Panjal Mastan National Park Explained

Panjal Mastan
Settlement Type:National park
Pushpin Map:Pakistan
Coordinates:34.0574°N 73.7381°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Pakistan
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Azad Kashmir
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Bagh
Unit Pref:Metric
Elevation M:2800
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Demographics1 Info1:Urdu
Timezone1:PST

Panjal Mastan (Urdu پنجال مستان) is a scenic place in Bagh Valley of Azad-Kashmir.

The Panjal Mastan National Park is in the Bagh District of Azad-Kashmir.Panjal Mastan National Park is at an average elevation of 2800 metres (9186 feet) above sea level, making the Panjal Mastan Plains one of the highest plateaus in the Bagh. The park protects an area of 3,00 square kilometres. It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Pir Panjal ecoregion. In spring it is covered by sweeps wildflowers.

Climate and ecology

Panjal Mastan features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) under the Köppen climate classification. It is in the outer Pir Panjal, retaining high altitude. This type of area has cold, snowy winters, relatively cool summer with drastically escalated rain, in relation with lower altitudes, and frequent fog. Precipitation is received year round, with two maxima, first one during winter and second one at summer, July–August. Total mean precipitation annually is 1,789 mm (70.4 in).[7] A variety of rare animal species can be found in Panjal Mastan, including the leopard, which inhabits the neighbouring Galiyat region. More common animals include the rhesus monkey, wild boar, foxes and various species of birds, including the cheer pheasant and kalij pheasant. The area gives its name to the Panjal vole, a rodent species endemic to Pakistan.