If you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, head to the stunningly beautiful destination of Deosai in northern Pakistan.
An old Balti saying goes, “Only the mad go to Deosai.” This is because this breathtakingly beautiful pasture, situated at such an altitude, puts travelers to the ultimate test with its challenging journey.
The creator of this Balti proverb could never have imagined how today’s mechanical life has ensnared us in its grip. We have completely overlooked the lush beauty of nature around us. If you wish to take a break from this relentless pace of life, head to the magnificent destination of the pakistan most beautiful place Deosai in northern Pakistan.
This stunning wilderness is located 45 kilometers from the city of Skardu, while Skardu itself is an eight-hour drive from the Karakoram Highway.
Indeed, it is an arduous journey. On the way from Skardu to Sadpara village, one encounters the enchanting Sadpara Lake, adorned with emerald-green waters, unmatched in its vastness and beauty. The Sadpara Dam is also located here, which supplies water to the city of Skardu.
After the lake, the journey continues upward. The road is unpaved, and it is important to note that this route is strictly a jeep track. After about 40 minutes, you reach Deosai. From there, an additional 85 kilometers of jeep track takes you down into the Astore Valley. This leg of the journey takes approximately four hours to complete.
Deosai is an expansive plateau spread over 3,000 square kilometers, where lush green mountains, streams, and an abundance of beautiful flowers leave visitors spellbound. The wildlife in Deosai is equally remarkable. Here, you can spot golden marmots, resembling squirrels, red foxes, and even Himalayan brown bears.
However, spotting Himalayan bears is a risky endeavor, as they are among the critically endangered species. To ensure their survival, the government has declared Deosai a national park and imposed a strict ban on hunting.
For camping, the area known as Bara Pani, located along the banks of the Shingo Shigar River in the Astore side of Deosai, is an excellent spot. It is a popular camping site. Although sleeping mattresses and comfortable tents help protect against the cold, the risk of damp ground persists at night due to subzero temperatures.
Despite all the safety measures, nights in Deosai can be extremely cold. However, this is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. One issue that requires attention is the lack of restroom facilities.
About an hour’s journey from Bara Pani lies the breathtaking Sheosar Lake. Its azure waters possess a unique charm. If luck is on your side and the skies are clear, you can even catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat from Sheosar. Surrounding you are countless vibrant species of flowers, and the delicate butterflies fluttering over them add to the romantic allure of Deosai.
Keep in mind, when visiting Deosai, be sure to bring warm jackets as well as sunscreen, as the intense sunlight here can easily burn the skin.
I can never forget those two British tourists who were watching the sunset from Bara Pani.
According to them, watching the sunset in Deosai was a fantasy they couldn’t even experience in Britain. That’s when I realized how fortunate I was to be among those “mad” individuals who had witnessed the beauty of Deosai. Truly, there should always be room for a little madness in life.
