Deosai National Park: The Complete Visitor's Guide

Deosai National Park is one of Pakistan's crown jewels — a vast, high-altitude plateau at an average elevation of 4,114m that comes alive every summer with wildflowers, alpine lakes, and rare wildlife. If you're visiting Skardu, Deosai is an absolute must.

What is Deosai?

The name "Deosai" means "Land of Giants" in the local Shina language — a fitting name for a place of such epic scale. Covering roughly 3,000 square kilometres, it is the second-highest plateau in the world after the Tibetan Plateau.

For most of the year, Deosai is buried under snow. But in summer (June–September), it transforms into a vibrant ecosystem of flowers, streams, and open plains.

Wildlife

Deosai is one of the last strongholds of the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus).

• In the 1990s: ~19 bears remained
• As of recent conservation estimates (2024–2026): ~70–80 individuals

Other wildlife you may encounter:

• Himalayan ibex
• Golden eagle
• Himalayan marmot (very common and easy to spot)
• Snow leopard (extremely rare — almost never seen by visitors)

Sheosar Lake

At the heart of Deosai lies Sheosar Lake, sitting at ~4,142m.

On calm days, the lake reflects the surrounding plateau and, on very clear days, offers distant views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m). It’s one of the most photogenic spots in northern Pakistan.

How to Get to Deosai from Skardu

Deosai is accessed via a rugged off-road track from Skardu.

• Distance: ~30 km from Skardu (not just 18 km — that’s outdated)
• Travel time: 2.5–4 hours depending on road conditions
• Vehicle: 4x4 jeep required

Typical 2026 jeep cost:

• PKR 20,000–35,000 per jeep (full day)

A jeep usually carries 4–6 people.

Road Access (Important Update)

• Skardu side opens: early to mid-June (depending on snow clearance)
• Closes: late September to early October

In winter, Deosai is completely inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Best Time to Visit

June: Snow melting, fresh greenery starting
July–August: Peak bloom, best wildlife activity, most popular time
September: Fewer crowds, golden landscape, great photography
October: Road closures begin, unpredictable conditions

Practical Tips

• Altitude: At 4,100m+, altitude sickness is real. Stay at least one night in Skardu (2,200m) before visiting.
• Temperature: Even in summer, temperatures can drop close to freezing — carry warm layers.
• Fuel & facilities: No fuel stations or shops inside — carry snacks and water.
• Accommodation: No hotels — camping only (most visitors go as a day trip).
• Entry fee (2026):
  • Locals: ~PKR 100–200
  • Foreigners: ~PKR 1,000–2,000

Final Note

A full-day Deosai jeep safari remains the highlight experience for most travelers visiting Skardu — and for good reason. Vast landscapes, wildlife encounters, and raw Himalayan beauty all in one place.