Imagine spending a night in an ever-expanding land surrounded by adjoining mountains and breathtaking landscapes, with the soothing sound of streams pleasing your ears, the campfire warming you, and the shimmering stars gleaming over you in the wilderness; sounds like a fantasy, right?
But it is not a fantasy at all! This is the enchanting experience of camping in Deosai Plains – ‘The Land of Giants’!
As enthusiast adventurers, we couldn’t resist discovering Deosai and experiencing these feelings ourselves. So with our bags packed, we flew to Skardu and were ready to begin our unforgettable journey to Deosai!
About Deosai Plain
The Second Highest Alpine Plain in the World, Deosai Plain, is located between the Astore and Skardu districts in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 4114M (14500 ft) above sea level, the high-altitude plains cover an area of 843 km2 (325 sq mi).
The epitome of the vastness, it is the unexplored raw beauty of nature. With wildflowers covering the pastureland, the rolling meadows, and giant mountains, the treeless wilderness makes this place a hidden piece of heaven.
Fauna of Deosai
Deosai is home to elusive endangered species of Himalayan Brown Bears and other wild animals, including Himalayan Ibex, Gray Wolf/Himalayan Wolf, Markhor, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Snowcock, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Lugger Falcon, and Musk Deer.
Thus, it was given the status of a National Park in 1993. You can even witness a number of bird species flying high in the huge sky of Deosai.
Best Time to Visit & Routes to Deosai
For over eight months in the year, the land is snow-covered and cannot be visited. So, the best time for adventurers to witness this captivating place is from June to September. It is the peak time when the vibrant wildflowers bloom and butterflies kiss the blossoms, adding more charm to this land of wonders.
There are two routes to visit Deosai; one extends from Skardu City, and the other one from Astore Valley.
The shortest route is from Skardu city, which is 40 km away and can be accessed via jeep. Although it can be covered in any 4×4, it is not recommended to drive in personal cars. The track can be harsh ahead and should be covered in jeeps with experienced drivers. On the route, you will move through Adara and pass by beautiful Satpara Lake with crystal-clear water.
The second route from Astore Valley via Karakoram highway is recommended more because of its stable road condition. It is 70 km away, almost 4-5 hours of a thrilling journey, passing by Astore Valley, Astore Bazaar, and the village of Chilam. We chose to move from Skardu City in a jeep hired for PKR 5000. The exciting road journey led us to the wonderland of Deosai.
Facilities in Deosai
Since this is an unhabituated region, you cannot expect to find hotels or luxuries far and wide while camping in Deosai. It is prohibited by the Government of Pakistan to build concrete buildings here. But thanks to the locals for setting up accommodations and making camping possible in this heaven. There are other sufficient necessities, too, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Although they are not any grand, but enough to spend a night in this remote region.
Being at a high altitude, there will be no mobile networks. However, the SCO has set up a system for Internet connectivity near Sheosar Lake. You can also buy the WiFi hotspot for a fraction of the cost. The Official Tourism Department here has set up a Police Check Post for emergencies too.
Camping in Deosai
There are three campgrounds available for camping in Deosai:
Bara Pani Lake:
The first lake that came was Bara Pani. Locals have set up a good camping site, and a tent can be rented for PKR 1000-2000 for the night stay. The soothing gurgles of the stream under the clear starry night make a night stay here a soul-pleasing experience. It is worth all the struggle and makes for a heavenly experience.
Kala Pani Lake:
Kala Pani or Chota Pani is yet another jewel of Deosai. Although it is a shallow stream, the experience is exquisitely amazing. It is named as Kala Pani (Black water) because of the bewitchingly dark color of the lake. There are tents available here as well, and they can be rented for PKR 1000- 3000, depending on the size.
Sheosar Lake:
Sheosar Lake, also called the ‘Heart of Deosai,’ is one of the biggest and best sights to visit in Deosai. Situated at 13500 ft above sea level with a length of 65 km, it is mostly cold and always covered with clouds. The lake provides fascinating views in a peaceful atmosphere that people can’t get enough of. If you opt to stay the night here, a tent can be bought for PKR 2000- 6000. The pleasant stargazing experience here will be the best one.
We rented a tent in Sheosar Lake for PKR 6000, which was enough for 15 people. There was a kitchen nearby too, and we had our freshly cooked dinner. It is fascinating to see the efforts of locals to bring accommodations to such a faraway world.
Whether it is anywhere in the Deosai, the night stay experience is a feeling of its own. It is like a fantasy indescribable in words. As Deosai is also called ‘The Roof of World,’ one can imagine gawking at the not-so-far stars from here.
The night-time star show left us totally speechless when the crystal-clear Sheosar Lake was right in front of us, adding serenity to the atmosphere with its soothing sounds. The stars in the stretched sky felt as if we were witnessing the whole Milky Way.
While sitting by the campfire wearing our warm blankets, we spent the night chit-chatting with other tourists under the shimmering blanket of stars.
Conclusion
Camping in Deosai National Park was more than just an adventure; it was a journey of discovery and wonder. It was like living away from all the chaotic world, cradling in the peaceful ambiance of this heaven.Deosai’s raw natural beauty has left an indelible mark on us. It is a must-recommended adventure for everyone looking to escape into nature’s arms and revive their souls!