Deosai Plains

Deosai Plains are a high-elevation alpine plain between Skardu District and Astore District in Gilgit-Baltistan, in the western Himalayas near the central Karakoram Range. The plains have an average elevation of 4,114 metres above sea level and are surrounded by the Deosai Mountains.

Landscape & Wildlife

The area is associated with the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe eco-region. In spring, the plains are covered with wildflowers and support a wide variety of butterflies. Wildlife includes the Himalayan brown bear, Siberian ibex, snow leopard, Kashmir musk deer, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan marmot and more than 124 types of resident and migratory birds.

Access

Deosai is described as accessible only in summer. Routes approach from Skardu District, Astore District via Chilim, Galtari Tehsil, Mehdiabad via Mehdiabad-Dapa Road, Shila Valley and Burgy La via Burgy Nala Skardu. The plains are approximately 30 kilometres from Skardu city, which is identified as the shortest route to visit Deosai.