Ski in Kuksil Valley- Khunjerab
Deosai is a vast high-altitude plateau located south and west of Skardu, with an altitude of around 4,000 meters. It is snow-covered for most of the year, providing excellent conditions for trekking and skiing from mid-December to early March. This uninhabited alpine grassland features clear streams, unusual snow trout, and a large lake. Ski traverses from Astore to Skardu via Deosai are becoming popular, especially from March to April. Access to Deosai is via a jeep road from Skardu, which is connected to Islamabad by flight and road. Astore is reachable from Gilgit through the Karakoram Highway and is a one-hour flight or 4-5 hour drive away.
Skiing in Deosai offers a unique experience for enthusiasts, as it's one of the highest plateaus in the world, averaging 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level. The landscape includes rolling hills, frozen lakes, and expansive snowfields suitable for various skiing levels. The first ski touring event in the area occurred in March 2021, and in 2007, skiers navigated the Deosai Plains while enjoying excellent powder runs.
Due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, participants should be in good physical condition and have experience with glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and avalanche safety. These tours are designed for winter sports enthusiasts.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SKII
- Pakistan, with its rugged landscapes and towering mountains, offers some of the best ski touring opportunities in the world
- The Karakoram and the Himalayas host numerous peaks that provide thrilling and adventurous experiences.
- This 16-day itinerary focuses on ski touring in the scenic region of Gilgit-Baltistan, exploring areas such as the Shimshal Valley, Hushe Valley, and the famous Naltar Ski Resort.
