Sheosar Lake

Sheosar Lake is the principal body of water in Deosai

Sheosar Lake, positioned at an altitude of 4,150m (13,615 feet), stands as a remarkable example of the high-altitude freshwater reservoirs prevalent in the larger region. Serving as the primary water reservoir in Deosai, the lake spans approximately 1.33 square kilometers and represents one among several in the park. Sheosar is notably the largest, with other notable lakes positioned in the Burgi La area.

Drawing from field observations and data provided by the Ramsar Bureau, it is evident that Deosai embodies a significant wetland ecosystem. This includes but is not limited to glacial lakes, peat bogs, marshes, permanent and seasonal streams, riverbank wetlands, snowmelt ponds, seasonal pools, and wet meadows. Among the park's invaluable aquatic assets are its wetlands, streams, and peatlands – all integral components of the broader wetland ecosystem. Fundamentally, wetlands are terrestrial zones, either perennially submerged or frequently saturated by water. This moisture primarily originates from aquifers, springs, or proximate water bodies such as rivers or lakes. Together, Deosai and Sheosar Lake rank among the world's highest-elevation freshwater wetlands.

Geographically, both Sheosar Lake and the broader Deosai National Park are located in the Western Himalayas, positioned to the east of the mighty Nanga Parbat, colloquially termed the "Killer Mountain".

The water quality of Sheosar is clear and subject to cyclical changes. During winter, the lake's water crystallizes, forming a frozen upper layer. The water level changes because of the yearly ebb and flow. In the winter, the water level drops, and in the summer, it rises again when the glaciers melt.

Sheosar Lake lies on the western edge of Deosai National Park

Flora and Fauna of Sheosar

Deosai National Park is characterized by its rich biodiversity, closely connected with the wetland ecosystems that pervade the larger plateau. These wetlands provide essential habitats for an extensive variety of avian species, both resident and migratory. Comprehensive studies conducted by the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation (PWF) have recorded the presence of 45 distinct bird species within the confines of Sheosar Lake. When considering the park in its entirety, the avian count surpasses 130 species, many of which utilize the wetlands for activities ranging from feeding and breeding to wintering and transitory halts during migratory periods.

The intrinsic relationship between the biodiversity of Deosai and its wetlands is of paramount significance. A vast majority of the species that inhabit the plateau, whether flora or fauna, are either directly or indirectly reliant upon the ecological services these wetlands provide. The Deosai brown bear is a good example of an animal that lives on the food that these wetlands provide to stay alive. As a result, the degradation or extinction of these wetlands would have irreversible consequences for the plateau's current biodiversity, potentially reducing it.

In addition to bird species, the freshwater ecosystems of the Deosai plateau serve as sanctuaries for various fish species. Noteworthy among them are the high-altitude loach (Triplophysa stoliczkae), the Slate-colored snow-trout (Diptychus maculatus), and the Fleshy-mouthed snow-trout (Ptychbarbus conirostris), with the Slate-colored snow trout being predominant in the region. The protection of these ichthyological assets, especially from illegal fishing activities, demands continuous monitoring and rigorous management by park authorities. There are ongoing efforts to have Deosai's wetlands recognized as a RAMSAR site, emphasizing their global ecological importance.

Sheosar Lake is surrounded by diverse flora in spring