Home / Destinations / Deosai National Park
Gilgit-Baltistan · The Land of Giants
Wildflower meadows, glacial lakes and the rare Himalayan brown bear make Deosai one of Pakistan’s most extraordinary places, a vast alpine plateau above 4,000 metres between Skardu and Astore.
Region
Gilgit-Baltistan
Average elevation
~4,114 m (13,497 ft)
Area
~3,000 km²
From Skardu
~30 km via Sadpara
Open
July – September
⦿ Overview
Deosai National Park, whose name means “Land of Giants,” is one of the highest plateaus in the world, with an average elevation of about 4,114 metres. Spread across roughly 3,000 km² between the Skardu and Astore districts, it was declared a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear.
For a few short months each summer the snow melts and the plains turn into endless carpets of wildflowers, crossed by clear streams and ringed by snow peaks.
Deosai is one of the last strongholds of the Himalayan brown bear in Pakistan. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to spot them grazing across the open plains, along with golden marmots and red foxes.
From Skardu, a 4×4 jeep track climbs past Sadpara Lake onto the plateau (about 30 km). It can also be entered from Astore via Chilam.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu, then continue to Deosai by jeep. Skardu Airport is the main gateway to the park.
⦿ Good to know
Best time
Jul – Sep (Aug for wildflowers)
Getting there
4×4 or motorcycle from Skardu
Base for exploring
Skardu, or camp at Bara Pani
⦿ Explore
From Sheosar Lake to the brown bear plains, the places that make a Deosai crossing unforgettable.
01 · ~4,142 m
One of the highest lakes in the world, its deep-blue water ringed by wildflowers. On a clear day Nanga Parbat is visible from its shores.
02 · Wildlife
Spot the rare brown bear grazing the open plains, along with golden marmots and red foxes.
03 · River crossing
The main river crossing and camping spot in the middle of the plateau.
04 · Trout stream
A clear stream known for trout and quiet campsites, a perfect overnight stop.
05 · Ride the plateau
Late July and August turn the plains into a carpet of wildflowers, best seen on a jeep or motorcycle ride.
06 · High pass
A high mountain pass on the edge of the plateau with wide views across Deosai.
⦿ Planning
Deosai is snowbound for most of the year. The plateau opens in summer, when the snow melts, the roads clear and wildlife is most active.
Jul
Good
Late Jul – Aug
Wildflowers
Sep
Good
Oct – Jun
Closed
⦿ Location
⦿ Frequently asked questions
Getting there, when it opens and what to expect on the plateau.
Talk to our team about routes, dates and group sizes for Deosai National Park.
How do I reach Deosai National Park?
Fly or drive to Skardu, then take a 4×4 jeep up the Sadpara track onto the plateau, about 30 km. Deosai can also be reached from Astore via Chilam.
What is Deosai famous for?
Deosai is known as the Land of Giants: one of the world’s highest plateaus, home to the Himalayan brown bear, Sheosar Lake and huge summer wildflower meadows.
What is the best time to visit Deosai?
July to September, when the snow has melted and the roads are open. Late July and August is peak wildflower season.
Is Deosai open all year?
No. Deosai is snowbound from around October to June and is only accessible in summer.
Can Spantik Tours arrange a trip to Deosai?
Yes. Spantik Tours runs motorcycle, 4×4, and group tours to Deosai, with routes, stays, permits and local guides arranged for you. Contact us to plan a route.
⦿ Plan your trip
Tell us your dates, group size, and how you like to travel, we’ll recommend the best route through Deosai National Park and the valleys around it.
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