Deosai Plains
Deosai National Park (1993), One Of The Highest Plateaus In The World, Protecting The Himalayan Brown Bear · Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Deosai is a high rolling plateau at over 4,000 metres between Skardu and Astore, often described as one of the highest plateaus in the world and called the Land of Giants in local legend. For most of the year it is buried under snow. For a few months in summer it becomes a vast open grassland with snow peaks around the rim, streams full of trout and, in July and August, carpets of wildflowers. It was made a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear, which had nearly been wiped out here; the population has recovered and bears are seen from the jeep track with luck and patience. Golden marmots are everywhere, and golden eagles, lammergeiers and red foxes are possible. Sheosar Lake, near the western edge, reflects the peaks and on the clearest days Nanga Parbat. There are no buildings and no villages, only a dirt road, a few seasonal camps and the Bara Pani stream crossing. A day trip from Skardu is possible; a night camping on the plateau is the real experience, and a cold one.
Deosai National Park, between Skardu and Astore, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Seasonal. The road over Deosai is open only in summer, roughly June to September, and snowbound the rest of the year; confirm opening each season. A national park entry fee is collected at the checkpost, with a higher rate for foreigners. Jeeps from Skardu are the usual way in, reaching the plateau in about two hours, and the road continues to Chilim and Astore. Camping is at designated sites.