Deosai: A Grand Plateau of History, Whispers, and Wonders

Rather than linking Deosai to mythical folklore, I would describe it as a vast plateau of grand geographical proportions. It is an expanse that, despite its rolling terrain, occasionally evokes the feel of a natural stadium. One can’t help but think: rugged as it may be, it remains, in every sense, a majestic plain.

Deep within its folds, this plateau holds layers of history—stories from both the distant and recent past. It tells tales of our ancestors and their arduous journeys: how they conquered this land, cutting through its wilderness to establish vital trade and travel routes connecting Astore to Skardu, and Gultari to both regions.

I use the word “easy” strictly in a modern context; back then, traversing this terrain must have been immensely daunting. Countless travelers surely set out on this path full of life, only to sacrifice their survival along the way.

It also tells the story of its glaciers—once abundant, but now steadily diminishing. In the distant past, Deosai may well have been a lake-like basin formed by heavy snowfall and massive glaciers. As time passed, reduced snowfall and melting ice brought an end to those ancient waters, leaving behind little more than the age-old reputation that "Deosai receives heavy snow."

The landscape is carved in such a way that stream mouths open from every direction. Each stream flows rich with water, serving as a constant reminder that the Almighty bestows His blessings beyond human imagination—and that His bounty never ceases. Since time immemorial, these waters have sustained human settlements. From their origin down to their final destination in the Indian Ocean, these streams stand as living signs of nature, reflecting the majesty of the Creator.

One of Deosai’s most captivating traits is its instantly unpredictable weather. Harsh conditions can soften in a matter of seconds, giving way to a gentle breeze or a light drizzle. One moment you are enjoying cool raindrops, and the next, the sharp brilliance of the sun leaves you in absolute awe. It is precisely this dramatic charm that draws travelers from all over. Every time I visit, I find the plain bustling with both local and international tourists.

On our arrival today, I was accompanied by my esteemed university colleagues: Imtiaz Ahmad, Dr. Safeer Hussain, and Muhammad Hassan Mohammadi. Together, we marveled at the sheer grandeur of the Deosai Plain, united in the belief that there is perhaps no place of wonder quite like this anywhere else in the world.

— Dr. Riaz Razee

July 19, 2026 | Deosai National Park