Deosai National Park – The Land of Giants in Gilgit-Baltistan
Deosai National Park is one of the most beautiful and magical tourist spots in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. People often say, “Silence sings here.” If you visit the northern areas of Pakistan but skip Deosai, your trip is incomplete.
The name Deosai comes from two words — Deo means Giant, and Sai means Shadow. For centuries, locals believed that this vast land was home to giants, which is why it’s also known as the “Land of Giants.”
Located at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level, Deosai National Park is the second-highest plateau in the world, spreading over 4,000 square kilometers. Its beauty cannot be captured in photos or described fully in words. Anyone visiting Skardu or Astore Valley should never miss this breathtaking destination.
How to Reach Deosai National Park
Deosai lies between Skardu and Astore Valley, and there are two routes to reach it:
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From Skardu City: Around 40 km drive via Sadpara Village.
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From Astore Valley: A longer but equally scenic route.
When traveling from Skardu Bazar, the road leads to Sadpara Village, and soon after, you’ll reach Sadpara Lake, a beautiful stop with turquoise water surrounded by mountains. From there, the road becomes rough and narrow, with high cliffs on one side and deep valleys on the other — an adventure that gives you chills and excitement together.
Locals often call this route “A Wilderness in Peril” because of its sharp turns and steep drops. However, the scenery makes it all worth it.
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Jeep rides are easily available in Skardu, costing around Rs. 18,000 for a trip to Deosai.
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While private cars can go, it’s not recommended because of rocky terrain and falling stones.
History and Purpose of Deosai National Park
Deosai was declared a National Park in 1993 to protect the endangered Himalayan Brown Bear, a rare species found only in this region. At that time, there were only 19 brown bears. Thanks to conservation efforts, their number increased to over 40 by 2005.
The Himalayan Wildlife Foundation played a major role in this achievement and still runs a research camp in the park.
Besides the brown bear, Deosai National Park is home to many other animals, including:
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Himalayan Ibex
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Red Fox
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Golden Marmot
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Grey Wolf
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Snow Leopard
More than 340 types of plants grow here, and over 200 species of birds can be spotted — such as the Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Snow Cock. During spring, the vast plains of Deosai are covered with colorful flowers and butterflies.
Interestingly, there are no trees across the entire 4,000 square km of the Deosai plains.
Weather in Deosai National Park
The weather in Deosai is unpredictable. It can snow even in June or July. At one moment, the sun shines brightly, and the next, clouds bring rain or snow.
Because of the cold winds, wildlife, and lack of shelter, no one lives in Deosai permanently. The silence here is so deep that you can hear your own heartbeat.
Deosai remains covered in snow for about 8 months every year. For the remaining months, wildflowers bloom, and the area turns into a colorful carpet of nature.
Best Time to Visit Deosai National Park
The best time to visit Deosai National Park is between 15 July and 15 August.
During this time, the plains are full of flowers, the air smells fresh, and clouds float so low that you can almost touch them. You might even see Golden Eagles flying close to the ground.
The natural fragrance of the flowers and the sight of the animals make it a truly unforgettable experience. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to return again and again.
Main Tourist Attractions in Deosai National Park
There are three main tourist points in Deosai:
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Barha Pani
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Chota Pani
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Sheosar Lake
1. Barha Pani
If you are coming from Skardu, Barha Pani is the first major stop — about 62 km from Skardu and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach.
The area has freshwater streams, green plains, and snowy mountains that make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The sunset view here is absolutely stunning.
There are also campsites available for those who want to stay overnight. The weather is very cold at night, so warm clothing is essential.
2. Chota Pani
The next point is Chota Pani, also known as Kala Pani, about 10 km from Barha Pani. It’s another peaceful place surrounded by mountains and clear water streams — ideal for short stops and pictures.
3. Sheosar Lake – The Heart of Deosai
Finally, the most famous attraction — Sheosar Lake, also known as the Heart of Deosai.
This beautiful blue lake sits at an altitude of 4,142 meters, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by green meadows, colorful flowers, and stunning views of Nanga Parbat in the background.
The Sheosar Lake area has campsites too, but it’s even colder than Barha Pani. From November to May, the lake freezes completely under layers of snow.
When the weather is clear, the calm blue water reflects the sky and clouds so perfectly that it looks like a mirror.
Why Visit Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is a place where silence, nature, and wilderness blend into one. It offers you the rare chance to see untouched natural beauty — colorful plains, wildlife, snow-capped peaks, and endless peace.
It’s one of those destinations that stays in your heart forever, reminding you of how incredible nature can be.
Contact Us to Visit the Place
We are Repeatrip Tours, and we organize trips to Skardu, Astore, Hunza, and all across Gilgit-Baltistan.
If you want to explore the Deosai National Park, Sheosar Lake, or nearby valleys, contact us to visit the place.
We’ll arrange your transport, guide, and stay — so you can enjoy the journey safely and comfortably.