Deosai National Park, World's 2nd Highest Plateau

Deosai National Park is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, the world's second highest plateau at an average elevation of 4,114 metres. Spanning over 3,000 km² of rolling alpine meadows, crystal rivers and glassy lakes, it is open only June to October.

This is the last refuge of the Himalayan Brown Bear in Pakistan, around 50 to 80 bears roam the park. As you approach Sheosar Lake in the late afternoon, it's common to spot bears grazing on the distant hillside. The park also shelters Tibetan wolves, snow leopards, Siberian ibex and golden eagles.

Sheosar Lake at 4,142m is Deosai's centrepiece, a 2.5 km² lake so clear you can see the bottom. On a still morning, the peak reflections are among the most photographed views in Pakistan. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory, no regular car can manage the rocky unpaved roads.

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