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Deosai Plains are situated at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world.
Deosai National Park, nestled in Skardu, stands as the epitome of natural beauty and wilderness. Spanning 35 kilometers and encompassing around 3,584 square kilometers, this plateau is a testament to nature’s grandeur. But what truly makes Deosai a must-visit destination is its unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences, no matter the weather or season.
Understanding the Deosai weather is key to planning your trip effectively. While summers offer pleasant days ideal for trekking and camping, winters transform Deosai into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow, creating a surreal and serene ambiance. The Deosai weather chart can guide visitors in choosing the perfect time to witness this majestic plateau in all its glory.
For those seeking adventure and exploration, a Deosai Skardu experience is unparalleled. Skardu, known for its dramatic scenery and cultural heritage, serves as the gateway to Deosai. A Deosai map becomes your trusty companion, helping you navigate the vast expanse of the plateau and discover its hidden treasures. From panoramic viewpoints to tranquil lakes, every corner of Deosai and Skardu promises awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable memories.
The name “Deosai” itself holds significance, with its origins rooted in local folklore and meaning “Land of Giants.” As you traverse this expansive plateau, you’ll understand why it earned such a majestic title. Deosai isn’t just a place; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
To make the most of your Deosai adventure, consider Deosai packages tailored to cater to various preferences and interests. These packages often include guided tours, accommodation options ranging from cozy campsites to luxury lodges, and activities like wildlife spotting and photography tours. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family seeking a nature retreat, or a group of friends craving adventure, there’s a Deosai package perfect for you.
As a popular tourist spot, Deosai attracts visitors from around the globe eager to explore its wonders. From iconic tourist places like Sheosar Lake, known for its mirror-like reflections and pristine beauty, to Bara Pani with its diverse birdlife, every spot in Deosai paints a picture of natural splendor and tranquility.
While Deosai’s summer charm is undeniable, experiencing Deosai in winter is a whole new adventure. The snow-covered landscape transforms into a serene white paradise, offering opportunities for snowshoeing, ice fishing, and capturing breathtaking winter scenes. Embrace the chilly embrace of Deosai in winter and witness a side of this plateau that’s equally mesmerizing.
In essence, Deosai is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a journey of discovery, wonder, and connection with nature. Whether you’re drawn by its natural beauty, cultural richness, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, Deosai welcomes you with open arms. Plan your Deosai adventure today and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you spellbound.
It is a high-altitude plain with the word ‘Deosai’ literally translating into ‘The Land of Giants’. it is in UNESCO heritage tentative list.
The park is spread over approximately 3,000 square kilometres, encompassing a mix of hills, mountains, plains, plateaus, streams, rivers, and lakes.
Bound by Astore Valley in the west, Gultari and Kharmang Valleys in the southeast, and Skardu Valley in the north, Deosai is only reachable via 4×4 jeeps.
The park is not only about wildlife but also about stunning scenic views of the snow-clad mountains and streams. The natural beauty and impressive grandeur of the Deosai plains have made it world famous.
As the natural habitat of the Himalayan Brown Bear, Deosai National Park was established in 1993 with the aim to protect the endangered species nestled here from poachers and hunters. Spread over an area of 3,000 square kilometres, at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level, the plains are home to unique species of plant and animal life, of which the Himalayan Brown Bears are the most famous.
In the words of Aleister Crowley, “In front of us lay the Deosai, an absolutely treeless wilderness of comparatively level country framed by minor peaks. It gives a unique impression of desolation.
To the south of and visible from both the Burji and Satpara approaching areas is a 700-foot hill, on top of which is a 500 foot-high-rock cairn. This unnamed hilltop in the northern deosai region produces a clear panorama of the Himalayan Kangri Range and sections of the Karakoram. As you ascend its gentle, grass covered slopes, Nanga Parbat will come into view far to the west of you.
In ‘Gypsy Davy’s’ words, “It was such an expanse of immensity as I have hardly imagined…It seems you cannot talk in a matter-of-fact way in a place like that…I thought the Sierras were large, but here, where we could see three or four score miles north, south, east and west, and see only mountains, and most of them above twenty thousand feet, the Sierras seem like sand dunes”.The park remains wrapped in the white sheet of snow from November to May and it is only in the summer months one gets an opportunity to visit the park.
It is home to unique high altitude flora and fauna, including the Himalayan Brown Bears. Deosai is thought to have created a special habitat where this endemic species has evolved over time. Most of the plateau is a common grazing ground for the rural communities that live around it. There are sixteen villages that are settled on the periphery of Deosai.
It is accessible to them only for a few months every year during the brief spring and summer. During the cold season, it stands aloof and forlorn, a vast and magnificent wilderness, one of the few that have remained in Pakistan. The park can be reached from Astore Valley in the west and Skardu in the north.
