A memorable road trip to Ali Malik Mar Pass in Pakistan
Ali Malik Mar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.082m (13,392ft) above sea level, located in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan.
Where is Ali Malik Mar Pass?
The pass is located in the Deosai Plains, the second highest plateau in the world, after the adjoining Tibetan Plateau, between the ridge of the Himalayas and Karakoram. Deosai is accessible from the Astore Valley in the west and Skardu in the north.
Is Ali Malik Mar Pass unpaved?
The road to the summit, locally known as Deosai Top, is mostly unpaved. It’s called Deosai Park Road.
How long is Ali Malik Mar Pass?
Tucked away in the northern part of the country, the road is 84km (52 miles) long, running north-south from Skardu to Astore Valley Road. A 4x4 vehicle is required because of the altitude and road condition. The road crosses several rivers on scary bridges.
Is Ali Malik Mar Pass open?
Set high in the Deosai National Park, the pass is accessible only in summers. For just over half the year - between November and May - Deosai is snow-bound. The territory is known as the land of giants which remains a snow-bound bailiwick in the chilling winters. Reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest. Higher levels apply in some areas.
Pic: Javeed Iqbal