The Sheosar Lake in Deosai National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a nature’s marvel located at an elevation of 13,589 feet and known as the heart of Deosai. It is ranked as one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. With changing seasons the surroundings of the lake are adorned in alluring natural colours. The lake is surrounded by a range of natural attractions including rare flora and fauna.

Tourist Attractions

The word Sheosar is a combination of two words Sheo (Blind) and Sar (water) in local Shina language and therefore is referred to as “Blind Lake”. The lake measures 2.3 km (1.4 miles), width 1.8 km (1.2 miles) and average depth 40 m (131 feet). The lake is beamed with fish which in winters is a great source of food for the brown bear.

Sheosar Lake is a famous tourists spot situated almost at the Karakoram-Himalaya border. The lake is surrounded by beautiful flat mountain peaks which can easily be hiked up. On a clear day, one can spot Nanga Parbat (the killer mountain), the second highest in Pakistan having the height of 8,126 m above sea level. Moreover, one can also view the far surrounding snow-clad mountains and plains in the region.

Camping sites are well-designated and one can camp on the north side of the lake. There is ample space for parking of vehicles by the campsite for those who wish to pitch personal tents. The lake water is not recommended for drinking, there is a spring adjacent to the campsite as a source of clean water.

Sunrises and sunsets are always amazing at Deosai. On a clear day, the weather remains quite pleasant and the views for far surrounding mountain peaks guarding the meadows are striking. The view of the lake itself is just superb during summers. The silent blue lake bordered by lush green grassy path and the slopes of mountains patched with snow is just as beautiful as a paradise for photographers who wish to capture the ultimate beauty.

Climate

Weather in Deosai is always unpredictable. July and August are the pleasant months of the year and the meadow looks lush green and strikingly beautiful. However, it sometimes snows even in July and August. The lake displays diverse colour patterns in different seasons and weather conditions. During summers the lake appears strikingly beautiful with crystal blue water surrounded by lush green grassland and flowers which also reflects spring during the summers. The grass turns brown during the fall and in winters the whole region is coated with heavy snow.

Access

Sheosar Lake in Deosai National Park is accessible through two major routes – via Astore valley and via Skardu. Sheosar falls closer to Astore and the single lane partially metaled road through Asotre is comparatively better. Almost most of the road up till the lake is metaled and the work is under construction. However, still, a 4wd is recommended for a stress-free journey.

The journey from Astore to the lake is the captivating experience as road always passes through beautiful valleys, along with crystal blue waters, lush green meadows decked with a variety of alpine flowers, streams feeding the grasslands, glaciers, and beautiful green mountain peaks crowned with snow which always emanate cool breezes. The warmth and hospitality of local people is an added beauty.

While travelling via Skardu one has to take comparatively a longer and rough route. However, while traversing the meadow one has a great deal of beauty to feast eyes with. The uphill journey starts right from the Skardu town to Sadpara Lake and then all the way to the top. The flat yet fascinating drive through the wilderness full of alpine flowers and with glimpses of snow-topped mountains engages the eyes constantly. There are must stopovers at Bara Pani and Kala Pani before one makes it to the lake.