Above the tree line and at an average height of 13,500 feet above sea level, the Deosai Plains are among the highest plateaus in the world. The Deosai Plains cover an area of almost 3,000 square kilometers. For just over half the year – between November and May – Deosai is snow-bound. In the summer months when the snow clears up, Deosai National Park is accessible from Skardu in the north and the Astore Valley in the west.
Places To Visit in Deosai Plains:
Sheosar Lake Deosai Gilgit Baltistan.
Sheosar Lake is one of the most beautiful and fresh water lakes in Gilgit Baltistan. The water drops from melted snow at Deosai is cupped into a beautiful lake. The lake has no out and in stream for water. The crystal blue water forming an image of the surrounding lush green landscape with snow-covered mountains in the backdrop, and greenery with wild flowers in foreground offer such a view in summers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life.
Bara Pani Deosai National Park Gilgit Baltistan.
As the name of this place indicates, this is the larger water stream flowing from the top of icy mountains of Deosai and running towards lower sides of the plain. Bara Pani is located between Deosai Top ( Ali Malik ) and Kala Pani. This is the best area for camping during night stay. Here the environment is relatively warmer than other areas of Deosai. Tourist usually stays a night here before departing to Sheosar Lake.
Kala Pani, Deosai The Land of Giants.
While You left Bara Pani early morning for Sheosar Lake, your journey becomes more exciting by the greetings of Golden Mushi Mormuts. On the way just before reaching Seosar Lake, a relatively small stream of water flows. This water stream is called Kala ( Black ) water because it looks nearly black from some distance. But as you reach near, the water is crystal clear and freezing.
Deosai Top, Ali Malik Mar Pass.
Deosai Top is also known as Ali Malik Pass. There are other routes to Deosai, but the shortest route is through Ali Malik Mar pass. It is about 30km away from Skardu city. You will reach first at Deosai Top if you start your journey from Skardu. Here you can stay for a tea break. This place is relatively hilly.
Shatoung Nala, Deosai Gilgit Baltistan.
Shatoung Nala is a locality surrounded by snow covered mountains and fresh water stream all the way. This water stream is the primary source of water of the Sadpara Lake in Skardu. When you reach this beautiful valley, the deafening silence of Deosai plains will be replaced by relaxing sounds of water flowing over rocks.
Wildlife:
Deosai Plains make up one of the last frontiers of natural habitat for the Himalayan brown bear, a creature that once roamed the mountains freely. The park currently has inbetween 20-28 Brown bears. This park was establised to protect these endangered bears. Recently a research project has started by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation (HWF) and the Northern Areas Forests, Parks, and Wildlife Department to secure the survival of the brown bear in the Deosai Plains and to monitor their population. The Deosai Plains are also home to the ibex, red fox, golden marmot, wolf, the Ladakh urial, the snow leopard, and a number of resident and migratory birds.
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include Brown bear, Snow leopard, Himalayan Musk deer, Golden marmot, Pika, Migratory hamster and Ermine.
Birds:
Birds in the park are Golden eagle, Lammagier vulture, Griffon vulture, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk and Snow cock.
