Wonderland Guides TeamDeosai: The World's Second Highest Plateau
At an average elevation of 4,114 metres, Deosai is the second highest plateau in the world (after the Tibetan Plateau). It covers approximately 3,000 square kilometres between Skardu and Astore districts in Gilgit-Baltistan. In winter, Deosai is buried under several metres of snow, completely inaccessible. But from July to September, it transforms into something extraordinary.
The plateau bursts into life — an ocean of wildflowers stretching to every horizon, with jagged Himalayan peaks rising at the edges. It's one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Pakistan, feeling simultaneously like a Scottish moor, an alpine meadow, and an alien planet.
Wildlife: The Main Draw
Himalayan Brown Bear
Deosai National Park was established in 1993 specifically to protect the Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus). The population had been reduced to fewer than 20 individuals by decades of poaching and habitat loss. Today, after strict protection, the population has recovered to approximately 50–80 bears — still critically small, but growing.
Seeing a Himalayan Brown Bear in the wild is an extraordinary privilege. They are most commonly spotted near Sheosar Lake and the Bara Pani stream area in the early morning and late afternoon. The bears are surprisingly large, and watching them dig for roots and grubs on the open plateau is breathtaking.
Best time to see bears: July and August, particularly August as they fatten up before winter hibernation.
Snow Leopard
Deosai has one of the healthiest snow leopard populations in Pakistan, but sightings are rare given their naturally elusive nature. Camera traps have confirmed their presence throughout the park. If you're patient and lucky, early morning scans of the rocky ridgelines may reveal one.
Other Wildlife
- Tibetan Wolf — packs have been documented in Deosai
- Red Fox — very commonly seen, often curious
- Golden Eagle and Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) — soaring on thermals above the plateau
- Himalayan Marmot — abundant and entertaining, standing upright and whistling alarm calls
- Little Owl and Short-eared Owl — nesting in ground burrows
Sheosar Lake
The centrepiece of Deosai is Sheosar Lake — a high-altitude lake at 4,142m whose water colour shifts from steel-blue to turquoise to deep purple depending on the sky and light. The lake is surrounded by open tundra where wildlife sightings are common. In calm mornings, the reflection of the surrounding peaks in its surface is breathtaking.
Flowers of Deosai
The wildflower season (July–August) covers the plateau in extraordinary colour — yellow Potentilla, purple Pedicularis, blue Gentiana, white Anemone, and dozens of other species create a carpet that stretches as far as the eye can see. Botanists have recorded over 400 plant species in the park.
Getting to Deosai
- From Skardu: 2–3 hours by 4WD through the Satpara Lake road and up to the plateau. Skardu is served by flights from Islamabad (40 minutes).
- From Astore: Another access route via the south, longer but with different scenery
A 4WD vehicle with a competent driver is essential — the tracks across Deosai are rough and some river crossings are required. Our Deosai Plains trek uses proper expedition vehicles with experienced drivers.
When to Visit
The road to Deosai opens approximately June 15–20 each year (weather permitting) and closes by early October. The peak wildlife and wildflower season is July and August. September is excellent for clearer skies and less crowded, though some flowers have faded.
Conservation Note
Deosai is a protected national park. No camping outside designated areas, no off-road driving, no wildlife disturbance, no fires. Bring all your waste out. The recovery of the brown bear population is a genuine conservation success story — let's protect it. We take Leave No Trace principles seriously on all our Deosai trips.
Book the Deosai Experience
Our 4-day Deosai Plains & Sheosar Lake trip departs from Skardu and includes wildlife spotting, tented camping under the stars, and full guide services from PKR 55,000 per person. Get in touch to plan your visit.