Plan your trip to Deosai, the Land of Giants: Sheosar Lake, wildflowers, Himalayan brown bears, camping, how to get there from Skardu or Astore and tips.
Deosai National Park is a vast high plateau at about 4,000 m between Skardu and Astore. In summer it is covered in wildflowers and is one of the last homes of the Himalayan brown bear.
Deosai lies in the Western Himalaya of Gilgit-Baltistan. Its name is often translated as the Land of Giants. A jeep track crosses it from Skardu in the north-east to Chilam and Astore in the west.
The plateau is open, treeless and windy, with rivers, marshes and the beautiful Sheosar Lake near its western edge.
Deosai was declared a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear, whose numbers had fallen sharply.
Conservation work has helped the bear population recover. The park also protects marmots, golden eagles, foxes and many birds.
Here is what to do on the Deosai Plains.
A deep blue lake at about 4,100 m, with views towards Nanga Parbat on clear days.
In July and August the plains bloom in purple, yellow and white.
With patience and luck, see the Himalayan brown bear from a safe distance.
Camp under some of the clearest night skies in Pakistan.
A river crossing and camp area in the centre of the park.
Viewpoints along the jeep track from Skardu.
Cross the whole plateau to the Astore Valley.
Golden marmots pop up everywhere near the track.
Deosai is open only in summer.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Early summer | June | Snow melting; tracks may be closed. |
| Summer | July – August | Wildflowers and best access. |
| Early autumn | September | Clear, cold and quiet. |
| Winter | October – May | Closed by deep snow. |
The best time is July to September.
Deosai is reached by jeep.
| Route | How | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| From Skardu | Jeep track via Sadpara Lake | About 3 hours to the plains |
| From Astore | Via Chilam | About 3 to 4 hours |
| Crossing | Skardu to Astore in one day | About 7 to 8 hours |
Fly to Skardu from Islamabad for the easiest access. Park entry fees apply.
Only 4x4 jeeps with experienced drivers can cross Deosai. See our jeep safari tours.
There are no shops on the plateau; bring food, water and fuel.
Nights are cold, even in summer. Bring a warm sleeping bag or rent one.
Deosai is a landscape photographer’s paradise.
Keep a safe distance from bears and never feed wildlife. Join our Skardu & Deosai Photography Tour.
Combine Deosai with Baltistan and Astore.
See also our wildlife tours.
Deosai is one of the most unique landscapes in Pakistan: a high, open plateau of flowers, lakes and bears.
Visit in July or August for the best flowers. Read our packing list for Pakistan before you go.
Learn about the bears from WWF-Pakistan.
We run Deosai jeep safaris, camping trips and photography tours. See jeep safaris and photography tours.
Tell us your dates and we will plan your Deosai trip.
Usually from late June to September.
About 4,000 m on average.
Sometimes, with patience and luck.
Yes, at set camp areas; go with an operator.
About 3 hours by jeep to the plains.
Last updated: October 2026. Road, weather and border conditions in the mountains can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.
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