The Deosai Plains is an extensive continental Plateau with many plains in northern Pakistan that extends up to the Loi (packet) Division. Extending over a vast expanse of around 3000 square kilometers, the Deosai Plains are sometimes called ‘the Land of Giants’ because of the vastness of the area. This peculiar plateau stands at a mean height of about 4,114 meters (13,497 ft.) above sea level and ranks among the world’s highest.
wers.
Also called ‘The Plains of Shepherds’, Deosai has attracted vacation lovers for its calm and beautiful geography; the area falls under the Deosai National Park, whereby the flora and fauna of the area are conserved. ‘Deosai’ means ‘the land of the giants’ in the Balti language, creating myths about the plains. It is always green, but during spring, one can find delightful wildflowers blossoming and snowcapped mountains, making it an ideal location for photographers and visitors interested in plains, grasslands and wildflowers.
wers.
The Deosai Plains has remained an area of interest for several myths and legends. People of that area still claim that giants used to live on the plains, and the feature of expansive plains gives the area a rather distinctive otherworldly appeal. These have only contributed to enhancing the folklore myths of the Deosai plains, where visitors always come with stories about the existence of the mythical animals believed to exist. Uncharted and natural in its beauty, Deosai appears to belong to a planet other than Earth, which is why they make the reality and myth for us.
Deosai Plains are situated in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan; hence, it is easily approachable from both Skardu and Astor. Because they are located close to Skardu, many tourists use them as their destination when visiting the area. This enormous plain in the Skardu Valley provides incredibly stunning views over the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. The task environment is difficult but unyieldingly beautiful because of the plains’ geographical features and high altitude.
The only way to explore the Deosai Plains is through trekking. The journey to Deosai is as scenic as the destination, with the trekkers crossing scenic valleys, rivers, and alpine forests. Two routes from either side Skardu or Astor, can be used to reach the plains. Each offers different landscapes and challenges altogether.
Skardu Route: This one leads into the beautiful Valley of Skardu, with magnificent landscapes and gigantic mountains. On this route, a trekker will find pictures of beautiful lakes like Shangrila Lake and Sheosar Lake.
Astor Route: Astor Route is yet another view of Deosai, with its rugged landscape and isolation. This not-often-trodden path adds to the seclusion and peaceability of this trek, making it a perfect venture for those interested in an offbeat journey.
Deosai remains a fantastic adventure for seasoned trekkers, with altitudes and rugged landscapes pushing the hiker to his limits of endurance. It is not too taxing, yet it remains very demanding in terms of physical endurance and a reasonable degree of fitness due to altitude and differences in weather conditions. Trekking in Deosai is not about reaching the destination; it’s about embracing the journey, pushing your limits, and reconnecting with nature.
The most rewarding prospect of trekking to Deosai Plains is to see the region’s pristine beauty up close. With occasional spotting of wildlife and the wind, trekkers find refuge in the grand silence of the plains as they enjoy one of the most pristine natures preserved to date. The weather conditions of Deosai are the most important thing to consider before the visit. The snow planes are at a very high altitude and thus are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Winters in Deosai are long and harsh; the whole place is covered with deep snow. It is inaccessible for several months a year. Summers are pleasant and inviting, making Deosai a great destination during this period. The summer season ensures good weather with daytime temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, while cooler temperatures prevail at night.
The best time for visiting the Deosai Plains is from June till September when the weather becomes perfectly set and favorable for travelers to explore and spend their time there for leisure. This is when grasslands open up, and the full variety of flowers and fauna are in bloom. Meadows are covered with wildflowers. And everywhere, all sorts of animals are teeming about. The summer season offers a golden chance for everyone to wander around the locality without coping with the pressure of snowfalls or extreme freezing. Hikers can easily walk through trails and enjoy camping under open skies without a hassle while immersed in nature’s wonders. If the visitor wants a less touristic experience, then the end of June or early September can be a good time for a relatively quieter visit. However, the temperatures will be colder since it will be the spring beginning or the tail end of autumn.
