Deosai National Park — Bara Pani Ford Valley Floor Dispersed Camp

At roughly 4,100–4,200 m on the Deosai plains, the Bara Pani ford area offers wide, open gravel and short-grass flats along the braided stream channels that overlanders must negotiate on the Skardu–Astore traverse. It’s cold, exposed, and brutally beautiful — panoramic views of the plateau, Himalayan snowfields on the horizon, and a real shot at seeing Himalayan brown bear or ibex at first light. No infrastructure whatsoever. Flat ground is easy to find; shelter from wind is not. Come with full cold-weather kit even in July.

Access is via the Deosai National Park track out of Skardu through Satpara Lake. The route is passable for high-clearance 4WD only — river crossings vary with snowmelt, and the plateau road can be deeply rutted or washed out. The park is typically open June through October; check with the Pakistan Wildlife Department office in Skardu before attempting. Entry fees are collected at the Kala Pani check post. No open fires — fuel strictly at your own capacity.

Roof of the world camp, brown bear country.