Embracing exceptional beauty and mesmerizing views lies down a vast patch of land amidst tall peaks and lush green valleys of Northern Areas offering ample soothing and entertainment facilities to tourists and nature lovers. Known for its enchanting beauty and rich ecology, it enjoys a glaring contrast of landscape and narrow valleys between steep mountains for being in the western massif of the Himalayas, east of Nanga Parbat and in close proximity to Central Karakoram Range.
Yes, it is Deosai Plain, a jewel in the crown of Gilgit-Baltistan – situated at an altitude of 3500 to 5200 meters with an area of 358,400 hectare of flat but undulating plains broken by gently rolling hills, it is surrounded by valleys of Skardu, Kharmang, Astore and Gultari and sky high mountains. With extreme cold weather and low atmospheric pressure, this plateau receives annual precipitation from 350 to 550 mm as it also boasts of having high altitude wetlands characterized by Sheosar Lake at 4,250 meters and fed by snow melt from surrounding snow-clad peaks.
The name ‘Deosai’; itself tells a fascinating story being a combination of ‘Deo’ (meaning giant) and ‘Sai’ (meaning shadow). For being translated as ‘the Shadow of a Giant’ or ‘the Land of Giants,’ this place had been fearful for people with many attributing to it mysterious and supernatural tales. Another fitting name for this region can be ‘Roof of the Earth’ as it stands as the world’s second-highest plateau, towering at approximately 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level. Eight months it remains covered with snow as remaining four months grace this plateau with pleasant weather and a vibrant array of flowers in multiple colors.—APP
