DEOSAI MOUNTAINS

range in the Himalayan mountain system in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The mountains are located in the Pakistani-held sector of the west-central part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The range extends for 120 miles (190 km) from the Indus River bend at Bunji to the Suru (Karcha) River, which separates the range from the Zaskar Range. The main body of the Deosai massif (mountainous mass) is composed of sedimentary rock of the Precambrian Era (which occurred from 3.96 billion to 540 million years ago) combined with granite bodies of younger age. Several peaks reach elevations of more than 18,000 feet (5,500 m). The Deosai Basin lies between mountain ranges at an elevation of 13,000 feet (4,000 m); 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 vies for existence with a few hardy alpine mammals such as the marmot. The Burji Pass is situated southwest of Skardu, which is one of several villages lying at the foot of the mountains.