Deosai National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful region located in the northern areas of Pakistan. This high-altitude plateau is a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world. In this blog, we will explore the stunning features of Deosai National Park and why it is a must-visit destination.
Deosai National Park covers an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers and is situated at an elevation of 4,114 meters above sea level. The park is known for its expansive plains, alpine forests, and snow-capped peaks. It is also home to numerous endangered species, including the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolf.
One of the most impressive features of Deosai National Park is its vast plain, known as the Deosai Plateau. This plateau is covered in wildflowers during the summer months, providing a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, the park is home to two stunning lakes, Sheosar Lake and Kala Pani Lake. Sheosar Lake is located at an altitude of 4,142 meters and is known for its crystal-clear waters, while Kala Pani Lake is known for its deep, dark waters that reflect the surrounding mountains.
Deosai National Park is also an excellent destination for hiking enthusiasts. The park offers numerous hiking trails that lead visitors through alpine forests, across rivers and streams, and up to high-altitude peaks. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the park include the Bara Pani trek, the Kala Pani trek, and the Sheosar Lake trek.
Apart from the natural beauty, Deosai National Park is also home to cultural heritage sites. The park is located in the Skardu district, which is known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and historic forts that offer insight into the local culture and traditions.
Myths about Deosai
“Deosai” meaning “Shadow of the Giant” is an amalgam of ‘Deo’ and ‘Sai’ meaning “giant” and “shadow” respectively. The word “Deo” comes from ‘Deva’, and “Sai”, one of ‘Saya’.
The name was extracted from the folk-tale “Saif-al-Malook” composed by Mian Muhammad Baksh as a poem.
For centuries, nomads from Kashmir used Deosai plains as a passage in summer to cross with their herds. The desolation of the area with no permanent population made people believe that this place is haunted by giants. This led to the name ‘The Land of the Giants’.
The deafening silence in Deosai Plains seems to span over centuries. You can experience this deep silence so much that you can hear your heartbeat. Sometimes a marmot’s whistle breaches this spell of silence.
In conclusion, Deosai National Park is a stunning natural wonder that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its vast plains, alpine forests, and snow-capped peaks, the park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The park’s unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan.