The topography of Deosai Plains is simply unique. The plateau stretches out for miles with rolling hills and vast grasslands sprinkled across the terrain with crystal clear flowing streams. The flat expansion of the plains contrasts starkly with the towering mountains surrounding the scene, making it dramatic and awe-inspiring. Small lakes dot the Deosai plains. The Sheosar Lake is perhaps the most famous here, one of the lakes in the world standing so high in the mountains. The lake’s waters are crystal clear blue and famous, besides being a mirror image of the white-capped mountains. It is a picture-perfect place that attracts thousands of visitors worldwide.
Deosai Plains boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna, hence its introduction as a natural heaven. The summer months give the meadows a bloom of stunning, vibrant wildflowers carpeting the plains with buttercups, poppies, and daisies. A varied plant life supports an equally abundant and varied range of animals, many rare in other parts of the world. The area also contains medicinal plants used by localities for a long time.
This unique wildlife near Deosai National Park was conserved, mainly the endangered Himalayan brown bear. Due to conservation programmes, the count of brown bears in Deosai has been slowly revived, as it was almost on the verge of extinction. Visitors can find other species, including snow leopards, ibex, red foxes, and golden marmots, visiting the park. The line-up is equally impressive for birdwatchers, with species such as the Himalayan griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, and lammergeier. The biodiversity of Deosai Plains makes it one of Pakistan’s most important protected areas.
While staying at Deosai National Park, many specific activities target nature lovers. Trekking is the most popular among these, as it has several routes offering different landscape views and varying degrees of difficulty. Wildlife viewing is another major attraction, particularly for those hoping to glimpse the elusive Himalayan brown bear. Camping is also one of the usual activities, and many would like to spend a night camping under the stars in the designated camping spots of the park. Camp is apt here because of the tranquillity of the park and due to connecting with nature.
Despite being a remote wilderness region, some accommodation has been planned near the plains of the Deosai National Park. Below are some details of them:
Here are some accommodation options near Deosai National Park:
Deosai Plains National Park Camps: Tenting and rudimentary camping services are available to promote a natural touch feel over the park.
Shangrila Resort Skardu: A beautiful resort at Skardu that provides easy access to Deosai Plains.
PTDC Motel Skardu: Simple stay with all essential services provided by the government at Skardu for visitors heading to Deosai.
Hotel One Skardu: Compared to similar accommodation setups in Skardu, happy camping enjoys modern amenities and is comparatively easier to access the Deosai plateau.
Visitors coming to Deosai Plains should also prepare for what they should look for in the high-altitude destination and what preparation is needed. Here are some tips for visitors:
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this region is between June and September because there is free movement on the roads, and the weather is not very hot.
Prepare for High Altitude: Deosai is at high altitude, so it is important to be well-hydrated and take a few days to adapt to the conditions to avoid altitude sickness.
Pack Warm Clothing: What is more, in the summer, the weather is quite changeable, and temperatures can even drop dramatically at night. Carry jackets and warm clothing as it will be cold.
Bring Camping Gear: If you are interested in camping, then you should do so because there are limited amenities provided in the park.
Carry Enough Cash: There is no ATM around Deosai Plains; they would advise you to take enough cash for the entire trip.
Fuel up Beforehand: It is hard to get fuel stations in the area, so make sure to gas up your vehicle before you embark.
Wildlife Spotting: Make sure to have binoculars on hand to observe animals, including the Himalayan brown bear and other animals found in the park.
Deosai Plains is unique from the rest of the world, enveloping the natural beauty rich in wildlife and remote serenity of life. For those seeking isolation from the rhythms of modern life, Deosai offers a peaceful refuge in one of the world’s most pristine environments. To be a trekker, a nature lover, or just an admirer of the natural scene’s grandeur, Deosai Plains must be seen at least once in a lifetime. On Deosai, one can see some dramatic landscapes; the rare wildlife and the clear night sky never leave a traveller forgotten.
Apart from being scenically productive, the Deosai Plains has some definite roles in this area’s environmental capacity and setting. Most of the area is snow-covered in winter, yet in summer, there is a wonderful valley with flowers, streams, and beautiful lakes. This change is one of the facts that make it probable that Deosai Plains could be one of the world’s most stunning natural sights.
