Things to Do in Deosai Plains, پاکستان

Deosai Plains, known as the 'Land of Giants' or 'Roof of the World,' is a spectacular high-altitude plateau located in northern Pakistan at an elevation of over 4,000 meters above sea level. This breathtaking wilderness spans across 3,000 square kilometers, making it one of the highest plateaus in the world and the second-largest in Asia. The plains are characterized by rolling grasslands, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks that create an otherworldly landscape of unparalleled beauty. During the brief summer months from June to September, Deosai transforms into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers and lush green meadows, earning it recognition as Deosai National Park. The region is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear, along with other rare wildlife species including snow leopards, ibex, and golden marmots. This remote and pristine ecosystem offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience untouched natural beauty, stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth, and the profound silence of one of the world's most isolated wilderness areas.

Top Things to Do in Deosai Plains

Wildlife Photography and Brown Bear Spotting

Deosai National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can spot the endangered Himalayan brown bear in its natural habitat. The best viewing opportunities occur during early morning and late afternoon when bears emerge to feed on the abundant vegetation. Professional wildlife guides can help position you for optimal photography while maintaining safe distances from these magnificent creatures.

Booking Tip: Hire experienced local guides through tour operators in Skardu or Astore for $50-80 per day. Best viewing is from July to August when bears are most active. Book telephoto lenses and bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop suddenly.

Sheosar Lake Camping and Photography

Sheosar Lake, situated at 4,142 meters, is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan and a crown jewel of Deosai Plains. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks and sky, creating perfect mirror images that photographers dream of. Camping beside the lake offers an unforgettable experience under star-filled skies with complete silence broken only by gentle lapping of water.

Booking Tip: Camping permits required through Gilgit-Baltistan Parks Department ($10-15). Best visited June-September when accessible. Bring high-altitude camping gear or rent from Skardu operators for $30-50 per day including guides.

Wildflower Meadow Trekking

During peak summer months, Deosai Plains burst into a spectacular display of alpine wildflowers including primulas, forget-me-nots, and buttercups. Gentle trekking across the rolling meadows reveals new vistas at every turn, with flowers carpeting the landscape as far as the eye can see. The relatively flat terrain makes this accessible to hikers of various skill levels.

Booking Tip: Peak flower season is mid-July to mid-August. Local guides available for $40-60 per day. Weather can change rapidly, so book flexible itineraries and always carry warm, waterproof clothing even in summer.

Astronomical Stargazing

The high altitude, minimal light pollution, and crystal-clear atmosphere make Deosai Plains one of the world's premier stargazing destinations. The Milky Way appears with stunning clarity, and on clear nights, you can see countless stars, planets, and celestial phenomena invisible from lower elevations. The experience of lying under this cosmic canopy is truly transformative.

Booking Tip: Best viewing during new moon phases from July-September. Bring warm sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures. Some tour operators offer astronomy-focused tours with telescopes for $100-150 per person for 2-3 days.

4WD Plateau Exploration

The vast expanse of Deosai Plains is best explored by sturdy 4WD vehicles that can handle the rugged terrain and high-altitude conditions. Professional drivers navigate ancient trade routes and hidden valleys, stopping at viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the entire plateau. The journey itself becomes an adventure as you traverse this lunar-like landscape.

Booking Tip: Only experienced local drivers should attempt this terrain. Expect $150-200 per day for vehicle and driver from Skardu. Fuel is limited, so ensure your operator carries extra. Weather can close routes suddenly, so build flexibility into plans.

Getting There

Reaching Deosai Plains requires careful planning as there are no direct commercial flights or regular public transport. The primary access points are through Skardu (via the scenic but challenging Skardu-Deosai road) or through Astore Valley (via the Astore-Deosai route). From Islamabad, fly to Skardu airport (weather permitting) or drive the Karakoram Highway to reach these gateway towns. The journey from Skardu to Deosai takes 2-3 hours by 4WD vehicle over rough mountain roads that are only passable from June to October. Most visitors arrange transportation through local tour operators who provide experienced drivers familiar with the challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.

Getting Around

Transportation within Deosai Plains is exclusively by 4WD vehicles due to the high altitude, rough terrain, and lack of paved roads. Local operators provide sturdy jeeps or land cruisers with experienced drivers who know the safe routes and can handle emergency situations. Walking and trekking are popular for shorter distances, but the high altitude requires acclimatization and proper preparation. There are no fuel stations within the plains, so all vehicles must carry sufficient fuel for round trips. Hiring a vehicle with driver costs approximately $150-200 per day, and it's essential to use operators recommended by local tourism authorities for safety and reliability.

Where to Stay

Skardu (base camp accommodations)

Astore Valley (gateway lodges)

Deosai camping sites (tent camping)

Chilum Village (local guesthouses)

Sheosar Lake area (wilderness camping)

Bara Pani (nomad camps)

Food & Dining

Dining options in Deosai Plains are extremely limited due to its remote wilderness nature, with most meals provided through organized camping arrangements or packed lunches from base towns. Local tour operators typically include traditional Pakistani mountain cuisine featuring dal, rice, flatbreads, and occasionally fresh trout from alpine lakes. Visitors staying in Skardu or Astore before entering Deosai can enjoy local Balti cuisine, including specialties like mamtu (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and various meat and vegetable curries. It's essential to bring adequate food supplies, water purification tablets, and emergency rations as there are no restaurants, shops, or reliable food sources within the plains themselves.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Deosai Plains is during the brief summer season from mid-June to early September, when the snow melts enough to make roads passable and temperatures become bearable for camping and trekking. July and August represent the peak season when wildflowers are in full bloom, wildlife is most active, and weather conditions are most stable, though nights remain cold even in summer. The plains are completely inaccessible from October to May due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold, with temperatures dropping well below -20°C. Even during the accessible months, weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for sudden temperature drops, high winds, and possible snow at any time.

Insider Tips

Acclimatize in Skardu for 2-3 days before ascending to Deosai to avoid altitude sickness, and carry altitude sickness medication as medical facilities are non-existent on the plains

Bring multiple layers of warm clothing including down jackets, thermal underwear, and waterproof gear even in summer, as temperatures can drop from 20°C during the day to below freezing at night

Download offline maps and carry satellite communication devices or GPS beacons, as there is no mobile phone coverage throughout most of Deosai Plains and getting lost can be life-threatening

Things to Do in Deosai Plains