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Deosai Plateau is located in Gilgit-Baltistan at an average elevation of 4,114 m and is one of the highest plateaus in the world. It lies between Skardu and Astore districts. A road from Skardu leads to the plateau. Deosai is known for its Himalayan brown bears and scenic views of wildflowers.
A tour package includes transport from Islamabad to Skardu, a 3-day stay in Skardu, a day-long jeep tour of the plateau and lake, a local guide, meals, and return transport to Islamabad.
Other attractions of Skardu district like Shangrila Resort, Shigar Valley, and Satpara Lake are included in an extended tour package of 5 to 7 days.
Overnight camping on the plateau is also arranged by the group. A stay in the camp and an overnight tour give an opportunity to witness sunrise and stargazing, which are not available to visitors on a normal tour.
Because the roads to the region are in poor condition, access to the Deosai Plateau is restricted to jeep tracks.
From Skardu, the jeep track climbs out of the Satpara region to the plateau. From Skardu, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Sheosar Lake, provided the condition of the track and weather are good. The condition of the track and the clearance of the vehicle determine if a vehicle can make the trip to the plateau. A standard vehicle can't make the trip.
Day trips from Skardu to the plateau take the entire day. Leaving early in the day allows vehicles to make the climb to the plateau before traffic congestion on the poor condition track becomes unmanageable. Vehicles spend several hours on the plateau.
There are other access points to Deosai. From the Gilgit-Astore region, one access point to the plateau is through Ali Malik Mar Pass. Deosai is not usually included in standard tour group itineraries from the Gilgit-Astore region.
To get to Skardu from Islamabad, the more common route is the road journey of approximately 700 kilometres that takes about two days. Alternatively, travelers can take a much shorter flight that takes about an hour, but it is weather-dependent. Many travelers build in an extra day to their itinerary in case the flight to Skardu is cancelled.
Deosai Plateau has a lot of attractions, including lakes. The most renowned of these lakes is Sheosar Lake, which is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and sits at about 13,600 feet above sea level. The plateau is extremely large, and photographs don't really give a good sense of scale. From the lake shore, you really get a sense of how large the plateau is.
Sheosar Lake changes color throughout the day. There are typically fewer clouds in the morning, so that's when photographs are typically taken. Peak season afternoons are typically when clouds roll in over the plateau. Many day trips from Skardu are timed so that visitors reach Sheosar Lake by 10 am.
The plateau, above the lakes, is what most people come to see. The lower, more level parts of the plateau are easily accessible and, in June and July, are covered with beautiful wildflowers. Different kinds of wildflowers reach their peak at different times and, therefore, cover the lower parts of the plateau at different times during the summer. In the middle to late part of the summer, some of the lower wildflowers become tall grass. However, the wildflowers and the green of the grass provide a beautiful contrast to the rocky, barren landscape of the plateau.
Deosai Plateau is the highest (4,300 m or 14,100 ft) and largest (5,000 km2 or 1,900 sq mi) alpine Plateau in South Asia. It’s considered the highest plateau in the world outside of the Andes and the Himalayas. The Deosai area is in a remote part of northern Pakistan and is extremely difficult to access. During the summer, the only road that provides access to the plateau is clear of snow.
September is the beginning of the end for the tourist season up on the Deosai plateau. Temperatures start to drop, and so do tourist numbers. September is a good month for those wanting to avoid the large number of tourists on the plateau but still have it mostly to themselves, like in July and August.
October is the last month of the tourist season; the road could close because of snow. If you want to visit in October, you should check the condition of the road.
The Himalayan brown bear is the primary attraction for many visitors to Deosai National Park. This population of brown bears uses the Deosai plateau during the summer and moves to lower areas during the winter. Sightings of these bears are common around Sheosar Lake.
Bears are mostly seen along the roads and near viewing areas around Sheosar Lake. Sightings are more common during the morning. Approaching bears is strictly prohibited, and guides practice safe distances when bears are near.
Marmots are also abundant in and around Sheosar Lake and other grasslands and are also popular among tourists. Golden eagles and other raptors are also common during the summer. Wolves are also residents of the park.
