Karachi to Deosai National Park Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park, often referred to as the “Land of Giants,” is a stunning plateau located in the northern region of Pakistan. Known for its breathtaking beauty, wildlife, and the second-highest plateau in the world, Deosai is a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. If you're planning a journey from Karachi to Deosai National Park, this guide will cover various travel options including by road, train, and air, with distance, routes, and travel duration.

1. By Road

Traveling by road from Karachi to Deosai National Park is a long and adventurous journey that takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the bustling urban areas of Karachi to the serene highlands of Gilgit-Baltistan.

• Distance: The distance from Karachi to Deosai National Park is approximately 1,540 kilometers (957 miles).

• Route:

  1. Start from Karachi and head north via the N-5 (National Highway) towards Hyderabad.
  2. Continue towards Sukkur, and then take the route to Multan via N-5.
  3. From Multan, proceed towards Islamabad via M-4 and M-2 Motorways.
  4. From Islamabad, take the N-15 towards Mansehra, Balakot, and then Chilas.
  5. After reaching Chilas, follow the route towards Skardu via the Skardu Road.
  6. From Skardu, the road to Deosai begins. This stretch involves off-road driving as the terrain becomes rugged.

• Travel Time: The total journey by road takes around 25 to 30 hours, including rest stops and potential delays due to road conditions.

• Travel Costs:

  • Fuel for a car may cost between PKR 18,000 to 25,000 depending on fuel efficiency.
  • Additional costs for tolls, food, and lodging may add up to around PKR 5,000 to 7,000.

• Vehicle Requirements: Since the road leading to Deosai is rugged and unpaved, especially near Skardu, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for a safe and smooth drive.

• Road Conditions: The journey from Karachi to Skardu is mostly on well-paved highways and motorways. However, from Skardu to Deosai, the road conditions are challenging, with steep inclines and unpaved sections.

2. By Train and Road

Traveling by train and road is another feasible option, although there are no direct trains to Deosai National Park. You can, however, take a train from Karachi to Islamabad and then continue the rest of the journey by road.

• Train Route:

  • Depart from Karachi Cantt Railway Station and board a train heading towards Rawalpindi (Islamabad).
  • The Green Line Express and Tezgam Express are popular options for this route.

• Travel Time (Train): The train journey from Karachi to Rawalpindi takes around 20 to 22 hours.

• Ticket Cost:

  • Economy class tickets range between PKR 1,500 to 2,500.
  • Air-conditioned or business class tickets can cost between PKR 4,500 and 6,000.

• Road Route from Islamabad:

  • After reaching Rawalpindi, you can hire a private vehicle or take a bus to Skardu.
  • The road journey from Rawalpindi to Skardu takes about 16 to 18 hours.
  • From Skardu, it’s a 2-3 hour drive to reach Deosai National Park.

• Cost of Road Journey:

  • A shared bus from Rawalpindi to Skardu may cost around PKR 3,000 to 5,000.
  • Hiring a private jeep for the Skardu to Deosai leg of the journey can cost approximately PKR 8,000 to 12,000 for a round trip.

• Overall Travel Time: Including train and road travel, the entire journey may take around 36 to 40 hours.

3. By Air and Road

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Karachi to Deosai National Park is by air, followed by a road journey from Skardu or Islamabad.

• Flights from Karachi to Skardu:

  • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates direct flights from Karachi to Skardu, typically during the summer months when tourism to the region is at its peak.
  • The flight takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Flights from Karachi to Islamabad:

  • You can also fly from Karachi to Islamabad with airlines like PIA, Airblue, or SereneAir.
  • The flight duration is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

• Road Travel from Skardu:

  • From Skardu, Deosai is accessible by road. You will need to hire a jeep or a 4x4 vehicle for the rugged terrain.
  • The journey from Skardu to Deosai National Park takes about 2 to 3 hours.

• Road Travel from Islamabad:

  • If flying to Islamabad, the road trip to Skardu takes around 16 to 18 hours. After reaching Skardu, a 2-3 hour drive will take you to Deosai.

• Airfare:

  • The cost of a direct flight from Karachi to Skardu ranges between PKR 12,000 and 20,000, depending on availability and season.
  • Airfare from Karachi to Islamabad usually costs between PKR 8,000 and 12,000.

4. Travel Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Deosai National Park is only accessible during the summer months, typically from June to September, when the snow has melted and the roads are passable.
• Altitude Considerations: Deosai is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), so it's important to be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Make sure to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
• Accommodation: Camping is the most common form of accommodation at Deosai. However, there are hotels and guesthouses available in Skardu where you can rest before making your way to Deosai.
• Weather: The weather in Deosai can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and possible snowfall, even in summer. It’s advisable to carry warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and other essentials like tents and sleeping bags if you plan on camping.

5. Points of Interest in Deosai National Park:

Deosai offers numerous attractions for travelers, making the long journey worthwhile:

• Sheosar Lake: One of the highest lakes in the world, located within the park, Sheosar Lake offers stunning views with snow-capped mountains in the background.
• Flora and Fauna: Deosai is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Himalayan brown bear, golden marmot, and a variety of birds. The park also boasts a wide range of alpine flowers that bloom during the summer.
• Camping and Trekking: Deosai offers some of the best camping and trekking opportunities in Pakistan. With its wide open spaces and untouched beauty, it is a paradise for adventurers.
• Star Gazing: Due to its remote location and lack of light pollution, Deosai is also an excellent spot for star gazing. The clear skies at night offer a spectacular view of the Milky Way and countless stars.

Conclusion

Deosai National Park, with its otherworldly beauty and unique landscape, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or air, each route offers its own experience. The road journey provides an adventurous and scenic trip, while flying to Skardu offers convenience and time-saving. No matter the travel option, the journey to Deosai is bound to be a memorable one, filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.