Deosai Plains make up one of the last frontiers of natural habitat for the Himalayan brown bear, a creature that once roamed the mountains freely. The park currently has in between 20-28 Brown bears. This park was established to protect these endangered bears. Recently a research project has started by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation (HWF) and the Northern Areas Forests, Parks, and Wildlife Department to secure the survival of the brown bear in the Deosai Plains and to monitor their population. The Deosai Plains are also home to the ibex, red fox, golden marmot, wolf, the Ladakh urial, the snow leopard, and a number of resident and migratory birds.
Mammals: Mammals in the park include–Brown bear , Snow leopard , Himalayan Musk deer Golden marmot , Pika , Migratory hamster and Ermine.
The weather in Deosai is unpredictable, to say the least. While the place is accessible only during summer, sometimes travelers will experience snow in the middle of summer too. One moment you would be enjoying the majestic views of sunlight and clouds playing hide and seek in the sky. The next moment the sky could be overcast, starting icy winds and thunderstorms.
Besides the weather and the place’s majestic splendor, Deosai is also known for its deafening silence. Many have tried to describe it, but it is something one has to experience to truly understand. If you hear slow drumming while here, there is a high chance that it is just the sound of you heartbeat.
The best time to visit the area is during June and July but the tourist season is open until October. The park then becomes snow-bound for around half the year, between November to May.
If you want to visit Deosai National Park, the shortest route is from Skardu city, which is approximately 30 kilometres away. An hour’s drive from there will take you all the way to the top of the plains.
Another route that is often used is via Chilam in Astore Valley. A few other routes also lead to the park but are mostly used by locals and are not advised for tourists unless they are well versed with the local geography and routes.
Deosai is known for its unique flora and fauna. While wildflowers cover its plains in the spring with butterflies fluttering about, the region gets hidden under a thick blanket of snow in winter. When the weather is favorable, here are some of the top things to do in Deosai :
If you plan on setting up camp after reaching Deosai National Park, head towards Bara Pani or Sheosar Lake, both of which offer lush green surroundings that are ideal for a camping trip. The night sky here is clear, making stargazing a sheer pleasure, especially if you’ve travelled from one of the more populated cities of Pakistan.
Several water bodies dot the park throughout, but the largest among them is Sheosar Lake. It is not only the largest lake in the park but also one of the highest lakes in the world at nearly 13,600 feet. The lake is located amidst a field of wildflowers, and you can discover a backdrop of the Nanga Parbat behind it on a clear day.
Deosai is home to several water bodies and Bara Pani, and Kaala Pani are two streams that you must cross to reach the lake. While Kaala Pani is fairly shallow and passable in a jeep, Bara Pani is crossed with the help of a wooden bridge. However, the challenge here is that the bridge can only bear a certain amount of weight, so the jeep must cross over the bridge without any passengers on-board. Thus, you must traverse the swaying wooden bridge on foot, moving to the melody of the raging river below.
The region is home to several species of trout, with snow trout being particularly common. You can generally acquire a license from the park authorities for a fee if you are interested in trout fishing. The best location for fishing is Bara Pani.
A number of trails lead into and out of Deosai, and if you have a local guiding the way, you can explore the region on foot. It is advised that you avoid trekking in the area alone because there are no marked trails and some parts of the park have restricted access to protect the wildlife.
Deosai is home to several local species, including the Himalayan Brown Bear. The local wildlife includes the Himalayan ibex, grey wolf, red fox, snow leopard, Ladakh urial, and golden marmot. The park is also home to about 125 species of birds including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, griffon vulture, Eurasian sparrowhawk, as well as a variety of snowcocks, kestrels, and pheasants. While it is advised that you keep a safe distance from the wildlife you might encounter on your travels to Deosai, the picturesque landscape with its native residents makes it a scenic memory to capture on film.
It is important to note that the elevation results in cold weather throughout the year and you might also find snowy spots within the park in the midst of the summer season. Thus, you should dress warmly and carry plenty of food and water with you if you plan on staying overnight, as the closest village is at least an hour’s drive away.
Another important thing to keep in mind when you visit Deosai is to leave the area just as you found it, acting like a responsible tourist and cleaning up after yourself to ensure that the next person enjoys the scenic beauty just as much as you did.
There are no hotels or guest houses near the lake, so camping is the best option for accommodation. You can bring your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent one from the local vendors. You can also find some hotels and guest houses in Skardu, which is about 120 km from the lake.
Here is a weather temperature chart for Sheocer Lake, based on the average monthly data from AccuWeather:
Table
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5 | -15 |
| February | -3 | -13 |
| March | 2 | -9 |
| April | 9 | -3 |
| May | 15 | 2 |
| June | 20 | 7 |
| July | 22 | 9 |
| August | 21 | 8 |
| September | 18 | 5 |
| October | 12 | 0 |
| November | 5 | -6 |
| December | -2 | -12 |
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