Katpana Desert

 Katpana Desert, located in Skardu, is one of the highest cold deserts in the world. Skardu is a town in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan, situated at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. The area is characterized by large greyish brown mountains, and in winter, the temperature can drop to -25°C, covering the desert in snow. The Katpana Desert stretches from Khaplu Valley to Shigar, Nubra, Ladakh, Skardu valley, and India-occupied Kashmir's Zanskar region, with the largest area located in Skardu and Shigar valleys.

 

There are several things to do in Katpana Desert. As the highest cold desert, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the blue sky, snow-capped mountains, fresh running water, and cold breeze. The quiet nights with large sand dunes create a captivating sight, especially during sunset when the sun casts its beautiful colors on the dunes. It's a perfect place for photography and enjoying bonfires. Additionally, you can experience the local cuisine, including Yak and Trout fish, which are popular dishes in the region.

 

Near Skardu Airport, Glamp Pakistan offers camping services for tourists. They provide luxury waterproof tents, private bathrooms with hot showers, a terrace, garden, dining hall, and car rental

services. They also serve delicious food, including Trout fish and Yak from the Katpana desert.

 

One of the nearby attractions is Katpana Lake, which is surrounded by greenery, adding to its allure. You can take a boat ride with the locals to cross the lake and visit the small village of Tandal Skardu. Alternatively, you can walk along the lake, enjoying the scenic views of green trees, mountains, and dunes. Camping near Katpana Lake is popular during the summer season.

 

Other places to visit near the desert include Sarfaranga Desert, known for its annual jeep rally events and offering activities such as bonfires, motor biking, cultural nights, and zakh/raft tournaments. Blind Lake, also known as Zharba Lake, lies between Skardu and Shigar and is a 30-minute drive from Skardu. It is fed by the Indus River on one side and the Shigar River on the other.

 

To reach Skardu, you can choose from various routes. Some common routes include:

 

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

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

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

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

Ø Gilgit Baltistan – Skardu

Skardu is approximately a 13-14 hour drive from Islamabad, and the Katpana Desert is around 16 kilometers away from Skardu, reachable in about 30 minutes via Shigar Road.