Himalaya National Park
High-altitude protected area conserving Himalayan ecosystems and wildlife.
Himalaya National Park is a protected area in the Astore District of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan, announced in December 2020 and notified in 2021. Covering approximately 2263 km², it was established to conserve high-mountain ecosystems and threatened species including the Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, markhor, Himalayan ibex, and blue sheep.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Astore District, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan
- Nearest city
- Astore
- Established
- 2021
- Governing body
- Forest
- Wildlife and Environment Department
- Gilgit-Baltistan
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The park is located in the upper Astore Valley near settlements such as Domail, Minimarg, and Rama.
- Rivers and streams originating within the park contribute to the Astore River basin, a tributary of the Indus River.
- The park connects existing reserves such as Deosai National Park, Khunjerab National Park, and Central Karakoram National Park.
History
In late 2020, Pakistan's government announced two new national parks for Gilgit-Baltistan, including Himalaya National Park, as part of an effort to expand protected areas. Together with Nanga Parbat National Park, they safeguard over 3,600 square kilometers, about 5% of the region. The local government formally established the park in 2021.
Biodiversity
The park's ecosystem includes sub-alpine conifer forests, alpine scrub, and high meadows. It provides critical habitat for snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan ibex, markhor, blue sheep, red fox, and stone marten. Avifauna recorded in the region includes the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, Himalayan griffon, and golden eagle.
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