Seasonal · late June to early October
Skardu to Deosai plains.
Deosai is a plateau at just over 4,000 metres, and the drive up from Skardu is short in kilometres and long in hours. Sixty kilometres, three hours, all of it climbing on an unpaved track past Sadpara lake. It is a jeep trip and a day trip, and the season is narrower than most itineraries admit.
- Distance
- 60 km
- Drive time
- 3h 00m
- Shared seat
- On request
- Private from
- PKR 18,000 / day
- Surface
- Unpaved from Sadpara. Genuine 4x4 track.
- Vehicle
- Land Cruiser or Prado only
- Departure advice
- Leave Skardu by 07:00
Fares
What it costs, agreed up front.
One fare, agreed before you accept the booking. No meter, no surge.
What we know
Driving it, not describing it.
The season is roughly late June to early October. Before that the crossings hold snow and nothing gets through, whatever a booking site tells you. We will say no rather than take your money for a drive that ends at a snowbank.
It is 4,000 metres. If you flew into Skardu the day before, you have not acclimatised. Go slow, drink water, and do not plan a hike on the same day if you feel it.
Sheosar lake is the far side of the plateau and adds two hours each way from the Deosai gate. Decide before you leave Skardu whether you are doing the plateau or the lake, because trying to do both late means driving off the plateau in the dark.
There is no fuel, no signal and no help on the plateau. Our captains carry a jerry can and a spare on this route. Anyone who does not, should not be up there.
Where you stop
The drive, hour by hour.
Roads, honestly
When this road is worth driving.
Questions
Asked often enough to answer here.
When is Deosai open?
Roughly late June to early October. The exact opening depends on the snow each year, and the closing can happen overnight with the first heavy fall.
Can I go to Deosai in a car?
No. The track from Sadpara is unpaved with river crossings and needs a high-clearance 4x4. A car will not make the climb and will not be insured for it.
How much does a jeep to Deosai cost?
PKR 18,000 for a Land Cruiser day trip from Skardu with driver and fuel. PKR 24,000 if you want to add Sheosar lake.
Is Deosai a day trip from Skardu?
Yes, if you leave by seven. Six hours of driving plus time on the plateau. If you want Sheosar lake as well, it becomes a twelve hour day.
Can I reach Deosai from Astore instead?
Yes, from the western side via Astore and Chilum. Some travellers cross the plateau one way and drive out the other side, which is the best day in Baltistan if your dates fall in season.
Read before you go
Other routes