Journey
Loading…
Journey · Astore, Deosai, Skardu
The Deosai Crossing: Astore to Skardu
From the forests of Astore over the high Deosai plateau to Skardu, with nights camping on one of the highest plains on earth.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- July–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Overview
The Deosai plateau sits at an average of more than 4,000 metres between Astore and Skardu. In summer it is a rolling sweep of grass and wildflowers, crossed by streams and home to the Himalayan brown bear, marmots and many birds. For the rest of the year it lies under snow.
This journey approaches it the long way, from Gilgit into the Astore valley and the pine meadows at Rama, then up past Chilim to Sheosar Lake. Two nights on the plateau allow time for wildlife and big skies before descending past Satpara to Skardu.
- Rama meadow and forest in the Astore valley
- Sheosar Lake on the western edge of Deosai
- Two nights camping on the Deosai plateau
- A chance of seeing Himalayan brown bears from a respectful distance
- Descent past Satpara Lake into Skardu
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Gilgit
Arrival and briefing.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 2
Gilgit to Astore
South along the Karakoram Highway, then up the Astore valley. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Astore
Day 3
Rama meadow
Short jeep drive to Rama and a gentle walk in the meadows and forest.
Overnight: Rama or Astore
Day 4
Astore to Deosai
Via Chilim onto the plateau and to Sheosar Lake. Camp set up on Deosai.
Overnight: Camp, Deosai
Day 5
A day on the plateau
Slow drives and walks across the plains, watching for wildlife. Move camp towards Bara Pani.
Overnight: Camp, Deosai
Day 6
Deosai to Skardu
Descend past Satpara Lake to Skardu.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 7
Depart Skardu
Flight or road onward.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Explorers, Photographers, Filmmakers, Private groups
What’s included
Included
- Jeeps with drivers suited to the Deosai road
- Guide throughout
- Hotel nights as listed
- Camping equipment and camp staff for nights on Deosai
- Meals while camping
- Deosai National Park entry where charged
Not included
- Flights to Gilgit and from Skardu
- Meals in towns unless stated
- Personal sleeping bag (or hire)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
What to bring
Essential
- Sleeping bag rated well below freezing
- Insulated jacket, warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Waterproof walking boots for boggy ground
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Insect repellent for streams and wet meadows
- Personal medicines, including for altitude if prescribed
Optional and useful
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Telephoto lens
- Insulated camp shoes
- Thermos flask
- Power bank (no electricity on the plateau)
- Sitting mat
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Deosai is accessible only in summer; the road is closed by snow for much of the year and opening dates vary.
- Nights at over 4,000 m are cold even in July and August. Mild altitude symptoms are common on the first night.
- Brown bears are critically endangered and protected: never approach, feed or follow wildlife.
- Use gas for cooking and carry all rubbish out of the park.
Photos
Route and region
You might also like
All journeys
Journey
Gojal (Upper Hunza), Hunza
Khunjerab Pass and Upper Hunza
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- May–Oct
Price to be confirmed
Journey
Skardu
Baltistan Heritage: Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu
- Duration
- 8 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- Apr–Oct
Price to be confirmed
Want this journey shaped around you?
Start with what draws you, the time you have and who you’re travelling with. We’ll help shape the journey around what matters to you.
Start shaping your journeyThe Deosai Crossing: Astore to SkarduPrice to be confirmed
Ask about this