Deosai means “The Land of Giants.” In Balti, it is called “Gbyarsa,” meaning “summer pasture.” Situated at an altitude of 4,114 meters above sea level, Deosai is located between Skardu and Astore districts in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is also the National Park of Pakistan, named “Deosai National Park,” making it the second-highest plateau in the world.
Deosai National Park
Deosai was declared a national park in 1993 to protect its habitat and ecosystem. The Wildlife Department monitors the park’s biodiversity, including the famous Himalayan Brown Bear, Marmots, Ibex, Snow Trout, and various other species. The total area covered by Deosai is 3,000 square kilometers.
Gbyarsa
The Balti name for Deosai is “Gbyarsa,” meaning summer pasture. The people of Baltistan and surrounding regions bring their livestock to graze in Deosai during the summer. Due to its vast grassy landscape, many people spend their summers in this beautiful plateau.
Geography
The second-highest plateau in the world is located at 35.018930°N, 75.414393°E, southeast of Skardu.
Wildlife in Deosai
Deosai is home to a large number of wildlife species, including:
- Himalayan Brown Bear
- Tibetan Red Wolf
- Himalayan Ibex
- Golden Marmot
- Himalayan Red Fox
- Snow Leopard
- Kashmir Musk Deer
- Golden Eagle
- Chakor
- Himalayan Snowcock
- Peregrine Falcon
- Laggar Falcon
- And many more.
Flora in Deosai
During the summer, hundreds of flowers bloom in Deosai, adding to its natural beauty. Some of the most prominent flowers include:
- Forget-me-nots
- Golden Ragwort
- Scabious
- Asian Bellflower
- Pink Sedum
- Thistle
- Poppies
- Wild Thyme
- Gentian
- Monkshood
- Deranium
- Dafodils
Why is Deosai Called “The Land of Giants”?
The name Deosai is a combination of two words:
- Deo means Giants
- Sai means Shadow
Due to its vast plains, towering peaks, and endless greenery, Deosai creates a majestic landscape. At an altitude of 4,114 meters above sea level,the weather remains unpredictable, even in summer. Deosai remains covered in snow for most of the year and is only accessible from mid-June to late August.
Deosai – The Roof of the World
Deosai is a unique destinationoffering breathtaking natural beauty at a high altitude. From lush green meadows to over 100 types of flowers, from rare wildlife like the Brown Bear and Snow Leopard to Snowcapped mountains, Deosai offers a mesmerizing experience. Highlights include:
- High-altitude lakes like Sheosar Lake
- Flowing rivers like Bara Pani, Shatung Nala, and others
- Vast meadows and untouched landscapes
Deosai provides an enchanting experience for visitors seeking adventure, peace, and nature.
How to Visit Deosai
Deosai, the National Park of Pakistan, is an ideal summer destination. A short stay of two to three days in its natural environment can relieve stress, tension, and depression.
Travel Route
- The journey to Deosai starts from Skardu.
- You can reach Skardu by air or by road.
- Trans Karakoram Treks, Tours, and Expeditions will receive you in Islamabad, transfer you to a hotel, and offer an exploration of Pakistan’s second-most beautiful capital.
- The next morning, the journey continues to Skardu, followed by a rest and preparation day.
- The next day, we depart for Deosai via a 4×4 vehicle.
- After 2 to 3 hours you will reach Deosai Top, the entrance to the plateau.
Recommended Stay
Trans Karakoram suggests a 3-night, 4-day stay to fully explore Deosai.
Camping is set up at different locations, such as:
- Bara Pani
- Sheosar Lake
- Shatung
Our Seasonal Plan
Every year, Trans Karakoram Treks, Tours, and Expeditions organizes trekking and camping programs in Deosai from mid-June to mid-September.
Trekking Plan
Our trekking program starts from Burga Nala and Rgyayul Nala in Skardu, leading to Deosai.
- Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- Route: Islamabad to Islamabad
This adventure provides the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s most stunning and untouched landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Trans Karakoram staff will welcome you at Islamabad International Airport.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
Enjoy a scenic flight over the majestic Himalayan mountains.
Day 3: Exploration and Preparations
Explore Skardu city and make final preparations for the Deosai adventure.
Day 4: Drive to Deosai
Early in the morning, we will start our journey to Deosai. Our staff will have the campsite ready upon arrival. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Exploration Day
Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Deosai National Park.
Day 6: Return to Skardu
Drive back to Skardu and relax after the adventure.
Day 7: Fly to Islamabad
Take a flight back to Islamabad.
Day 8: Departure
Fly back to your home country with unforgettable memories of the journey.
Services
Transportation
- Domestic flight tickets (Baggage allowance20 kg and hand carry 7kg)
- All Road transfer including airport transfer.
Accommodations
Hotel accommodation in Pakistan
- Islamabad hotel twin sharing room with bed and breakfast
- Skardu hotel twin sharing room with full board
All camping accommodation
- Dome tent twin sharing
- Kitchen tent
- Mess tent
- Staff tent (Guide, Cook and Helper)
- Tarpaulin for porters.
Foods
- Full board meal during trekking (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dry fruits, coffee, tea, snacks, drinking bottled water, beverages)
- Food of (Guide, Cook, Helper and Porters)
Toll Tax and others
- All tool taxes, resorts, bridges, CKNP fees
- Permit fee
- Payments of Porters, Guide, Cook, Helper
- Camping fees