The Deosai National Park is a high-altitude alpine plateau, situated at an average elevation of 13,497 ft above sea level, making it the second highest plateau in the world (after the Changtang Tibetan Plateau). Deosai means ‘the land of Gods’. The park protects an area of 1200 square miles, and is stunningly gorgeous in springtime with wildflowers galore and a wide variety of butterflies. We traversed the Deosai plateau from Skardu to Astrore, and due to the extremely rough road conditions that can never be foreseen because of the fluctuating weather patterns, we started the drive very early in the morning.
However, our first stop was to visit the Manthal Buddha Rock in Skardu. A large granite rock with inscriptions of Buddha engraved, assumed to date back to the 8th century. Another prime example of how rich the Buddhism history is in the region.
Onward to Deosai National Park – the real journey began. We followed a switchback road, higher and higher, getting closer and closer to snow. For reference, it was the end of June. Some years the roads are too snow covered to enter the park until late-July, so we considered ourselves very lucky. The route started getting rocky, wet, and clearly not well maintained. Our 4×4 vehicles slowed to a very steady pace, taking each bump and curve with caution. We didn’t mind, as the spanning views were breathtaking.
The park was created to shelter the endangered Himalayan brown bear, and is home to snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and red foxes. However, we only spotted marmots, but an abundance of them! Lunch was enjoyed at picturesque Shoser Lake, then we continued onward to Astore Valley. The landscape grew green and lush the further we descended. Wildflowers still carpeted some areas, even though spring had long passed.
By the time we reached Astore Valley for the night, we were all quite exhausted from the many hours of exhilarating driving. The valley views kept us alert for the last 45 minute leg, up a narrow road, to our hotel in Rama.
Wandering Ways 