By Sultan Shoaib<\/p>\n
GILGIT-BALTISTAN, Jun 16 (APP): 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Yes, it is Deosai Plain, a jewel in the crown of Gilgit-Baltistan \u2013 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 .<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The name \u2018Deosai\u2019; itself tells a fascinating story being a combination of \u2018Deo\u2019 (meaning giant) and \u2018Sai\u2019 (meaning shadow). For being translated as \u2018the Shadow of a Giant\u2019 or \u2018the Land of Giants,\u2019 this place had been fearful for people with many attributing to it mysterious and supernatural tales.<\/p>\n
Another fitting name for this region can be \u2018Roof of the Earth\u2019 as it stands as the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody can deny its beauty. It is a source of inspiration for local and foreign tourists and nature lovers,\u201d remarked a local tourist guide, Aaliya. \u201cPeople in any region within the country and abroad, are equally mesmerized by grandeur and unmatched beauty of Deosai.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deeply attached to its beauty, Aaliay remarked, \u201cIt is not just simply a place to visit but an experience leaving ineffaceable imprints on visitors\u2019 minds. I take pride in showing them the wonders of Deosai.\u201d<\/p>\n
Equally conscious for protection its ecosystem, Aaliya says, \u201cany time I take them along and brief about incredible landscapes and unique flora and fauna of Deosai, I also urge them to protect and preserve its delicate and valuable ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dotted with several other lakes of crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, other than the Sheosar lake, one can imagine the plausible feelings of nature lovers to sojourn at a breathtaking landscape in the lap of towering peaks with clouds so close to be easily touched with their hands.<\/p>\n
Large tracts of alpine meadow along with dry stony areas and patches of dwarf willows along rivers systems and streams, Deosai also have Shatung, Bara Pani and Kala Pani rivers that form Shigar river \u2013 an important tributary of Indus river.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose loving nature and adventure cannot help visiting this place as they take back memories that continue to spark in their mind for years,\u201d said Asifa, a visitor from Lahore. \u201cThere is a unique symmetry of plain, wetland and mountains. It is really a patch of heaven on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe moment I set foot on the plateau, I was awestruck by feelings of being on top of the world,\u201d she added. \u201cThe summer wildflowers painted the plateau in a riot of colors and the clarity of Sheosar Lake was unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those who have visited this place take indelible imprints on their minds and those who did not, have an earnest desire to land here in their first moment of leisure.<\/p>\n