Deosai National Park is the most beautiful tourist spot in Gilgit Baltistan. It is often quoted saying about Deosai that “Silence Sings Here”. If one has toured across the entire Northern Areas but didn’t visit Deosai, then he enjoyed nothing. Deosai, as the name depicts, is the combination of two words: Deo means Giant, and Sai means Shadow (Saea).
For centuries, it has been a perception that this place is the under influence of Giants (Jinns). Owing to this, it is also called the “Land of Giants”. Deosai is 13,500 Ft above sea level. It is the second largest plain in the world, situated at this height. This plain spreads over 4,000 square km. Deosai is such an outstanding place that its beauty can’t be described in words; neither saved in any camera. If one visits Skardu or Astor, he should not forget to explore Deosai.
Must Visit:
How to Access Deosai?
- Deosai is located between Skardu and Astore Valley.
- There are two routes toward Deosai. 1st one is through Skardu city, which is about 40 km.
- Another route is via Astore valley, which is comparatively longer.
- From Skardu Bazar, a road turns towards Sadpara Village. After crossing Sadpara village, Sadpara Lake occurs. On the zig-zagged road, Sadpara Lake is an extremely beautiful spot. After crossing the lake and Sadpara Chauki, there begins under repair road. On the one side are tall gigantic mountains; on the other a deep steep (KHAI). The person traveling on the road first time feels his heart sinking. Owing to dangerous roads, the journey towards Deosai is often called “A Wilderness in Peril”. Yet, keeping in view of the scenic beauty of Deosai, this is not an expensive deal.
- For Deosai, the Jeep is easily available from Skardu. It costs around Rs. 18,000.
- The visitors use their vehicles as well, for Deosai to travel. Yet, this is not recommended. Because vehicle disorder on the way or any stone from passing by mountains could create a tense situation.
Salient Features of National Park
- Deosai was upgraded to a National Park in 1993. The major reason for this up-gradation was to preserve the species of Brown Bear of the Himalayas, which is found in Deosai.
- It has achieved largely the purpose of converting Deosai into a National Park. In 1993, there were only 19 Brown Bears in Deosai. In 2005, it exceeded 40.
- Himalayan Wildlife Foundation played a key role in the up-gradation of Deosai into National Park. The foundation has been operating a research camp In Deosai National Park for the last 10 years.
- Besides Brown Bears, we find a lot of wildlife animals in Deosai, which includes Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Golden Marmold, Grey Wolf, Snow Leopard, and so forth
- Plants of more than 340 types exist in the plains and mountains of Deosai.
- More than 200s types of birds chirp in Deosai National Park. The famous ones are Golden Eagle, Legan Falcon, Peri Glen Falcon, and Snow Cop.
- We find multiple herbals used in medicines in Deosai National Park.
- During springs, the entire plain is replete with flowers of different colors and a wide variety of Butterflies.
- There is not a single tree in this 4,000 square km plain.
Weather of Deosai
The weather in Deosai is extremely uncertain. Sometimes, the snowfall began in June and July months. Clouds and sunshine often overlap each other. At one moment, the sun is shining at its full length. Within seconds, rain starts.
Deosai has been uninhabited since its existence. Uncertain weather, wildlife animals, and a ruthless cold breeze make it impossible to live here. There is a horrible silence in Deosai. Silence to this extent, that one can listen to his heartbeat.
Deosai remains snowcapped for 8 months of the year. Remaining 4 years, multiple flowers blossom and enhance the beauty of this place.
Perfect time to Visit Deosai
The beauty of Deosai is at its apex between 15 July to 15 August. The whole plain is covered with flowers. Clouds are so low that one can even touch them. Golden eagles of the Himalayas are seen flying in these clouds. The atmosphere is engulfed with an amazing fragrance, which is perhaps the mixture of Brown Bear, White Tiger, Red Fox, and naughty Marmot; and this is the actual beauty of Deosai. This is such a wonderful place that even repeated visits could not quench the thirst of tourists, and they aspire to come here again and again.
Important Tourist Spots in Deosai
Three main tourist points exist in Deosai:
- Barha Pani
- Chota Pani
- Sheosar Lake
Barha Pani
If one is coming via Skardu, then the 1st point is Barah Pani Lake. It is 62 km away from Skardu. It takes almost 2.5-3 hours to reach there. Fresh-water streams amid Grassy plains and stunning mountains turn this place into a picturesque one. The sunset view at Barha Pani View is amazing.
The last highest point of the three of them is Barha Pani. Therefore, the weather is relatively lesser cold here. The campsite is available for a night stay. However, the weather is extremely cold at night.
Chota Pani
The next point to Barha Pani is Chota Pani. It is also called Kala Pani. It is 10 km away from Barha Pani.
Sheosar Lake
After Chota Pani, the alpine Sheosar Lake exists. It is also known as the “Heart of Deosai”. It is an exceptionally beautiful blue-water lake. Eyes forget to blink at this place. The lake is surrounded by heart-stealing plains and the heavenly landscapes of Deosai. The enchanting Nanga Parbat Mountains appear behind it. Roaming sometimes roaring Clouds in the Sky turn the place into a paradise.
The highest point in Deosai is Sheosar Lake. It is situated at a height of 4,142 meters. Sheosar is one of the World’s highest-altitude lakes. That’s why; the weather is too cold at Sheosar Lake. Night stay arrangements and campsites are available at Sheosar Lake as well. However, chilling cold weather is more ruthless than Barha Pani. During winter, the lake remains snow-covered, and the water is frozen from November to May.
