Safari ground
Sheosar Lake
Astore district · 4,142 m
Sheosar Lake lies at 4,142 m on the Deosai plateau, in brown bear country, and it is the site of our mobile camp.
Sheosar is the high lake on the Deosai plateau, with Nanga Parbat beyond it. The plateau around it is one of the highest alpine grasslands in the world, and the lake sits at 4,142 m.
Kind Safari groundDistrict AstoreElevation 4,142 mPosition 34.917° N, 75.417° E
About Sheosar Lake
Deosai covers about 2,240 sq km and became a national park in 1993. Its name is said to mean giant's abode in Chinese. The Balti name is Bhear Sar, the place of flowers, and in summer the grass is full of them, with crystal clear, icy rivers running past and rocky mountains in the far distance.
It is brown bear country. The plateau is home to the Himalayan brown bear, and also to eagles, the lammergeier, falcons and other birds that breed here in spring and summer. More than 100 species of plants and grasses grow here, along with many herbs and medicinal plants.
Our safari crosses the plateau in Land Cruisers from Skardu to Astore and camps here, with a mobile camp. The park protects all of its wildlife, so you can watch the animals in their natural home.
The plateau is snowbound from November to the end of May or early June, and then it bursts into life, so a summer visit is a treat.
Elsewhere in Astore
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Conservancy · 2,600 m
Astore
Astore is a markhor conservancy and the district's main town, with treks to Rama, Rupal and the Deosai plateau starting from here.
- 3,300 m
Lake or water
Rama Lake
Rama Lake sits above the Rama meadow and its coniferous forest, with Nanga Parbat behind it.
- 3,100 m
Town or village
Rupal
Rupal lies under the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat, the largest mountain wall on earth at 4,600 m of relief.
- 2,800 m
Town or village
Minimarg
Minimarg lies beyond the Burzil Pass, at the far end of the Astore district.
- 4,100 m
Pass
Burzil Pass
Burzil Pass stands at 4,100 m, where the old Srinagar to Gilgit road crossed before the highway existed.