Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park

Lulusar-Dudipatsar Overview

Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, locally known as لولوسر-دودی پتسر نیشنل پارک, is a high-altitude protected area located in the Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The park spans approximately 216 square miles (560 square kilometers) and lies in the Mansehra District in the northern region of the country.

It encompasses dramatic alpine landscapes, including snowcapped peaks, meadows, and glacier-fed lakes, with the most prominent being the Lulusar and Dudipatsar Lakes. These pristine bodies of water, surrounded by rugged terrain, give the park its name and form the heart of its natural beauty.

The terrain of Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park is defined by steep mountain ridges, high-altitude pastures, and cold glacial valleys. The park sits at elevations ranging from 10,000 to over 13,000 feet (3,000 to 4,000 meters), making it largely inaccessible during the long winter months.

In summer, alpine wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the snow gives way to sparkling blue lakes and cascading streams. Lulusar Lake, the source of the Kunhar River, is the largest in the park and easily accessible by road, while Dudipatsar Lake lies deeper in the mountains and requires a challenging trek. Vegetation includes alpine grasses, herbs, and scattered stands of juniper and birch in lower elevations.

The park is home to a range of wildlife adapted to its cold, alpine environment. Key mammals include the Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, and marmot. These species are elusive and well-suited to the high terrain, with populations mostly limited due to the challenging habitat.

Among the birds found in the park are Himalayan snowcocks, golden eagles, and griffon vultures. Migratory birds, such as ducks and geese, can be seen around the lakes during the summer months. The lakes and meadows also support a rich variety of butterflies and insects, which are active in the brief summer growing season.

The lakes are the most iconic features of the park and attract both domestic and international visitors. Lulusar Lake is known for its turquoise waters and scenic mountain backdrop, often serving as a stop for travelers on the way to Babusar Pass.

Dudipatsar Lake, often referred to as the “Queen of Lakes,” lies in a remote alpine basin and is accessed via an 18-kilometer trekking trail through lush meadows and steep slopes. The serene landscapes and reflections of surrounding peaks in the still lake waters make it a sought-after destination for trekkers and nature photographers.

Visitors experience Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park primarily through hiking, trekking, and sightseeing during the summer season. Jeep safaris to Lulusar Lake are common, while guided treks to Dudipatsar Lake are recommended due to the challenging terrain.

Camping in the meadows and near the lakes is popular among adventure seekers, though visitors must come prepared for variable weather and limited facilities.

Conservation efforts in the park aim to protect its fragile alpine ecosystems and endangered species. The park’s remoteness has helped preserve much of its natural integrity, but increasing tourism has introduced pressures, including littering and trail erosion.

Wildlife disturbance and habitat loss due to climate change are also growing concerns. Government and non-profit initiatives have begun promoting responsible tourism and local community involvement in conservation, though sustained efforts are needed to balance visitor access with environmental protection.

Park Map

Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, located in the Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a high-altitude sanctuary known for its crystal-clear alpine lakes, meadows, and snow-covered peaks. The park provides vital habitat for many cold-climate and mountain-adapted species, some of which are rare and protected.

Snow Leopard
A top predator of the Himalayas, the snow leopard is rarely seen but leaves behind tracks and signs across high ridges. It is highly elusive, with a thick spotted coat that offers perfect camouflage in the rocky terrain.

Himalayan Brown Bear
This large omnivore roams the park’s alpine meadows in warmer months, foraging on roots, berries, and small animals. It hibernates during the long winter and is considered vulnerable due to declining populations.

Himalayan Ibex
A sure-footed mountain goat with long, backward-curving horns, the Himalayan ibex lives on high, steep slopes where it feeds on grasses and herbs. It is well-camouflaged and difficult to spot from a distance.

Marmot
The Himalayan marmot is a large, burrowing rodent found in alpine grasslands. It is social and often seen sunbathing near its den or sounding alarm whistles when predators are near.

Red Fox
Adaptable and cunning, the red fox is a common sight across the park’s varied habitats. It feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects and sometimes scavenges near campsites.

Himalayan Weasel
A small, agile predator, the Himalayan weasel preys on rodents and birds. Its slender body allows it to chase prey into burrows, and its fur changes with the seasons to blend into the environment.

Himalayan Musk Deer
A shy, nocturnal deer with elongated upper canines and no antlers, the musk deer lives in forested and shrubby slopes. Males produce musk, making them a target for illegal hunting.

Himalayan Lynx
A rare and elusive feline, the Himalayan lynx features a short tail, tufted ears, and strong hunting instincts. It primarily preys on marmots, hares, and game birds in remote parts of the park.

Tibetan Wolf
Well-suited to cold, high elevations, the Tibetan wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf. It is a predator of marmots, deer, and smaller ungulates in the park’s alpine areas.

Yellow-throated Marten
Bold and agile, this colorful carnivore has a distinctive yellow chest and black limbs. It climbs trees and hunts birds, rodents, and even insects in the mixed forests and meadows.

Birds

The high-altitude lakes, meadows, and coniferous forests of Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park provide important nesting and foraging areas for a variety of mountain bird species. Many birds here are seasonal visitors, thriving in the warmer months.

Golden Eagle
A powerful raptor often seen soaring over cliffs and ridgelines, the golden eagle preys on marmots and hares and is known for its sharp eyesight and silent flight.

Himalayan Snowcock
Well-camouflaged among rocky slopes, this ground-dwelling bird feeds on alpine vegetation. It is often heard before seen, thanks to its loud, whistling calls echoing across the mountains.

Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
This bone-eating vulture drops carcass bones from great heights to crack them open and access the marrow. It has long, narrow wings and a distinctive facial beard.

White-throated Dipper
Often seen along fast-moving alpine streams, the dipper dives underwater to feed on aquatic insects and larvae. It is small and plump, with a bobbing motion and a short tail.

Rufous-naped Tit
A small, acrobatic bird with a striking black and white face and a rufous nape, it flits through coniferous trees in search of insects and seeds.

Blue-fronted Redstart
This colorful songbird has bright blue and orange plumage and is often seen perched on rocks or shrubs in open meadows. It feeds on insects and berries.

White-capped Redstart
Often seen near streams and lakes, this bird has a striking black-and-white coloration and fans its tail while hopping over rocks in search of food.

Common Rosefinch
A small, seed-eating bird with a rosy-red hue in males, the common rosefinch nests in shrubs and meadows and is often spotted in flocks during the breeding season.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture
This large scavenger soars effortlessly over valleys in search of carrion. It nests on cliff ledges and is often seen gliding alongside other high-altitude raptors.

Plain Mountain Finch
This small, hardy bird is often found in alpine grasslands and rocky areas. It forages in flocks, feeding on seeds and small insects during the short summer season.