National park · Pakistan
Deosai National Parkدیوسائی نیشنل پارک
Go for 2–3 days in July or August: enter from Skardu via Satpara Lake, drive the plateau to Sheosar Lake, camp one night and return; the entry fee is about Rs 1,500 per person, and a 4WD is essential.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
843 km² (325 sq mi)325 sq mi (843 km²)
approximate
Established
1993
Best months
Jul–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Check your own government travel advice for Pakistan befo…
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Pakistan ↗Check your own government travel advice for Pakistan before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Pakistan ↗Get the visa only through the official online system (visa.nadra.gov.pk); some areas need a separate permit (NOC) or police registration.
- Pakistan ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to the provinces you will visit before you rely on it.
- Gilgit‑Baltistan ↗All foreign visitors need a Pakistani e‑visa and must register with local authorities (NOC) on arrival; trekking permits are issued by the regional tourism department.
- Gilgit‑Baltistan ↗Winter (Nov‑Mar) often blocks roads and flights; summer monsoon can cause landslides on the Karakoram Highway.
At a glance
- Country
- Pakistan
- Area
- 843 km² (325 sq mi)325 sq mi (843 km²)
- check
- Established
- 1993
- Best months
- Jul–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Skardu
Deosai National Park protects the second-highest plateau on Earth, the Deosai Plains, at an average elevation of 4,114 m. It is a vast, treeless landscape of rolling grasslands, wildflowers in summer, and clear streams that host the Himalayan brown bear. The park lies in Gilgit-Baltistan, between Skardu and Astore, and is open only from June to September due to snow. Its isolation and altitude make it a destination for drivers and campers rather than hikers; there are no marked trails beyond the dirt road that crosses the plateau.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1993Deosai National Park.
Size and age
843 km² (325 sq mi)325 sq mi (843 km²) · national park since 1993
check
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Skardu.
Why go
- The second-highest plateau in the world, with a stark, open landscape unlike any other in Pakistan.
- Sheosar Lake, a turquoise alpine lake at 4,142 m, surrounded by wildflowers in July and August.
- One of the last strongholds of the Himalayan brown bear, with a conservation programme that has increased the population.
- A 4WD road trip across the plateau from Skardu to Astore, with no villages for hours.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprAvoid
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep snow; park closed.
- FebDeep snow; park closed.
- MarDeep snow; park closed.
- AprSnowmelt; roads impassable.
- MayRoads may open late May; snow patches remain.
- JunPark opens; wildflowers start, streams high.
- JulPeak wildflowers; best wildlife viewing.
- AugWarmest days; clear skies; Sheosar Lake at its best.
- SepCooler; flowers fade; roads close by month-end.
- OctSnow returns; park closed.
- NovSnow; park closed.
- DecSnow; park closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayan brown bearJun–Sep · Seen from the road, especially near streams; keep a safe distance. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Himalayan ibexJun–Sep · Common on rocky slopes. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Red fox and golden marmotJun–Sep · Frequently seen near the road. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| WildflowersJul–Aug · Peak bloom in July; species include edelweiss and gentians. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Skardu
Drive south-east via Satpara Lake; the dirt road enters the park after about 30 km (19 mi). 4WD required.Drive south-east via Satpara Lake; the dirt road enters the park after about 19 mi (30 km). 4WD required.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Astore
Drive north-east through the Astore Valley; the road climbs to the plateau. 4WD required.
3–4 h
From Islamabad
Fly to Skardu (1 h) or drive via Naran and Babusar Pass (12–14 h, seasonal).
1 h flight / 12–14 h drive
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Skardu entrance – Satpara Lake | The main access point; a checkpost, a small shop and the last village before the plateau. | Open June–September. |
| Deosai Plains | The vast, rolling grassland that makes up most of the park; no marked trails, only the dirt road. | Open; 4WD only. |
| Sheosar Lake | A large turquoise lake at the western end of the plateau, popular for camping. | Open; accessible by road. |
| Astore entrance | The western gate, less frequented; a checkpost and basic facilities. | Open June–September. |
Sketch map
- 1Skardu · Town≈35.297, 75.633Map ↗
- 2Satpara Lake · Gate≈35.230, 75.630Last village before the park.Map ↗
- 3Deosai checkpost (Skardu side) · Gate≈35.100, 75.500Entry point; pay fee here.Map ↗
- 4Sheosar Lake · Viewpoint≈34.990, 75.240Map ↗
- 5Chilam Chowki · Sleep≈34.950, 75.100Summer hotel.Map ↗
- 6Astore checkpost · Gate≈34.900, 74.900Western entry point.Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions; the park has no official mapped points.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person) | PKR 1,500–2,000 | person | check |
| Vehicle entry (4WD) | PKR 500–1,000 | vehicle | check |
| Camping fee (per tent per night) | PKR 500–1,000 | tent | check |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guide no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- PKR 1,500–2,000
- PKR 500–1,000
- PKR 500–1,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without prior permission from the park authorities (check).check
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; there are no bins on the plateau.
- Campfires
- Not allowed; use a camping stove.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach bears or other animals.
Where to stay
In the park
Camping on the plateau
Bring your own tent and all supplies; no facilities. Sheosar Lake is the most popular spot.
Near the park
Skardu town
Hotels and guesthouses of every level, 1.5 h from the park entrance.
In the park
Chilam Chowki
A small summer hotel with tea and basic meals, near the Astore side.
Safety
Altitude sickness high
Cold and wind medium
Getting stuck medium
Bears low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The park is accessible only by 4WD; there are no paved roads or paths.
- The altitude and rough terrain make it unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility or respiratory conditions.
Visiting lightly
- Carry out all waste; the plateau has no waste management.
- Support the Himalayan brown bear conservation programme by donating to the Snow Leopard Foundation or the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department.
- Use a local guide from Skardu to ensure your visit benefits the community.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Deosai National Park?
The entry fee is about Rs 1,500–2,000 per person, plus Rs 500–1,000 per vehicle. Camping is Rs 500–1,000 per tent per night. All fees are 2026 estimates (check).
What are the best hikes in Deosai National Park?
There are no marked hiking trails. The main activity is driving the dirt road across the plateau, with short walks from the road to viewpoints or streams. The best 'hike' is a walk across the grassland from Sheosar Lake.
When is the best time to visit Deosai National Park?
July and August are the best months: the weather is warmest, wildflowers are in bloom, and wildlife is most active. The park opens in June and closes by the end of September.
Do I need a 4WD to visit Deosai?
Yes. The road from Skardu and the road from Astore are unpaved, rough and often muddy. A 4WD vehicle is essential.
Can I see the Himalayan brown bear?
Yes, with luck. The bears are seen from the road, especially near streams in the early morning or late afternoon. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
Is there accommodation inside the park?
Only camping. There is a small summer hotel at Chilam Chowki near the Astore side, but it is basic. Most visitors camp at Sheosar Lake or stay in Skardu.
Do I need a guide?
Not required by law, but recommended for first-time visitors. A guide from Skardu can help with navigation, wildlife spotting and safety.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Deosai National Park
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