Overview
Deosai — “Land of Giants” in Shina — is the world’s second-highest plateau, averaging 4,114 m above sea level. For nine months of the year it is buried under snow; in July and August it explodes into one of Asia’s most spectacular wildflower displays, with Himalayan brown bears foraging in the distance and golden marmots darting between boulders. The silence here is absolute.
This 4-day jeep safari from Skardu crosses the plateau via the Shatung and Bara Pani lakes, ending at Astore on the Gilgit side. No trekking experience is needed — the programme is designed for wildlife photography, birdwatching and wide-open landscape. We carry all camping equipment; our cook produces surprisingly good food at altitude.
Itinerary — day by day
Day1 Skardu — jeep to Satpara Lake — Deosai entry ▾
Drive past Satpara Dam and up the switchbacks to the Deosai plateau rim. First bear sightings often happen within an hour of entering the national park. Camp at Shatung Lake (4,020m).
⛺ Camp🍽 L·D📏 4,020m
Day2 Shatung Lake — Bara Pani (Big Water) ▾
Full plateau day. Drive slowly across the grasslands, scanning for bears, wolves and the rare snow leopard tracks. Wildflower meadows peak in late July. Camp beside Bara Pani Lake at 4,114m — the geographic heart of Deosai.
⛺ Camp🍽 B·L·D📏 4,114m
Day3 Bara Pani — wildlife morning — Sheosar Lake ▾
Early-morning bear watch from camp. Drive west to Sheosar Lake, the largest in Deosai and a mirror of the Hindu Kush peaks on clear days. Afternoon descend toward Chilam.
⛺ Camp🍽 B·L·D📏 4,200m → 3,100m
Day4 Astore valley — drive to Gilgit or back to Skardu ▾
Descend the Astore River gorge — rhododendron, apricots, a sudden warmth after the plateau cold. Drive to Gilgit for flights or return to Skardu for onward connections.
🏨 Hotel🍽 B·L
What’s included / not included
Included
- 4×4 jeep transport throughout
- Licensed naturalist guide
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 lunch
- Deosai National Park entrance and camping fees
- Cook and camp crew
- First-aid kit and emergency satellite phone
Not included
- International flights & Pakistan visa
- Flights to / from Skardu
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal sleeping bag (rental available, $15)
- Tips for guide and crew (≈ $30)
Gallery
Traveller reviews
★★★★★
“Three Himalayan brown bears in two days. The plateau is otherworldly — open, silent, enormous. Our naturalist guide spotted things we’d never have found on our own.”
Ravi NairJuly 2025 · India
★★★★★
“I’ve done safaris in Africa and this felt completely different — raw, unmodified, no tourist infrastructure. Just us, the bears, and that immense sky.”
Claire BeaumontAugust 2025 · France