Deosai Plains: High Plateau Between Skardu and Astore
Deosai is a high-altitude plateau and national park in Gilgit-Baltistan, with an average elevation of about 4,114 m given in our safari facts. Sheosar Lake lies at its western edge.
About Deosai Plains
The plains are crossed by a jeep track from Skardu to Astore and are only accessible in summer. The jeep safari introduction notes that Deosai is a protected habitat of the Himalayan brown bear.
Our jeep safari, horse safari and Deosai biking tour all cross the plateau, each in its own way.
Trips that include Deosai Plains
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Horse Safari | 11 | Mid-June to End-September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Plains Jeep Safari | 10 | Mid July to Mid September. | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Deosai Plains
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Day 9
Chilim – Chackor Pass 4100 m -Shaucer Lake. The steep ascend to the pass (about 1000 meters) is strenuous. Along the track, there are wonderful flower meadows.
Day 11
Shaucer Lake – Barapani. This day is a special enjoyment on a rather good bike road. In Barapani, after crossing the bridge, we set up our camp. With a little luck, we may observe bears. This part already belongs to the National Park of Deosai plains.
Day 12
Barapani – Deosai Top. We continue our route on a good bike track, crossing a lot of waterpools and small rivers. In the afternoon, we can visit a Pakistani dairy. Overnight in camp.
Day 13
Deosai Top – Satpara Lake. Our longing for the superb downhill to an end. Downhill for the next 20 km! The road is narrow, rough, and demands a lot of concentration. The difficult ride is pure enjoyment! Overnight at Satpara Lake.
05: Ali Malik Pass to Barapani
After breakfast, our journey will start on Horseback towards Barapani Overnight at Barapani. (Tent)
06: Rest day at Barapani
Full-day Excursion to Deosai National Park to explore the endangered wildlife species, Brown Bears, Brown marmots, and Migratory Birds and wildflowers. At night, there is a BBQ bonfire and local music. Overnight at Barapani. (Tent)
07: Barapani to Sheosar Lake
After breakfast. Horse riding to Sheosar Lake en route, stopping for lunch at Kalapani after lunch, continues our journey to Sheosar Lake. Overnight at Sheosar Lake. (Tent)
08: Sheosar Lake to Skardu
After breakfast, we will drive back to Skardu en route stopping at Sadpara Lake. After lunch, continue the drive to Skardu. Upon Arrival, I transferred to the Hotel. Overnight at Skardu
Planning notes
- Seasons in the programmes run from mid-June to mid-September.
- The horse safari rides from Skardu via Ali Malik Pass to Barapani and Sheosar Lake.
- The jeep safari continues from Deosai to the Rama Meadows in Astore.