The GB government has banned seasonal hotels and commercial setups inside Deosai National Park, putting conservation ahead of tourism business for the coming season.
Seasonal Hotels Barred from Deosai National Park
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has imposed a ban on seasonal hotels and other commercial ventures inside Deosai National Park for the upcoming tourism season. A formal notification issued by the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Department clearly states that no temporary hotels, guest facilities or commercial outlets will be allowed to operate within the park limits this year.
The decision marks a major shift in how tourism will be managed at one of Pakistan’s most famous natural destinations. Authorities say the move is aimed at protecting Deosai’s fragile ecosystem, which has come under increasing pressure from rising visitor numbers and unregulated business activity during the peak summer months.
Concerns Over Pollution and Habitat Disturbance
Officials noted that many seasonal hotels, roadside cafes and makeshift camps inside the park have been contributing to litter, wastewater discharge and noise pollution. According to the government, such unplanned tourism-related operations disturb wildlife, damage vegetation and, if left unchecked, could accelerate long-term ecological degradation.
Hotel owners and tourism operators have been instructed not to set up any accommodation or commercial structures within the park boundaries. The notification warns that any violation of the ban will invite legal action, including fines, closure of facilities and possible penalties under wildlife and environmental protection laws. Authorities have also indicated that monitoring and enforcement will be stepped up during the tourist season.
Deosai: Land of Giants and a Fragile Ecosystem
Deosai National Park is a vast alpine plateau that straddles the Skardu and Astore districts of Gilgit-Baltistan at an average height of about 4,114 metres above sea level. Famous for its sweeping grasslands, carpets of wildflowers and dramatic mountain views, the park is one of Pakistan’s most popular summer destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.
The area is also home to rare Himalayan brown bears, Himalayan marmots and a variety of migratory birds, earning it the nickname “Land of Giants”. Earlier in September, singer Quratulain Balouch was injured after an encounter with a Himalayan brown bear during a camping trip in Deosai, an incident that prompted authorities to prohibit camping in some parts of the park. Officials say such incidents underline the need to keep a safe distance between human activity and wildlife habitats.
Impact on Tourism and Local Businesses
The new restrictions mean that tourists will no longer find seasonal hotels, camps or food stalls operating inside the park itself. Deosai typically remains open to visitors from June to November, but for the coming season, visitors will have to rely on accommodation and services located outside the park boundaries, such as in Skardu, Astore and nearby villages.
While some local business owners fear a drop in earnings, environmental advocates argue that Deosai’s long-term value depends on preventing over-commercialisation. They say that uncontrolled construction and waste generation could damage the natural landscape and wildlife populations that attract tourists in the first place. Officials have hinted that more sustainable, low-impact tourism models may be considered in future, in consultation with local communities.
Guidelines for Visitors Planning a Trip to Deosai
For travellers planning a visit to Deosai this year, the government’s decision means extra preparation will be required. Tourists are advised to book hotels or guest houses in nearby towns in advance and to travel with sufficient supplies, keeping in mind that there will be no formal commercial facilities inside the park. Day trips, guided tours and organised jeep safaris are likely to remain popular options.
Visitors are also encouraged to follow basic eco-tourism principles: avoid littering, respect wildlife, stay on marked tracks and follow all instructions issued by park authorities. By cooperating with conservation rules and supporting responsible tourism operators outside the park, visitors can help protect Deosai’s unique landscape so that future generations can continue to enjoy the “Land of Giants” in its natural state.
