Deosai Biking Tour: Astore, Nanga Parbat and the Deosai Plains

About the Deosai Biking Tour

Introduction as published on the Mountain Biking page.

Key facts

Duration

19 days

Starts and ends

Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Tent nights in the itinerary

5

Who it suits

The itinerary describes rough, strenuous tracks and long climbs as well as long downhills, with nights in camp along the way. A support vehicle can follow the riders, according to the programme introduction.

• The published day plan runs to day 19, including a day trek to the Nanga Parbat base camp if weather allows.
• The return to Islamabad is by air from Skardu if weather allows, otherwise by road via Chilas.
• The mountain bike, spare parts and personal cycling gear are listed as not included; the programme says rental is available on advance request.

Riding the Deosai Plains

The Deosai Plains are a high, treeless plateau between the Astore and Skardu valleys, crossed by a rough track that is open only in summer. The ride leaves the Karakoram Highway at Jaglot, climbs through Astore towards Nanga Parbat, crosses the Chackor Pass to Shaucer (Sheosar) Lake, and then rolls across the open plateau before dropping to Satpara Lake and Skardu.

• The itinerary describes rough, strenuous tracks with long climbs and long downhills, and nights in camp.
• A support vehicle can follow the riders, according to the programme introduction.

Altitude, season and weather

The plateau sits well above 4,000 m for long stretches, so altitude is the biggest single factor on this ride. The season is short, with riding taking place in summer when the plateau is accessible, and weather can turn quickly from strong sun to cold wind and rain. Build acclimatisation into the early days and be ready to sit out bad weather.

• The published plan runs to day 19, including a day trek to Nanga Parbat base camp if weather allows.
• The return to Islamabad is by air from Skardu if weather allows, otherwise by road via Chilas.

Preparation and equipment

The mountain bike, spare parts and personal cycling gear are listed as not included, with rental available on advance request, so confirm exactly what you bring and what can be hired. A high-altitude ride in remote country needs more than a road bike: strong brakes, low gearing and tyres that can take rough, loose ground all matter.

• Bring warm layers, full rain protection and sun protection for exposed days on the plateau.
• Carry basic tools and spares even with a support vehicle, and check what the support carries.

A typical day on the plateau

A day on Deosai is unlike a valley ride: there are long, steady climbs and descents on a rough track, no shade, and few places to stop. Mornings tend to be calm and clear, while afternoons can bring wind, cloud and sudden rain, so most riders prefer to be moving early and off the highest ground before the weather turns.

• Carry water and food for the day; there are very few places to resupply once you leave the villages.
• Expect to share the track with the support vehicle and the occasional stream crossing.

Responsible travel on Deosai

Deosai is a national park with fragile grassland and its own wildlife, including brown bears and marmots. Ride only on the established track, take all rubbish with you, and do not approach or feed animals. The plateau looks empty but it is a protected landscape, not an open riding area.

• Keep to the track; the surrounding ground is easily damaged and slow to recover.
• Store food away from camp and keep a respectful distance from any wildlife you see.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival

   Arrival in Pakistan (Islamabad Aiport).

2. Day 2

   Drive to Chilas. 15 hours jeepdrive. Overnight in hotel.

3. Day 3

   For a short time, we followed the Karakorum Highway (KKH) by Jeep to Jaglot. From there, we started making our first road experience by bike. On the way, our cook will offer us lunch. Overnight in camp in Doyang, a beautiful campsite next to the Astor River.

4. Day 4

   Dayon – Astor. The road is rough. Many rocky parts are to overcome. We camp next to Astor.

5. Day 5

   Astor – Tarishing. The track is again strenuous. It needs a lot of power and concentration. The scenery is wonderful. In Tarishing, we camp overnight.

6. Day 6

   If the weather is good, we trek to the Nanga Parbat BC. The view of this majestic mountain is wonderful. Camp at the Herlikoffer BC.

7. Day 7

   Nanga Parbat BC – Tarishing, overnight in camp.

8. Day 8

   A superb downhill part is waiting for us. Through a green valley full of flowers and sprinkling water, we biked to Chilim. Overnight in camp.

9. 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.

10. Day 10

    Restday. At the blue lake, with a beautiful view of the Nanga Parbat, we enjoyed our time and let our legs relax.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Day 14

    Satpara – Skardu. Today, we reach again—shower and washing day. We can visit the amazing bazaar or relax in the hotel garden.

15. Day 15-16

    Skardu – Kaplu. A long but lovely road, partly metalled, leads us along the Indus and the Shiok River to Kaplu, a village where we can see the old traditional Tibetan houses and the people living with their culture. We are spending the night in a hotel at the top of the village with a beautiful view of the Shiok Valley. It is possible to go a few kilometers further to have a gleam of the magic Masherbrum Mountain 7800 m.

16. Day 17

    Khaplu – Skardu, by jeep or by bike. Overnight in hotel.

17. Day 18

    If the weather allows us, we have a splendid flight to Islamabad. Otherwise, we take the way back to KKH via Chilas. Overnight in hotel.

18. Day 19: Return

Included and not included

As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.

Places on this route

Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:

• Skardu
• Khaplu
• Deosai Plains
• Astore Valley
• Lakes around Skardu

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Photos