The grassy plains
An open green expanse.
M.Awais — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jehan Sher — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Farhan Rehman — CC BY-SA 4.0 · M.Awais — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Irfanabdulqadir7 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Deosai National Park is a high alpine plain between Skardu and Astore districts in Gilgit-Baltistan, at an average of 4,114 m above sea level. It is on the UNESCO tentative list and lies east of Nanga Parbat. This open green expanse is among the strangest sights in Pakistan, feeling like the roof of the world, and visitors can reach it only in summer. The name Deosai comes from two Shina words, deo for giant and sai for shadow, so it means shadow of the giant or land of the giants. The Balti people call it Ghbiarsa, summer's place, because it can be reached only in that season. It stays under snow for most of the year, and its look changes greatly from week to week. You see broad grassy plains, blue and red wildflowers in July and August, small rivers and the blue Sheosar Lake at the edge of the park, with distant snow peaks. You may see marmots along the road. Keep away from wild animals and leave no rubbish, as this is a very fragile habitat. It is about 39 km in a straight line from Skardu and usually reachable only by four-wheel drive. Bring warm clothes, as the weather changes fast even in summer, and watch for altitude sickness. Snow closes the roads in winter.
An open green expanse.
Colour in summer.
Blue at the park's edge.
Between Skardu and Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Usually only in summer, roughly from late June to September, as snow closes the roads in winter.
Warm clothes, food and water, as services are limited and the weather changes fast.