Nature
Deosai National Park
The Land of Giants — the second-highest plateau on earth
- Altitude
- 4,114 m / 13,497 ft average
- Distance
- 35 km to Sadpara gate, 60 km to Bara Pani
- Drive time
- 2.5–3 hours by jeep
- Best season
- Late June to mid-September
- Entry
- National park fee at the Sadpara or Chilim gate
- Category
- Nature
Deosai is a rolling ocean of grass and wildflowers at over 4,000 metres, snowbound for eight months of the year and, for the brief summer it opens, one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Pakistan.
The plateau spans roughly 3,000 square kilometres between Skardu and Astore, protected since 1993 largely to safeguard the Himalayan brown bear. Marmots are everywhere, golden eagles patrol the ridges, and in July the ground erupts into wildflowers.
The classic day trip from Skardu climbs past Satpara Lake to the Sadpara gate, crosses to Bara Pani (Big Water) for lunch by the stream, and continues to Sheosar Lake before returning. Adventurous travellers carry on over the plateau to Astore and Rama.
There is no fuel, no reliable mobile signal and no medical facility on the plateau. Altitude affects most visitors mildly — go slowly, drink water and do not plan an overnight camp on your first day in Skardu.
Highlights
- Himalayan brown bear and marmot sightings
- Bara Pani stream crossing and camping ground
- Sheosar Lake at the western end of the plateau
- July wildflower bloom across the entire plateau
- Night skies with almost zero light pollution
How to get there
A 4x4 jeep is mandatory. Jeeps with drivers are hired in Skardu bazaar or through hotels for a full-day return trip, typically leaving at 7am. The road is unpaved beyond Sadpara.
Not sure how to reach the region itself? See how to reach Skardu by air and road.
Where to stay nearby
Camping at Bara Pani or Sheosar with a tour operator's gear is the only on-plateau option. Most visitors return to hotels in Skardu the same evening.
Where to stay near Deosai Plains
Compare hotels, resorts and guest houses in and around Deosai Plains — from budget rooms in the bazaar to heritage forts and lakeside resorts.
Book a guided Skardu tour
Jeep days to Deosai, multi-day Baltistan loops and full trekking logistics run by licensed local operators.
Deosai Plains — questions travellers ask
- When does Deosai National Park open?
- Roughly late June through mid-September, depending on snowmelt. Outside those months the passes are blocked and the plateau is inaccessible.
- Do you need a 4x4 for Deosai?
- Yes. The track from Sadpara onwards is rough, with river crossings. Standard cars cannot make the journey and drivers will not attempt it.
- Is Deosai safe for children and older travellers?
- A day trip is manageable for most people, but the altitude of 4,000 m+ can cause headaches and breathlessness. Anyone with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor first.
Nearby attractions
LakesSheosar Lake
A blind lake of impossible blue on the roof of Deosai
- Distance
- ~90 km from Skardu across Deosai
- Altitude
- 4,142 m / 13,589 ft
LakesSatpara Lake
Skardu's water supply and the doorway to Deosai
- Distance
- 9 km from Skardu city
- Altitude
- 2,636 m / 8,650 ft
HeritageSkardu Fort
The king of forts, watching the Indus from a rock above town
- Distance
- 2 km from Skardu bazaar
- Altitude
- 2,400 m / 7,875 ft
Browse all 15 tourist spots in Skardu.
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