Routes9 min read • Updated 2026-03-08
Deosai Plains Motorcycle Guide: Crossing the Land of Giants at 4,100m
How to prepare for one of the highest and wildest unpaved plateau crossings on Earth.
By The Scenic Mistake Editorial Team•Expedition Editorial Desk
What Makes Deosai So Unique
Covering 3,000 square kilometers at an average elevation of 4,114 meters, Deosai is second only to the Tibetan Plateau in altitude. For eight months of the year, it is buried beneath deep snow. When it opens in June, it transforms into an ocean of alpine wildflowers.
The 155 km Traverse from Skardu to Astore
Riders climb through Ali Malik Pass onto the plateau, cross the Bara Pani wooden suspension bridge, track past the mirror reflections of Sheosar Lake, and descend through Chilam into Astore Valley.
River Crossings, Altitude & Weather
Water levels in glacial streams rise significantly in late afternoon as glaciers melt. We schedule our Deosai crossing for early morning, with support 4x4s standing by to assist with any deep river tracks.
Experience This Route FirsthandView 2027 Tour
High Country Run
13 Days • Islamabad → Skardu → Deosai Plateau → Gilgit → Upper Hunza → Khunjerab → Shimshal → Karimabad → Skardu → Islamabad • Small Group (Max 8–10)
Guide Table of Contents
Expedition Editorial Desk
TSM
The Scenic Mistake Editorial Team
Expedition Editorial Desk
Practical riding and route insights compiled by The Scenic Mistake team in Northern Pakistan.