Skardu to Deosai – A Must Visit National Park in Pakistan

Skardu to Deosai: If you mentioned going to Skardu without doubt you will hear the words Deosai!

Deosai is the most popular tourist spot in Gilgit Baltistan and the best and easiest way to reach Deosai is through Skardu. Thus, not going to Deosai when you are in Skardu doesn’t make sense.

If you are interested in other regions within Skardu and nearby areas head over to our detailed blog HERE.

Deosai National Park is at an average elevation of 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level, making the Deosai Plains one of the highest plateaus in the world.

Deosai can be reached by Astore via Chilam and by Kharmang but the best way is through Skardu as it is only a short ride from the Skardu city (Satpara region).

Skardu to Deosai Route:

Skardu to Deosai route starts from the Skardu Satpara region where there is a check post for a collection of the entrance fees.  The route leads towards Deosai within 30 minutes you will be greeted by the green valley and a check post and tea spots. The next stop for most people is Bara-Pani, then Kala Pani, and finally Sheosar Lake.

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The route then further goes towards Astore via Chilam. Picturesque valley with lush green fields, wild horses grazing, and marmots watch you as you drive by. Much small glacial snow and melting water running into smalls streams are scattered across the plateau. The flowers at Deosai are unreal. Take as many pictures as you want but don’t pluck any.  It is not allowed to pluck the flowers. If the authorities find out, you will be fined.

Vehicles:

It is best to take 4X4 and off-road vehicles to go to the national park as the route gets flooded by the glacial water and due to frequent rain, the route gets very muddy. 

You will have to hire a vehicle and an experienced driver. An experienced driver will know which ditch to avoid and will save a lot of headaches and unnecessary stops. People rarely stop to help and the check posts are quite far if you get stranded.

Weather:

As mentioned above it gets rain during summer and due to its height, the weather is unpredictable and changes rapidly throughout the day. Under the sun during peak summers (July) you will only need a small cardigan but the same day in the evening you will need a coat and at night you should be ready for very cold weather as the temperature will drop to minus.

Due to the Park’s height (4,114 meters), many people experience altitude sickness, especially the day after camping. Take medicine, relax, and drink enough water if you experience altitude sickness.

Clothing

Keeping the unpredictable and rapidly changing weather in mind one must carry shawl, sweater, and coats for their trip. If you want to camp at Deosai you will need to pack warm winter clothes even in summers.  Also, prepare for some cold chilly winds.

Since a lot of tourists travel to the region and with no local population, there is no restriction on covering the head and wearing shalwar kameez.

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Accommodation and Food:

At the National Park construction isn’t allowed and thus the only way to spend the night is in camps. Camping is only allowed only at the allocated locations. You will have to arrange your own camp, sleeping bags, food, etc. You will not find wood to burn and there is a huge fine on damaging any flora or fauna. So make sure to take enough ready to eat food and camping gear such as Camping Stove Butane Gas, etc.

Tea spots are present along with the check posts at the beginning of the National Park from Skardu side, at Bara Pani and Kala Pani.

For a day trip get a lunch pack and snacks to enjoy at one of the beautiful locations. Most hotels and guest houses will make a nice lunch box for your trip.

What to do at Deosai:

Many people go for small hikes within the plateau. Near Sheosar Lake, there is a brown bear sanctuary and a sighting point. Brown bears do not bother humans and will leave you alone. During the night they sometimes come towards the camps for fruits and other food material but will not come near if they smell a human. Don’t mistake Brown bear for a Black bear. 

If you want to do fishing (angling) you will need a permit, make sure to get it at the wildlife office. 

Plastic Ban at Deosai National Park:

The authorities responsible for taking care of the park are encouraging people to not pollute the area. Thus, plastic bags are banned. Only take the necessary things and do not leave behind garbage. The main camping sites are already been treated really badly. 

Entry Point Fee:

Locals of Gilgit /Baltistan: PKR 40
Pakistani Nationals: PKR 100
Foreigners: USD 10

If you want to learn more about the flora and fauna at the Park check out the Deosai National Park Webpage.