Deosai National Park- The most beautiful natural World Heritage
I bounded over the mountains, by the sides of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams, Wherever nature led. -William Wordsworth . Deosai National Park
William Wordsworth rightly said ‘One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can’. And what if you get a chance to ‘immerse yourself in this ‘impulse’ from a vernal wood, in some far-off fairyland with intoxicating beauty?. The Deosai National Park that is located in Gilgit-Baltistan is one such place where one would be lucky to quench his wanderlust. Deosai National Park
Deosai Plains are situated at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world (the highest is Tibetan Plateau in central Asia) Deosai is located on the boundary of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas that has bestowed it the appeal and fascination of both the mountain ranges. It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The plateau spread over the area of 3000 sq. km. The park is part of the Conservation International Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot and has been termed as natural world heritage by UNESCO.
The etymology of the word Deosai. Deosai National Park
The Beautiful name of the plateau ‘Deosai’ is originated from the folk tale commemorated by famous poet Mian Muhammad Baksh in his poem, “Saif al-Mulook”; the word ‘Deosai’ means ‘the Shadow of the Giant’: the word “Deo” being a contraction of ‘Deva’, and the word ‘Sai’ being one of ‘Saya’ i.e. ‘Shadow’. Balti people from Skardu call this place ‘Ghbiarsa’ referring to ‘summer’s Place’ as it is only accessible in summer.
Deosai National Park
Weather and Climate
The weather in Deosai is mostly unpredictable as sometimes it starts snowing in summer. The majestic view of Sunlight and clouds playing hide and seek further embellish the beauty of the place. You’ll be surprised to see how sunshine is over cast by clouds in just a blink of an eye. Icy winds and thunderstorms can cloak you even in the mid of summer.
What adds to its exquisiteness and splendor is the strange fact that Deosai has a deafening silence, a silence spanning over centuries. The silence is so deep that one can hear his own heartbeat, the silence is so calming that it will possess you for life. The silence is so magnificent that life will seem to stop unless a marmot’s whistle fills the valley and transports you back to the real world.
Deosai’s Flora and Fauna
It is well known for its rich and amusing flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecological-region.
In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers of all hues and colors and a wide variety of butterflies. The sight of endless flowers is unforgettable, just like Wordsworth could never forget the sight of daffodils, you’ll cherish the memory of infinite little flowers of numerous shades and sizes, dancing elegantly in a cold breeze. And the butterflies just complete the picture of a perfect fairyland that is worth exploring from one end to the other. However, in this vast plateau, no tree is to be found.
Sheosar Lake–the jewel in the crown of Deosai
Sheosar Lake is located in Deosai, It is situated at the height of 4,142 meters (13,589 ft). Sheosar in the local language means ‘andhi’ (blind). This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in the background, and lush green foreground covered with flowers offer a breathtaking view. If the weather is clear, the world-famous killer mountain Nanga Parbat’s snow-covered peak can be seen easily. And if the lake is calm, then Nanga Parbat’s image is reflected on the surface of the lake as if someone has dissolved white paint in the blue waters.
Wide Variety of Wildlife in the plateau. Deosai National Park
With so much nature to explore and enjoy, Deosai also gives you a wide variety of wildlife. How will you ever forget the sight of brown bears, Himalayan ibex, or cute chubby marmots?. The Deosai Plains are also home to the Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden marmot (locally called Phia), gray wolf, the Ladakh urial, snow leopard, and over 124 types of resident and migratory birds. Birds in the park include the golden eagle, lammergeier, griffon vulture, laggard falcon, peregrine falcon, Eurasian kestrel, Eurasian sparrow hawk, and snowcock.
Delicious snow Trout
There are several springs in Deosai, brimming with trout fish serving as food for locals and bears alike. The waters of the Deosai plateau are home to the local snow trout which reach an enormous size. If you know how to fish, you can catch fresh snow trout there on your own, and that simply tastes like heavens.
A perfect Camping site. Deosai National Park
If you love camping and have more time, it is strongly suggested to camp there. You’ll not need to worry about water, as there is abundant fresh water available in Deosai. All you need is your camping apparatus and some food. The night view will be another splendid slight that Mother Nature has bequeathed to this piece of land. The wonderful starry night with a full view of our milky way will intoxicate you for decades to come.
To sum up, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and book your flight to the northern areas of Pakistan to have one of the memorable journeys of your life. Deosai National Park
For further details and packages please reach out to us at info@crossroadsadventure.earth or Whatsapp us at +92 3445053818
Link for visa-related information.
Link for Pass track app
https://passtrack.nitb.gov.pk/login
Link for tours to Deosai National Park
https://crossroadsadventure.earth/product/fairy-meadows-deosai-rama-hunza-photography-voyage/
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