Deosai National Park — The Land of Giants

Deosai is unlike anywhere else in Pakistan, or arguably the world. A 3,000 sq km treeless plateau sitting at over 4,000 metres, ringed by snow peaks, carpeted in wildflowers from late June, home to Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots, snow leopards and the rare Tibetan wolf. The local name "Deosai" means "Land of Giants" — and standing in the middle of that endless tundra, you understand why.

The Geography

Deosai National Park spans Gilgit-Baltistan and Astore, with an average elevation of 4,114m. The plateau is the second-highest in the world after the Tibetan Plateau and was declared a national park in 1993, primarily to protect the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear. The Bara Pani river cuts through the centre, Sheosar Lake sits at the western edge at 4,142m, and the surrounding peaks rise to over 5,500m.

Wildlife of Deosai

Deosai is one of South Asia's great wildlife sanctuaries. The Himalayan brown bear population, down to fewer than 20 individuals in the 1990s, has recovered to over 75 thanks to anti-poaching efforts. Other residents include golden marmots (you'll see them everywhere), red foxes, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan wolves, snow leopards (rarely seen), griffon vultures, golden eagles and over 120 bird species. Early morning and late evening are best for sightings.

Sheosar Lake — The Crown Jewel

At the western edge of Deosai, Sheosar Lake stretches 2.3 km and freezes solid most of the year. From late June, the water turns deep blue and the surrounding meadows explode with yellow, purple and white wildflowers. The lake reflects Nanga Parbat on clear days. A short 30-minute walk around the lake shoreline is one of the most photogenic experiences in Pakistan.

How to Visit Deosai

Two main routes: from Skardu (2.5 hrs to Bara Pani via Sadpara Lake), or from Astore (4 hrs). Skardu entry is more popular, easier and gives you access to the central plateau and Bara Pani. The Astore route brings you in via Sheosar Lake. Adventurous travellers cross the entire plateau as a day trip Skardu–Astore (8–10 hours). Only 4x4 vehicles and motorbikes are allowed inside the park.

Day Trip vs Overnight Camping

A day trip from Skardu (leave 6 AM, return 6 PM) gives you Bara Pani, marmot viewing and a chance to cross to Sheosar if you start early. But the magic of Deosai is the silence at dawn and dusk — camping at Bara Pani or Sheosar transforms the experience. Tour operators in Skardu arrange full-board camping trips with cooks, guides and sleeping equipment.

Practical Travel Tips

• Acclimatise in Skardu (2,200m) for at least one full day before going up to Deosai (4,100m).
• Carry warm layers — even in July, daytime is 12–18°C and nights can drop to 0°C.
• Bring a windproof jacket. The plateau is exposed and windy.
• Drink lots of water — altitude dehydrates fast.
• Respect wildlife distance rules. Brown bear encounters require staying at least 100m back.
• Leave no trace — pack out everything, including biodegradable waste.

Best Time to Visit Deosai

The park is open from late June to early October. July is the peak — wildflowers in full bloom, all roads open, warmest weather. August offers slightly drier conditions and better bear sightings. September brings sharper light, golden grasses and fewer crowds. From mid-October, snow starts and the plateau closes by early November.

Permits and Fees

Pakistani nationals: PKR 100 entry fee. Foreign nationals: PKR 800. Tour operators handle entry permits. No NOC needed for the standard Skardu or Astore routes. Drone use is restricted and requires advance permission from the wildlife department.

Combining Deosai with Other Destinations

Deosai pairs beautifully with a Skardu tour — most travellers do 1 day in Deosai as part of a 5-day Skardu package that includes Shangrila Resort, Khaplu Valley and Katpana Desert. The most ambitious route is the Skardu–Deosai–Astore–Fairy Meadows crossing, which connects two of Pakistan's most iconic landscapes in a single week.

Want us to design a Deosai trip — day visit, camping or full crossing? See our Skardu by-air packages or request a custom Deosai itinerary.