National Parks of Northern Pakistan: A Visitor's Guide

Deosai National Park

Deosai is a high plateau between Skardu and Astore, with rolling grassland, streams and Sheosar Lake. It was declared a national park on 14 May 1993, mainly to protect the Himalayan brown bear. Our safaris list its altitude at about 4,114 m, and the programmes describe it as snow-covered for most of the year, so visits are possible only in summer: our jeep safari runs from mid-July to mid-September.

From Skardu, the road climbs past Satpara Lake to the plateau; from the west, it rises from Astore via Chillum. National park entry fees are charged; our Deosai biking tour lists them among its inclusions. Inside the park, stay on the established tracks, camp at the usual sites and carry out all rubbish. The Deosai Plains guide describes the landscape in more detail.

Khunjerab National Park

Khunjerab National Park covers the high country around the Khunjerab Pass, at 4,693 m the crossing point on the Karakoram Highway between Pakistan and China. It was formally established in 1975, with protection of the Marco Polo sheep among its main purposes, and is also home to golden marmots, ibex and the rarely seen snow leopard.

Most visitors experience the park as a day trip from Hunza: several of our tours drive from Karimabad or Gulmit to the pass and back, and the Karakoram Highway biking tour starts its riding from Sost. The Khunjerab Pass guide covers the journey. The pass is open to travellers in the warmer months and closed in winter; check the current opening dates when you plan.

Central Karakoram National Park

The Central Karakoram National Park, usually called CKNP, is described by the Gilgit-Baltistan government as the largest protected area in Pakistan. It covers the heart of the Karakoram, including the Baltoro glacier, Concordia, K2 and the other great peaks of the region, and much of the Biafo and Hispar glacier systems.

Anyone trekking to K2 base camp enters the park. Our K2 Base Camp trek lists the CKNP fee alongside the K2 base camp trekking permit among its inclusions. The park's managers work with local communities on waste management along the busy Baltoro route, and trekkers can help by carrying out everything they bring in. Our guide to Concordia and the Baltoro glacier describes the main trekking route through the park.

Chitral Gol National Park

Chitral Gol National Park lies close to Chitral town in the Hindu Kush and is best known for its markhor, Pakistan's national animal. It is less visited than the Gilgit-Baltistan parks, but it is a rewarding addition to a trip to Chitral and the Kalash valleys for travellers interested in wildlife. Ask us about access arrangements if you would like to include it.

Our trips that enter the parks

Programmes whose published itineraries visit Deosai, the Khunjerab Pass or the Baltoro glacier.

Rules and good practice in the parks

• Pay the entry fees and carry the permits required; on our programmes these are listed in the inclusions where they apply.
• Stay on established tracks and trails, and camp only at the usual campsites.
• Carry out all rubbish, including food waste.
• Do not feed, follow or disturb wildlife; see our guide to wildlife in northern Pakistan.
• Do not collect plants, stones or fossils, and do not cut firewood.
• Follow the instructions of park staff and your guide.

Seasons at a glance

• Deosai: summer only, roughly mid-June to mid-September depending on snow; our jeep safari is published for mid-July to mid-September.
• Khunjerab: the warmer months; the pass is closed in winter.
• Central Karakoram: the trekking season, broadly June to September; the K2 Base Camp trek is published for late June to early September.
• Chitral Gol: wildlife watching is often best in winter, when markhor come lower.

Frequently asked questions

Visit the parks with us

Our safaris, treks and tours enter all three of the main Gilgit-Baltistan parks. Browse the safari page and trekking routes, or tell us which park interests you through the contact form.