Deosai National Park Travel Guide

Essential Information

  • Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
  • Elevation: 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level
  • Area: 3,000 square kilometers
  • Established: 1993 to protect wildlife, especially the Himalayan Brown Bear
  • Best Time to Visit: June to September (snow-free and accessible)
  • Main Attractions: Sheosar Lake, Bara Pani, Kala Pani, Skardu-Deosai Road
  • Entry Fee: Around PKR 1,000 for foreigners and PKR 40 for locals

Interesting Facts About Deosai National Park

  • Deosai means “Land of Giants”, named after its vast, otherworldly landscapes.
  • It is the second-highest plateau in the world, after the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Home to rare Himalayan brown bears, which were once near extinction.
  • Wildflowers bloom across Deosai in summer, creating a colorful paradise.
  • The Sheosar Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, sits at 4,142 meters.
  • Winters last for 8 months, making the area inaccessible due to heavy snow.
  • Deosai offers breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), the 9th highest mountain in the world.
  • It is also home to golden marmots, red foxes, ibex, wolves, and diverse bird species.

How to Get to Deosai National Park

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Skardu Airport (KDU) (~50 km from Deosai)
  • Flights: Direct flights from Islamabad to Skardu operate frequently.
  • From Skardu Airport, hire a 4×4 jeep to reach the park.

By Road

  • From Skardu: ~2-3 hours by 4×4 Jeep via Sadpara Lake
  • From Astore: ~3-4 hours via Chilam Valley (This route is more adventurous.)
  • From Islamabad: ~16-18 hours drive via the Karakoram Highway (KKH)

Best Things to Do in Deosai National Park

  1. Visit Sheosar Lake: A stunning deep-blue alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
  2. Wildlife Spotting: Watch for Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots, and ibex.
  3. Camping & Stargazing: The night sky here is one of the clearest in the world, perfect for astrophotography.
  4. Bara Pani & Kala Pani: Scenic riverside locations, ideal for picnics and photography.
  5. Off-Road Adventure: Ride through rough terrains and breathtaking landscapes in a 4×4 jeep.
  6. Trekking & Hiking: Explore hidden trails and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
  7. Birdwatching: Spot golden eagles, snowcocks, griffon vultures, and falcons.
  8. Visit Sadpara Lake: A beautiful turquoise lake en route to Deosai from Skardu.
  9. Photography: Capture the dramatic landscapes, wildflowers, and golden marmots.

Best Accommodation Options

Since Deosai is a remote wilderness, there are no hotels inside the park. You can either camp in the park or stay in Skardu or Astore before heading to Deosai.

Camping in Deosai

  • Bara Pani & Sheosar Lake are the best places for camping inside the park.
  • Bring your own tent and gear, or hire a camping service in Skardu.
  • Expect extreme cold temperatures at night, even in summer.

Best Hotels in Skardu (for Deosai Trips)

  • Serena Shigar Fort – A luxurious heritage hotel in a 16th-century fort.
  • Shangrila Resort Skardu – Famous for Shangrila Lake and scenic views.
  • Skardu Lodge – A mid-range option with good facilities.
  • Hotel One Skardu – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.

Best Hotels in Astore (for Deosai Trips)

  • Kamran Hotel Astore – A good budget-friendly stay.
  • PTDC Motel Rama – A basic but scenic stay near Rama Lake.

Top Attractions in and Around Deosai

  1. Sheosar Lake – A breathtaking high-altitude lake, perfect for photography.
  2. Bara Pani – The largest river crossing in Deosai, known for suspension bridges.
  3. Kala Pani – A smaller but serene river crossing with lush surroundings.
  4. Sadpara Lake – A stunning turquoise lake near Skardu, en route to Deosai.
  5. Chilam Valley – A picturesque valley with lush meadows and waterfalls.
  6. Rama Lake – A crystal-clear alpine lake near Astore, surrounded by pine forests.

Getting Around Deosai National Park

  • 4×4 Jeep: The best and only way to navigate Deosai’s rough terrain.
  • Motorbike: Some adventurers use bikes, but it’s challenging.
  • Trekking: If you’re up for an adventure, trekking between Sheosar Lake and Bara Pani is an unforgettable experience.

Day Trips from Deosai National Park

  • Skardu City & Shangrila Resort – Explore the famous “Heaven on Earth” resort.
  • Rama Lake & Astore Valley – A perfect day trip for scenic photography.
  • Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Base Camp – A longer but rewarding trek.

Practical Tips for Visiting Deosai

Pack Warm Clothes – Even in summer, nights are freezing cold.
Bring Food & Water – No shops inside the park, so carry supplies.
Hire a Guide/Driver – Roads can be tricky; a local driver is highly recommended.
Fuel Up Before Entering – No gas stations in the park.
Respect Wildlife – Avoid disturbing animals, especially bears and marmots.
Carry a Power Bank – No electricity inside the park.
Leave No Trace – Keep Deosai clean; take all trash back with you.

Conclusion

Deosai National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and unforgettable stargazing experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, this untamed wilderness is a must-visit. With proper planning, warm gear, and an adventurous spirit, Deosai will leave you with memories to cherish forever!

Deosai National Park, Pakistan
Deosai National Park, Pakistan
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