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KATPANA DESERT:

Katpana is one of the highest cold deserts in the world, which is located in Skardu. A town in Gilgit Baltistan at an elevation of about 2,226 meters, situated at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. Skardu is all covered with large greyish brown mountains. In winters, the temperature drops to -25°C and the desert is completely covered with snow. This vast desert extends from Khaplu Valley to Shigar, Nubra, Ladakh, Skardu valley, and to the India occupied Kashmir Zanskar. However, the largest area of the Katpana Desert is located in Skardu and Shigar valleys and the local names for this place are Biana Naqpo and Katpana Biana.

Things to do:

Katpana is known as the highest cold desert in the world, reaching an elevation of 7,303 feet. The blue sky, white snow covered huge mountains, fresh running water, and cold breeze presents a panoramic view. The quiet cold nights with large sand dunes offer an eye-catching sight for tourists. Nature unfolds when the sunsets at the top of calm and windy dunes to create a beautiful scenery. For a mesmerizing experience, one must plan a trip with friends and family to witness a milky way with amazing bon fire and luscious Yak and Trout fish for dinner. This is the perfect place for some good pictures.

Near Skardu Airport Glamp Pakistan is located that provide camping services to the tourists. They provide their customers with luxury waterproof tents, private bathrooms with hot shower, terrace, garden, dining hall, and car rental services. Very delicious and famous food, Trout fish and Yak from Katpana desert, served hot to the guests.

Places to Visit near the Desert:

Katpana Lake:

Another beautiful spot near the desert is Katpana Lake, it is surrounded by greenery which makes it more attractive. One way to catch a glimpse of this beautiful scenery is to take a boat ride with the locals, cross the lake, and enter a small village called Tandal Skardu. The other way is to walk down the lake. The lake is surrounded by green trees, mountains, and dunes.  Tourists love to camp here in summer.

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Sarfaranga Desert:

A 22-30 minute drive will take you to the Sarfaranga Desert. It is famous for the annual jeep rally events. Tourists usually travel here in groups and enjoy bonfires, motor biking, cultural nights, zakh/raft tournament.

Blind Lake: 

Blind Lake is also known as Zharba Lake. On the way to Shigar district, at a 30 minutes drive from Skardu, you can reach to the lake. The lake lies between Skardu and Shigar. The main source of water for the lake is Indus River, which flows on one side of the lake while the Shigar River flows on the other side.  


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Routes to Skardu:

Skardu can be reached via airlines and by road as well. There are many alternative routes to reach the destination by road. You can start your trip from:

·         Islamabad –  Mansehra –  Basham –  Dasoo –  Chilas – Jaglot – Skardu

·         Islamabad – Mansehra – Balakot – Naran – Babusar Top – Chilas – Deosai ­– Skardu

·         Islamabad – Mansehra – Basham – Dasoo – Chilas – Deosai – Skardu

·         Islamabad – Mansehra – Balakot – Naran – Babusar Top – Chilas – Jaglot ­– Skardu

·         Gilgit Baltistan – Skardu

Skardu is at the distance of almost 13-14 hours drive from Islamabad. Katpana Desert is 16 kilometers from Skardu which is a 30 minutes drive on Shigar road.