sheep is a wild sheep that lives in the high altitude regions of mountain ranges of Central Asia.
Ladakh Urial
Known as the ‘Asiatic wild sheep’, it is a sheep that lives in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Karakoram.
Musk deer
It is a small, elusive deer found in the high-altitude regions of the mountain ranges of Karakoram and the Himalayas.
Other than the above-mentioned notable species of wildlife found at Deosai, the park also serves as home to many variety of species of birds. These include Himalayan griffon, the golden eagle, and Snowcock. The park also has some wild plants that are only characteristic of this area only.
Activities at Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
Trekking and Hiking at Deosai National Park
The park’s high altitude and mountain regions make it an ideal destination for trekkers and hikers. There are a variety of trails, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks to which visitors have the liberty of choosing.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Himalayan brown bear, the snow leopard, and the marmot. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including the Himalayan snowcock, the golden eagle, and the Himalayan griffon.
Camping at Deosai National Park
The park offers several designated camping areas for visitors who want to spend the night in the wilderness. Campers can enjoy the stunning views and peace and quiet of the park while they camp.
Photography
The park’s rugged landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife provide excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture the natural beauty of the region.
Cultural Excursions
The park also offers cultural excursions to nearby villages and towns where visitors can learn about the customs, traditions and way of life of the local people.
Fishing
Fishing is also allowed in the park, visitors can catch fish from the lake and streams.
Conclusion
To conclude, Deosai National Park, situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, stands as a sanctuary safeguarding a diverse variety of plant and animal species, notably encompassing the esteemed Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and marmot.
The park’s origins trace back to the indigenous communities that have traditionally utilized its vast areas for grazing purposes, and it was officially designated as a protected area in 1993, aimed at preserving the exceptional flora and fauna indigenous to the area.
Boasting a wide range of activities such as trekking, hiking, wildlife observation, camping, photography, and immersive cultural experiences, Deosai National Park unquestionably emerges as an essential destination for individuals seeking to embark on a voyage of exploration amidst the awe-inspiring natural marvels that Pakistan has to offer.
For more information, visit E-Lands Pakistan – Explore Pakistan