Deosai National Park, Pakistan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

At an average elevation of 4,114 meters (13,497 feet), Deosai National Park is the second-highest plateau in the world and home to Pakistan’s endangered Himalayan brown bear population, which has grown from just 19 in 1993 to 78 in 2022. This vast wilderness, often called the “Land of Giants,” spans over 3,000 square kilometers of pristine alpine meadows between Skardu and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering visitors an otherworldly landscape that transforms dramatically with the seasons.

Getting to Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park can be accessed through two main routes—from Astore and from Skardu. Your choice depends on whether you’re arriving by air or road from major cities like Islamabad.

By Air

The quickest route is flying from Islamabad to Skardu Airport (approximately 1 hour). From Skardu, head toward Sadpara Lake and continue for about 44 kilometers (1.5 hours drive) to reach the park entrance. This route provides easy access to Bara Pani and other tourist points.

By Road

For those driving from Islamabad, there are two primary routes to reach Astore:

• Via the Karakoram Highway (KKH): Covering about 570 kilometers, this route is open year-round and passes through stunning mountainous landscapes.
• Via the Babusar Pass (N15): At around 472 kilometers, this route is shorter but only accessible from June to October, as the pass closes during winter due to snow.

The drive from Islamabad to Astore generally takes around 13 hours. From Astore, the route to Deosai spans approximately 70 kilometers, following the beautiful Astore River through scenic valleys.

Best Time to Visit Deosai National Park

Deosai’s landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons, each offering a unique perspective of this vast plateau:

The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is mild, and the park is accessible by 4×4 jeep. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), though nights can still be near freezing.

Where to Stay in Deosai National Park

As a protected wilderness area, Deosai National Park has no permanent hotels or lodges within its boundaries. Visitors have two main options for accommodation:

Camping in the Park

Camping is the most authentic way to experience Deosai’s wilderness. The most popular camping spots include:

• Bara Pani: The largest river in Deosai offers ideal camping grounds with basic facilities and opportunities for trout fishing (permit required: Rs. 500).
• Kala Pani: This quieter location provides a more serene camping experience with basic food facilities and bathrooms.
• Sheosar Lake: Camping near this high-altitude lake offers magnificent mountain views and spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Nearby Towns

For those preferring more comfortable accommodations, staying in nearby towns and making day trips to Deosai is a practical option:

• Skardu: Located about 30km from the park entrance, Skardu offers a range of hotels and guesthouses for all budgets.
• Astore: On the western side of the park, Astore has more limited but adequate accommodation options.

Top Attractions in Deosai National Park

Sheosar Lake

Often called the “Crown Jewel” of Deosai, Sheosar Lake sits at an impressive altitude of 4,250 meters. Its crystal-clear blue waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains on calm days, creating a natural mirror effect that photographers dream of. The lake is located 9.6 km from Chota Pani and is surrounded by wildflowers during summer months.

Bara Pani

The largest river in Deosai, Bara Pani (meaning “Big Water”) is an ideal spot for camping, picnicking, and fishing. The river is known for its population of snow trout, making it popular among fishing enthusiasts. Basic food facilities and bathrooms are available, and the area offers some of the best camping grounds in the park.

Wildlife Viewing

Deosai National Park is renowned for its remarkable wildlife, particularly the endangered Himalayan brown bear. The park’s conservation efforts have increased the bear population from just 19 in 1993 to 78 in 2022. Other notable wildlife includes:

• Himalayan Ibex and Markhor
• Gray Wolf and Tibetan Red Fox
• Snow Leopard (rare sightings)
• Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Bearded Vulture
• Himalayan Marmot (locally called “Phia”)

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Always maintain a safe distance, especially from bears.

Flora Exploration

During spring and summer, Deosai transforms into a colorful tapestry of wildflowers. The park hosts around 342 plant species, many with medicinal properties used by local communities. Notable flowers include:

• Golden Ragwort and Forget-Me-Nots
• Gentian and Asian Bell Flower
• “Tumoro” (wild Thyme, used for herbal tea)
• Pink Sedum and Edelweiss

This floral abundance attracts numerous butterfly species, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like walking through a natural garden.

Things to Do in Deosai National Park

Trekking and Hiking

Deosai offers several trekking routes of varying difficulty. The vast open plains make for relatively easy hiking, though the high altitude requires good physical condition. Popular treks include:

• Day hikes around Sheosar Lake
• The route from Chota Pani to Bara Pani
• For experienced trekkers, the challenging Deosai-Hunza trek

Always trek with a local guide, as weather can change rapidly and navigation can be challenging in this vast wilderness.

Stargazing

With its high altitude and minimal light pollution, Deosai offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Pakistan. On clear nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible, creating an unforgettable celestial display. Bring warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer.

Fishing

Bara Pani river is famous for its snow trout, offering excellent fishing opportunities. A fishing permit costs Rs. 500 and can be obtained from fisheries officials stationed near the river. Bring your own fishing gear or arrange it through a tour operator in Skardu before heading to Deosai.

Photography

Deosai is a photographer’s paradise, offering diverse subjects from sweeping landscapes to macro shots of wildflowers and wildlife. The changing light throughout the day creates different moods—early morning for wildlife, midday for vibrant colors of flowers, and golden hour for dramatic landscape shots.

Essential Tips for Visiting Deosai National Park

What to Pack

Permits and Regulations

Visitors must pay an entrance fee at the park checkpoint (approximately Rs. 1,000 for foreigners, Rs. 200 for locals). Fishing permits (Rs. 500) are available separately. Practice responsible tourism by taking all trash with you and minimizing your environmental impact.

Experience the Magic of Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park offers a rare glimpse into one of Pakistan’s most pristine wilderness areas. From the serene beauty of Sheosar Lake to the thrill of spotting a Himalayan brown bear, the experiences here create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re camping under a star-filled sky, hiking through flower-filled meadows, or simply soaking in the profound silence that blankets this high-altitude wonderland, Deosai promises an adventure unlike any other.

The best adventures require proper planning. With the right preparation, equipment, and respect for this delicate ecosystem, you’ll discover why Deosai is often called “the roof of the world” and why it continues to captivate travelers seeking Pakistan’s natural treasures.