National Parks of Pakistan: Country's Natural Treasures

National Parks of Pakistan: Discover the Country's Natural Treasures

Pakistan is home to 29 national parks, also referred to as protected areas, showcasing a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes. The Central Karakorum National Park, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, is the largest park, while the Ayub National Park in Rawalpindi, Punjab, is the smallest. These national parks feature stunning scenery, ranging from desert terrain and forests to small hills and massive mountains such as K-2, located in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Following is the list of Parks. To see the detail click on the titles given.

Deosai National Park Gilgit-Baltistan:

Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Deosai National Park is known for its stunning alpine meadows and diverse flora and fauna. It is home to the Himalayan brown bear, ibex, snow leopard, and many other rare species.

Saiful Muluk National Park KPK:

Saiful Muluk National Park in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is named after the Saiful Muluk Lake, a popular tourist destination in Pakistan. The park is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and musk deer.

Margalla Hills National Park Federal District:

Located in the Federal District of Islamabad, the Margalla Hills National Park is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, leopards, and several species of birds.

Lalusar Dudipatsar KPK:

Lalusar Dudipatsar National Park is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is known for its stunning alpine lakes, including Dudipatsar Lake, which is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan.

Khunjerab National Park Gilgit-Baltistan:

Situated in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khunjerab National Park is named after the Khunjerab Pass, a high mountain pass on the Pakistan-China border. It is home to several rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and Himalayan ibex.

Shandur National Park KPK:

Shandur National Park in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is located on the famous Shandur Pass, known as the "Roof of the World." The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the snow leopard, lynx, and ibex.

Central Karakorum National Park GB:

Central Karakorum National Park is located in Gilgit-Baltistan and is home to some of the world's highest peaks, including K-2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The park is known for its stunning scenery, glaciers, and rare wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and Marco Polo sheep.

Ayubia National Park KPK:

Ayubia National Park in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a popular destination for hiking and trekking. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including pine forests, oak trees, and several species of birds.

Toli Pir National Park AJK:

Toli Pir National Park is located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and is known for its stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes. It is a popular destination for hiking and trekking.

Hingol National Park Balochistan:

Hingol National Park is located in Balochistan and is known for its rugged terrain, including the Hingol River and the famous Princess of Hope rock formation. It is home to several species of wildlife, including the Indian wolf, honey badger, and marsh crocodile.

Chitral Gol National Park KPK:

Chitral Gol National Park is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and musk deer.

Broghil National Park KPK:

Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Broghil National Park is a stunning park that covers an area of approximately 1,274 square kilometers. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the snow leopard, ibex, Himalayan lynx, Himalayan musk deer, and Marco Polo sheep. The park's landscape is a mix of grassy plains, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.

K-2 National Park GB:

The K-2 National Park is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is named after the world's second-highest mountain peak, K-2. The park is spread over an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers and is home to several high-altitude mammals, including the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and the Marco Polo sheep.

Kirthar National Park Sindh:

Kirthar National Park is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan and covers an area of approximately 3,087 square kilometers. The park's landscape is a mix of rocky mountains, sand dunes, and grassy plains, and it is home to several endangered species, including the Sindh ibex, Indian wolf, and chinkara.

Hazarganj Chiltan National Park Balochistan:

Hazarganj Chiltan National Park is located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan and covers an area of approximately 32,500 hectares. The park is known for its unique geology and is home to several rare species of plants and animals, including the Suleiman markhor, Balochistan bear, and the Chiltan wild goat.

Chinji National Park Punjab:

Chinji National Park is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan and covers an area of approximately 609 hectares. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to several species of mammals, including the wild boar, common mongoose, and Indian pangolin.

Ayub National Park Punjab:

Ayub National Park is located in the Rawalpindi district of Punjab province and covers an area of approximately 2,300 acres. The park is known for its lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. It is home to several species of birds, including the Indian peafowl, white-eared bulbul, and common myna.

Lal Sunhara National Park Punjab:

Lal Sunhara National Park is located in the Chakwal district of Punjab province and covers an area of approximately 3,281 hectares. The park is known for its stunning scenery and is home to several species of wildlife, including the Indian leopard, rhesus macaque, and gray goral.

Machiara National Park AJK:

Machiara National Park is located in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan and covers an area of approximately 9,800 hectares. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan monal, and the western tragopan.

Frequently Asked Questions about National Parks (FAQs):

How many national parks are there in Pakistan?

There are 29 national parks in Pakistan.

What can visitors expect to see at Pakistan's national parks?

Visitors can expect to see a variety of landscapes, from mountains and forests to deserts and rivers, as well as diverse wildlife such as snow leopards, Markhor goats, and migratory birds.

What is the largest national park in Pakistan?

The Central Karakoram National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan is the largest national park in Pakistan.

Are there any guided tours available at Pakistan's national parks?

Yes, many national parks in Pakistan offer guided tours and hiking trails for visitors.

What is the best time of year to visit Pakistan's national parks?

The best time to visit Pakistan's national parks is usually from April to October, when the weather is milder and wildlife is more active.