Camping at Sheosar Lake: Deosai National Park, Pakistan
High on the “Land of Giants” plateau, Sheosar Lake is the crown of Pakistan’s Deosai National Park. At 4,250 m altitude, this “Blind Lake” (locally named for its still surface) stretches 2.3 km of crystal-clear water. We reached its shores under a blanket of stars, our 4×4’s headlights cutting through the night on a wildflower-carpeted plain. Dawn revealed an otherworldly panorama: icy winds, distant Himalayan peaks, and the lake’s mirror calm. Camping here felt like being at the roof of the world.
Reaching Deosai
Deosai is a remote wilderness; reaching it is part of the adventure. From Skardu, the drive takes 2–3 hours via the Sheosar Road (a rugged 4×4 trail). On our jeep ride, we crossed frozen streams and moraines, arriving at Chilam Chowki where the tarmac ends. Alternatively, a route from Astore town (4 hours of rough road) joins the plain at Chilam. In either case, plan for a full day of travel. There are no villages inside Deosai, so fuel up in Skardu and pack all supplies.
Sheosar Lake and Camp Life
Sheosar Lake lies in the western Deosai basin, surrounded by rolling meadows and snow-clad peaks. Its icy waters are not easily approached – we set up camp at the nearby Bara Pani site, as recommended by guides. Here, green grass and wildflowers fringed a fast stream. Campfires warmed the chilly nights (nights can be near freezing even in July), and we cooked dinner under the stars. Local guides often join for barbecue; one tradition is to catch trout and grill it over coals, a treat for adventurous travelers.
From camp, we took a paddleboat onto the glassy lake – one of Deosai’s favorite activities. In summer months, colorful boats drift lazily on the water. The panorama is surreal: alpine flowers in the foreground, the lake’s turquoise depth in the middle, and rugged granite peaks beyond. Fishing is also popular here; many visitors try their luck catching trout in the lake, often helped by local fishermen. Even a short boat ride or lakeside walk is mesmerizing.
Things to Do
Camping: The plains have designated camping spots like Bara Pani and Kala Pani. Set up a tent, build a campfire, and soak in the silence. Summer (June–September) is the season for this – outside that window, Deosai is snowbound.
Boating: Rent a boat at Sheosar and glide on the water. This gives a unique vantage of the lake and the surrounding flowers.
Hiking: Gentle trails lead around the lake and up small ridges. For the ambitious, multi-day treks cross Deosai – for example, a route from Skardu’s Aliabad via Ali Malik Pass to Bara Pani.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for Deosai’s wildlife. Marmots and Himalayan brown bears roam the plateau. Birders can spot Himalayan vultures and eagles. In spring, the plains blossom with lupines, daisies, and poppies – the whole valley becomes a sea of color.
Photography: The alpine scenery here is world-class – sunrise over Sheosar, star trails overhead, and broad vistas. Pack a wide-angle lens.
Visitor Tips
Best Time: Visit from June through early September. Outside these months, the park is inaccessible (snow can arrive by October and linger through May). Summer days are mild, but nights remain cold.
What to Pack: Bring warm, windproof gear even for summer. The sun is strong at high altitude – use sunglasses and sunscreen. A sturdy tent and sleeping bag rated for low temperatures are a must. Also, pack snacks and water purification – there are no shops inside the park.
Altitude: Deosai’s altitude can affect breathing. Ascend slowly if coming from low elevations, and drink plenty of water to acclimatize.
Safety: The landscape is vast and remote. Stay on marked paths around the lake. Cell coverage is nil, so carry a first-aid kit. Inform park rangers or locals in Skardu/Astore about your plans.
Respect the Park: Deosai is protected. A small entry fee is collected at the gate. Do not litter – carry out all garbage. Firewood is scarce, so use camp stoves for cooking if possible. Nighttime is for respectful quiet; this is a sanctuary for wildlife.
Sheosar Lake and the Deosai Plains are truly worth the journey. Ready to camp in the sky? Northern Discover’s experienced team offers guided trips to Deosai, with all logistics handled — from 4×4 transport to high-camp meals. Let us help you experience this high-altitude wonder safely and sustainably. Contact us to start planning your Gilgit-Baltistan adventure!