Deosai Plains via Chilam – The Wild Gateway to Pakistan’s Sky Plateau!
Deosai National Park, located at an average altitude of 4,114 meters (13,497 ft), is a vast high-altitude plateau straddling the districts of Skardu and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan. While most travelers approach Deosai from Skardu, the Chilam–Astore route offers a quieter, wilder alternative — complete with alpine lakes, river crossings, and surreal meadows that stretch endlessly into the horizon.
This route also connects with Minimarg and Burzil Pass, making it a dream loop for off-road and overland travelers.
Why Visit Deosai from the Astore Side?
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🚫 Less Crowded | Compared to Skardu route, fewer tourists and more solitude |
| 🏞️ Sheosar Lake First | You reach the iconic lake before anyone else |
| 🧭 Remote Adventure | High-altitude driving, untouched landscapes |
| 🐻 Wildlife Encounters | Greater chance to see Himalayan brown bears, marmots, ibex |
| 🎒 Longer Stay in the Park | Traverse the full Deosai Plateau end-to-end |
| 📸 Unmatched Photography | Sunrise on Sheosar, sunset at Bara Pani |
Routes to Deosai from the Astore Side
Location & Route Overview
🧭 Region: Astore District to Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan
🌄 Elevation: ~4,100 meters (13,450 ft) average
📍 Entry Point (via Astore): Chilam Chowki, ~1.5 hrs from Astore town
🛣️ Main Sites Along This Route:
Astore → Eidgah → Chillam → Sheosar Lake → Bara Pani → Kala Pani → Skardu
🛑 Permit Required at Chilam Checkpost (for all travelers; more strict for foreigners)
How to Reach Deosai via Chilam
Route Description 🚙 Astore → Chillam → Deosai 4×4 recommended; ~3–4 hours to Sheosar Lake 🚗 Chilas → Astore (via Jaglot) ~5 hours drive from Karakoram Highway 🏕️ Chilam to Skardu via Deosai ~6–8 hours over rugged plateau roads 🛣️ Road Type: Mostly unpaved, rocky, stream crossings — 4×4 is essential
Best Time to Visit
Things to Do in Deosai
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Camping | Bara Pani and Kala Pani are best camping spots |
| 📷 Photography | Milky Way, golden hour shots, macro flower photos |
| 🐾 Wildlife Spotting | Bears, golden marmots, red foxes, snow pigeons |
| 🌌 Stargazing | Crystal-clear sky with no light pollution |
| 🚙 Off-Road Adventure | An epic 4×4 drive through one of the world’s highest plains |
| 🧘 Disconnect & Meditate | Absolute silence, wide skies, and inner peace |
Things to Do in Deosai
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Camping | Bara Pani and Kala Pani are best camping spots |
| 📷 Photography | Milky Way, golden hour shots, macro flower photos |
| 🐾 Wildlife Spotting | Bears, golden marmots, red foxes, snow pigeons |
| 🌌 Stargazing | Crystal-clear sky with no light pollution |
| 🚙 Off-Road Adventure | An epic 4×4 drive through one of the world’s highest plains |
| 🧘 Disconnect & Meditate | Absolute silence, wide skies, and inner peace |
Local Food
Try local dishes like:
Chapshuro (meat-filled bread)
Sharbat (dried apricot juice)
Trout Fish (fresh from local rivers)
Butter tea & organic yogurt
Must-know things!
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
- Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
- Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
- Toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
- Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser.
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.
Traveler Tips
Fuel Up in Gupis or Gilgit – no petrol stations in Golaghmuli
Mobile Network: Limited; only SCOM works in some areas
Permits: No NOC needed for Pakistani tourists. Foreigners might need NOC from Gilgit.
Weather Gear: Even in summer, nights are cold – bring layers
Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated, ascend gradually