Deosai Plateau is a habitat for numerous migratory and resident birds. A multitude of waterbirds and shorebirds can be found on the plateau because of the availability of shallow waters and grasslands that are rich in insects. Bird watchers should go beyond using binoculars and bring a spotting scope for a better view of birds at Deosai.
Camping on Deosai Plateau offers a completely different experience from a day trip. It is advisable to visit during the night or early morning to experience the beauty of the sky that is devoid of city lights. Temperatures drop significantly during the summer, and campers should be sufficiently equipped for a cold environment.
Permits for camping should be acquired in advance, through HospitalityTours.com.pk, which can also organize a guide. Camping equipment can also be organized through the website. A basic rest house is also available for booking at Sheosar Lake. Confirm the availability of the rest house through your operator in case you do not want to camp.
It is important to ask about a guide’s current status with the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department. Confirming a guide holds a current department license is important, especially to ensure safety while trekking through Deosai National Park. It is also important to ask about the conditions of the Park roads, as a licensed guide knows about temporary restrictions within the park. A guide is also able to inform travelers about the location of marshy areas and bear locations on Deosai.
It is important to confirm the mode of transportation that will be used for travel on the Deosai Plateau. A vehicle with high ground clearance is best for the plateau roads.
It is also important to ask what equipment will be provided for camping overnight, as the equipment impacts travelers’ safety and comfort.
It is also important to confirm if the tour packages cover the National Park fees, as travelers may be required to pay to enter Deosai National Park.
It is always important to check the conditions of the Skardu-Deosai road about 1-2 weeks prior to expected travel. The road is opened and closed based on the conditions of the snow, and may not be open on expected travel dates.
Check weather forecasts for the plateau for your travel dates. Thunderstorms in the afternoons move quickly across the plains of Deosai. Exposed groups on the plateau during a thunderstorm are very dangerous and could be extremely uncomfortable. Leaving Skardu early allows you to be on the plateau before the storms in the afternoons and descend before dark.
Going to Deosai in a jeep not suited for the roads of the plateau. This is the most common problem for people going to Deosai. Make sure that your jeep arrangements are made before you leave for Skardu.
Many think that going to Deosai takes just a few hours and can be done in addition to other activities in Skardu. Going to and from Deosai takes a full day. It is not possible to do other activities in Skardu and go to Deosai in the same day.
Camping on the plateau without proper gear for colder climate. Camping at the elevation of Deosai (4000+ m), and especially at night, can be very risky and uncomfortable if you do not have proper gear for lowering body temperature. A normal sleeping bag used in Skardu will not be of any help at Deosai.
What is the status of the Deosai Road?
The road from Skardu to the Deosai Plateau normally opens in approximately June each year after the road has been cleared from the winter snows and usually closes in October when the winter snows restart. Exact dates vary. Check with your tour operator for the latest road conditions.
Are Himalayan Brown Bears found on Deosai Plateau?
Bears are found on the Deosai Plateau and are sometimes found around Sheosar Lake. Bears can also be found along the road that circles the plateau. Bears are wild animals and can be unpredictable, so sightings do not happen on an everyday basis. July and August are the months when bears are more active on the plateau.
How long does the drive from Skardu to Deosai take?
It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to drive from Skardu to Sheosar Lake and 2 hours to return. Plan on an 8 to 10 hour day if you are making the trip from Skardu to Sheosar Lake and back.
Are permits required for Deosai?
Deosai National Park has an entrance fee and is patrolled by park personnel. A licensed guide is required to do any trekking in the park. Contact your tour operator for the most current fees.
Can I camp overnight on Deosai?
It is possible to camp on the plateau, but it is only recommended for people with the appropriate gear and a local guide. Sheosar Lake has a basic rest house that needs to be booked well in advance. The rest house has no electricity, and the temperature drops close to zero at that elevation.
Can kids go to Deosai?
The long, bumpy drive to Sheosar Lake from Skardu can be difficult for kids to endure, but the altitude and cold may still make the trip unpleasant for many. Very young kids may not be able to enjoy the trip.
If you want to book a day trip or an overnight camping trip to Deosai, contact the staff at HospitalityTours.com.pk for more information. The final cost and details of the trip will not be determined until you confirm with them.
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