GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has imposed a ban on establishment of all seasonal hotels and other commercial activities within Deo­sai National Park area.

According to a notification issued by the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Depar­tment on Tuesday, the GB government has banned establishment of seasonal hotels for tourists and other commercial activities within Deosai National Park for the coming season.

The notification said the GB government’s step is ai­­med at protecting the pa­­rk’s fragile ecosystem and preserving its natural beauty.

The commercial activities in Deosai National Park pose a threat to environmental degradation, the notification said.

Step ai­­med at protecting its fragile ecosystem

The government asked hotel owners and managements to follow new regulations and not to establish any accommodation facilities for tourists.

It warned of legal action in violation of the ban. Deosai is a high-altitude alpine plain situated at an average elevation of 4,114 meters above the sea level and it is a National Park.

Stretching between Skar­­du and Astore distri­cts, Deosai National Park is a major summer attraction for national and international tourists and it is famous for its wildflowers, Himalayan brown bears, and breathtaking landscapes and is often called the “Land of Giants”.

In September this year, singer Quratulain Balouch suffered injuries after being attacked by a rare Himalayan brown bear during a camping trip in the park, prompting authorities to ban the camping in the area.

The park remains open for tourists from June to November every year.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025