Deosai Mountains

Deosai Mountains, range in the Himalayas in the northern Indian subcontinent. The mountains lie in the central Kashmir region, mostly within the Northern Areas (in the Pakistani-administered sector of Kashmir). The range extends for 120 miles (190 km) from the Indus River bend at Bunji to the Karcha (Suru) River, which separates the range from the Zanskar Range.

The main body of the Deosai Mountains consists of both Precambrian sedimentary rock (formed more than 540 million years ago) and younger granite bodies. Several peaks reach elevations of more than 18,000 feet (5,500 meters). The mountains rise above the high Deosai Plateau, averaging some 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in elevation. The Deosai Basin lies between mountain ranges; it possesses steep sides and a level floor and appears to be an ancient cirque (deep steep-walled recess in a mountain, caused by glacial erosion). The terrain of the Deosai Mountains is rugged and almost devoid of human population. Sparse vegetation sustains a few hardy alpine mammals such as the marmot. The Burji Pass lies southwest of Skardu, one of several towns lying at the foot of the mountains.