Sheosar Lake
A calm blue lake on the plateau with wide views and a favourite picnic and photography stop.
Deosai Plateau · Gilgit-Baltistan
Deosai National Park
The Land of Giants, above 4,000 metres
July – September
4,114 m
20 listed trips
The place
About Deosai National Park
Deosai is a vast high-altitude plateau between Skardu and Astore. Local people call it the Land of Giants, and with an average height of around 4,000 metres it is often described as the second highest plateau in the world. In summer the open plains turn green and are covered in wildflowers, with streams, marmots and, if you are lucky, the Himalayan brown bear.
There are no hotels on the plateau. Visits are made by 4x4 jeep from Skardu or Astore, usually as a long day trip or, better, with a night of camping near Sheosar Lake. Nights are cold even in midsummer and the weather can change quickly.
Deosai is a seasonal destination. Heavy snow closes it for most of the year and it generally opens to vehicles in early summer. Conditions change each year, so we confirm road status before departure.
What to see
Places to visit
The Deosai plains
Open grassland, streams and wildflowers stretching to the horizon, with marmots and birds along the way.
Himalayan brown bear habitat
The park was created to protect one of the rarest large mammals in Pakistan. Sightings are never guaranteed; our guides keep a safe distance.
Sadpara Lake
The last low valley stop before the climb to Deosai, and a pleasant place for a break on the way up or down.
Camping under the stars
With almost no light pollution, Deosai has some of the clearest night skies in Pakistan. We arrange tents, bedding and meals.
Logistics
Getting there
Routes, roads and timing
From Skardu, the jeep route climbs past Sadpara Lake onto the plateau. From Astore, the road approaches from the south. Both routes are rough, high and weather dependent. We use experienced 4x4 drivers and confirm the park opening and road conditions before every trip.
Trip options
Ask for a custom route
Trips to Deosai National Park
Skardu Lakes, Deosai & Valleys – Family
6-day summer adventure families tour: Kachura Lakes, Katpana Cold Desert, Sadpara Lake, Deosai Plateau and Sheosar Lake…
- summer
- Summer Adventure
6 days / 5 nights
4–10 guests
Skardu Lakes, Deosai & Valleys – Group
6-day summer adventure friends & groups tour: Kachura Lakes, Katpana Cold Desert, Sadpara Lake, Deosai Plateau and…
- summer
- Summer Adventure
6 days / 5 nights
6–18 guests
Baltistan Blossom Heritage Trail – Family
6-day spring blossom families tour: Skardu lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and village orchards…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
6 days / 5 nights
4–10 guests
Baltistan Blossom Heritage Trail – Couple
6-day spring blossom couples tour: Skardu lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and village orchards…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
6 days / 5 nights
Group of 2
Baltistan Blossom Heritage Trail – Group
6-day spring blossom friends & groups tour: Skardu lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and village…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
6 days / 5 nights
6–18 guests
Baltistan Blossom Heritage Trail – Student
6-day spring blossom students tour: Skardu lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and village orchards…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
6 days / 5 nights
8–20 guests
Good to know
Questions about Deosai National Park
When does Deosai open?
The plateau is usually open to vehicles from late June or early July until late September, depending on snow. We confirm the current status before every departure.
Can I visit Deosai as a day trip?
Yes, a long day trip from Skardu is possible by 4x4, but a night of camping is the better experience. It gives you time for Sheosar Lake, wildlife and the night sky without rushing back.
Will I see a brown bear?
Deosai is the best place in Pakistan to look for the Himalayan brown bear, but the animals are shy and roam a huge area. A sighting is a bonus, never a guarantee.
Is Deosai suitable for children or older travellers?
The altitude is the main consideration. Spend a night in Skardu first, keep the pace slow and tell us about any health concerns. We can adjust the route and the time spent on the plateau.
Keep exploring
Add another valley to the route.
Most journeys here link two or three destinations. We can connect Deosai National Park with Deosai, Hunza, Shigar or Khaplu in one sensible loop.