Deosai National Park Guide: When It Opens and How to Visit

Deosai National Park is a high-altitude plateau averaging about 4,100 metres between Skardu and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, and one of the highest plateaus in the world. It is open to visitors from roughly June to September, when the snow melts. Most travellers visit on a full-day jeep trip from Skardu to Sheosar Lake, and the park is a protected habitat for the Himalayan brown bear.

The road usually opens in June and stays open until the first heavy snow in late September or October. Exact dates change every year: in a late spring the plateau may still be closed in mid-June. July and August bring wildflowers across the plains; September is quieter, with golden grass and colder nights.

• From Skardu: about two hours by jeep to the Sadpara Lake checkpost and the Bara Pani bridge, then on to Sheosar Lake.
• From Astore: via Chilim, which lets you cross Deosai between Skardu and the Astore valley as part of a loop.
• Hire a 4x4 with a driver who knows the plateau. Ordinary cars struggle on the unpaved sections and river crossings.

Deosai was declared a national park to protect the Himalayan brown bear, and early mornings give the best chance of sightings at a distance. Golden marmots are everywhere in summer. Sheosar Lake, near the Chilim side, is the classic picnic and photo stop, with Nanga Parbat visible on clear days.

Camping is allowed at designated sites such as Bara Pani and near Sheosar Lake. Nights are cold even in July, so bring a warm sleeping bag, and carry all rubbish back out. There are no shops or fuel on the plateau.

• Warm layers, a windproof jacket and a hat
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for strong high-altitude sun
• Water, snacks and a full fuel tank from Skardu
• Cash for park entry fees