The Land of Giants. Second highest plateau in the world. This is the day you'll never forget.
📏 160–200 km round trip🚙 JEEP ONLY🏔 4,114m altitude
🚨 DO NOT take your Tucson to Deosai. The road is unpaved, rocky, and crosses streams. Only 4x4 vehicles with high ground clearance can handle it. Your hired jeep driver knows the terrain.
❄ April Warning: Deosai may be partially or fully closed in April due to snow. Confirm road status with your hotel or local authorities the day before. If closed, don't attempt entry — it's genuinely dangerous.
🚙 Jeep Arrangements
Detail
Info
Vehicle
Toyota Land Cruiser or similar 4x4
Cost
12,000–18,000 PKR (full day)
Departure
7:00 AM from Skardu hotel
Return
5:00–6:00 PM
Includes
Driver, fuel, park entry assistance
Book through your hotel the night before. Negotiate the price — 15,000 PKR is a fair rate for 5 passengers.
📍 What You'll See
🌿 Deosai Plains
An endless, rolling grassland at 4,000m+ altitude. In April it may still have patches of snow, making it even more dramatic. One of the flattest high-altitude plateaus on Earth. It feels like another planet.
💧 Sheosar Lake
The crown jewel of Deosai. A pristine alpine lake at 4,142m. Crystal-clear water reflecting snow-capped peaks. One of the highest lakes in Pakistan. Bring a jacket — it's freezing even on sunny days.
🐻 Himalayan Brown Bear
Deosai is one of the last habitats of the Himalayan brown bear. Sightings are rare but possible (more common in June–August). Your driver will know the usual spots.
🌸 Wildlife & Wildflowers
Marmots (ground squirrels) are everywhere. Golden eagles circle overhead. In late April, the first wildflowers start appearing.
🍽 Meal Plan
☀ Breakfast (6:30 AM) Hotel — eat very well. No food available until you return.
🌤 Packed Lunch MUST pack from hotel or bazaar: sandwiches, parathas, boiled eggs, fruits, water bottles, biscuits, chocolate. There is ZERO food in Deosai.
🌙 Dinner (~7 PM) Skardu — celebrate with a good meal. You've earned it.
🍽 There are NO shops, restaurants, or water sources in Deosai. Pack everything. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
🧥 What to Wear & Carry
Heavy jacket / down jacket — Deosai at 4,100m in April can be -5°C to 5°C
Gloves and beanie — wind chill is brutal
Sunscreen & sunglasses — UV is intense at this altitude
Comfortable shoes — you'll walk around at Sheosar Lake
Camera + extra battery — cold drains batteries fast
Altitude sickness meds — take Diamox if you feel headache/nausea
🔄 Backup Plan — If Deosai is Closed
Deosai closes due to heavy snow, typically before mid-May. In April, there's a real chance it's still closed. Here's what to do instead:
📞 Check road status the night before — ask your hotel or call the Skardu DC office. Don't drive to the entry gate only to be turned back.
Alternative Day Plan
Time
Activity
Details
8:00 AM
Manthoka Waterfall
45 km from Skardu. Beautiful 180-ft waterfall. Tucson accessible. ~2 hrs visit.
11:00 AM
Shigar Fort (Fong Khar)
32 km from Skardu. 400-year-old restored fort and heritage museum. Entry ~200 PKR. Stunning architecture.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Shigar
Local restaurants near the fort serve excellent trout fish.
3:00 PM
Revisit Upper Kachura / Buddha Rock
If you missed these on Day 4, or revisit for better photos.
5:00 PM
Skardu Bazaar shopping
Gemstones, handicrafts, warm shawls as gifts.
This alternate plan is still a fantastic day — Manthoka Waterfall alone is worth the trip. Don't feel like you've missed out.
🌙 Evening Back in Skardu (Last Night)
Hot shower & rest — you'll be cold and tired from Deosai
Farewell dinner in Skardu — treat yourselves to the best restaurant. Ask hotel for recommendations.
Pack up — tomorrow you leave for Hunza. Pack the car tonight.
Sort through photos — back up your Deosai photos while you have power
Early sleep — 6:30 AM departure tomorrow for Hunza