If you are passionate about natural beauty, then you must visit this place. Skardu is one of the regions with the natural beauty of Pakistan. It is also a part of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is utopian on earth for lovers of adventure. Also, Skardu boasts many marvels bestowed on Mother Nature. The lakes steal the limelight with their serenity and sparkling crystal-clear waters. This guide will take you around the most famous Skardu lakes, giving an overview of their salient features and a peek into their history and the best visiting time. If you want to explore Skardu more, then visit our website.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Skardu-Gilgit-Baltistan
Skardu Overview
This beautiful city, located in the Karakoram Range, has the most attractive landscapes in the world. It is worldwide famous for its breathtaking mountain outlooks, ancient forts, and, above all, a collection of beautiful lakes. Besides being enchanting natural entities, these lakes are of immense historical and cultural importance for the local people.
Read More: Places to Visit in Skardu
Shangrilla Lake
The first and most famous lake in Skardu is Shangrila Lake. Shangrila Lake is also famous as Lower Kachura Lake and is termed by many as Paradise on Earth. It attracts visitors by its crystal-clear waters reflecting off the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains, offering a wonderfully diverse contrast to the hustle and bustle of life reflected in the surreal. Glass-mirrored landscapes few have seen before, seen, or experienced. Of these, the renowned Shangrila Resort Hotel is a source of appeal for all vacationers who come here for leisure and fun, with its peculiar architecture serving as an enhancement to the lake’s beauty.
Upper Kachura Lake
The second most famous lake in Skardu is Upper Kachura Lake. Upper Kachura Lake is located only a few kilometres away from Shangrila Lake. It is equally as beautiful as Shangrila’s but often gets neglected by tourists. Unlike Shangrila, Upper Kachura Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and apricot orchards. Combining these two provides a calm atmosphere, ideal for hiking, fishing, and picnics. This could be an ideal spot to swim, for with the cold and deep water, one would swim deep in the wilderness. If you can visit Shangrilla Lake, you will have the most fun here.
Satpara Lake
The third most popular lake is Satpara Lake, lying close to the town of Skardu. It is especially interesting and attractive because it may supply the main water source in the Skardu Valley. Satpara Lake, fed by the water of melting glaciers, is doubtless one of the best examples of human utility matched by natural beauty. One can achieve another dimension of the land one is surrounded by when the little island amidst the lake is accessed via a boat ride. The turquoise-coloured waters of Satpara Lake present a breathtaking view, especially at the times of sunrise and sunset when the light reflects from the lake in dazzling kaleidoscopic colors. If you visit, don’t miss it.
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake is also most popular for its beauty. This Lake is located in Deosai National Park, which can also be rated as one of the highest lakes in the world. Situated in the vast and undulating plains of Deosai. The wild serenity of this lake reflects the complete topography of other lakes around Skardu. The local language label for this lake is known as Blind Lake, suggesting the remote and forlorn situation of that lake. Most during summer, access to the lake is highest, with the Deosai Plains covered in wildflowers’ blooms. Sheoar Lake is a great place for a nature walk or photography as its surroundings provide a soothing backdrop against its sparkling blue waters. If you visit in summer, you must visit this lake for fun.
Basho Valley Lakes
Basho Valley Lakes are the hidden treasure in the enchanting Basho Valley of Skardu. Imagine serene, crystal-clear water with a backdrop of rugged mountains and green, lush meadows. More often, mist-shrouded lakes offer a tranquil getaway from the din and bustle of everyday life, making them perfect retreats for nature lovers and adventurers alike. You will be hypnotized by their reflective surfaces, portraying the untouched beauties and the peacefulness that characterize this nook of the world.
Katpana Lake
Katpana Lake is one of the interesting wonders hidden in the heart of the Cold Desert of Skardu. Imagine a serene, azure expanse surrounded by golden dunes and towering peaks. This lake provides an interesting dichotomy to the rugged desert landscape. The still waters of this lake make up a picture-postcard scenery amidst the startling beauty of the surrounding dunes, surreal as it is inviting. This place will leave one stuck between the breathtaking landscape and moments of quiet contemplation. Katpana Lake will undoubtedly give you an experience you won’t soon forget.
Best Time to Visit Skardu Lakes
The ideal time to explore the Skardu Lakes starts from May to September. When there is pleasant, fine weather and easier access to the lakes. The passage toward lakes is opened during these months, from May to September, and the surroundings become luxuriant and beautiful. Although winter has its beauty, sometimes a lot of snowfall can create inconvenient situations for visiting the lakes due to the closure of the roads.
Read More: Frozen Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan-A Guide to Winter Travel
Conclusion
Skardu Lakes bears witness to unmatched natural beauty in Pakistan’s northern areas. Each lake offers something different, from the chatter and energy of Shangrilla to the quiet isolation of Upper Kachura and Sheosar. Skardu Lakes will surely leave its mark on the heart of any adventure seeker, outdoor person, or someone just looking for a quiet retreat. If you are fond of natural and historical beauty, then visit the lakes of Skardu. These lakes can tell stories not only of breathtaking scenery but also in-depth about the natural and cultural legacy of the Skardu region.
Read More: Best Things to Do in Skardu Gilgit Baltistan
Frequently Asked Questions About Skardu Lakes
What are the famous lakes in Skardu?
The famous lakes in Skardu are Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, Satpara Lake, and Sheosar Lake. Each lake has a different natural beauty, providing visitors with a different experience.
What is the best time to pay a visit to Skardu Lakes?
May to September is considered the best time to visit Skardu Lakes. During that period, the lakes’ colours are breathtakingly beautiful. The roads are easy, and the weather is mild.
How to reach Skardu Lakes?
There is a road to Kardu Lakes starting from Skardu town. To visit the lakes, a local guide or jeep must be hired on payment. Shangri-La Lake and Upper Kachura Lake are relatively nearby. For Sheosar Lake, one has to go out of the way via Deosai National Park.
Is it safe to swim in Skardu Lakes?
Although swimming is common in certain lakes, such as Upper Kachura Lake, the water is usually rather chilly. If you decide to go swimming, you should be sure you can swim properly and be careful. It is not suggested that you go swimming alone.
Are there accommodations near Skardu Lakes?
Yes, in Skardu, there are lakes with ample accommodations. One of the most popular stays is Shangri-La Resort on the shores of Shangri-La Lake. Other lakes, such as Satpara Lake, have campsites or even guest houses.
What can I do around Skardu Lakes?
One may want to include boating, fishing, hiking, and photography in one’s list of things to do upon visiting Skardu Lakes. Since the surrounding landscapes are appropriate for picnics and nature hikes, one may spend peaceful times in the company of the natural world.
Do I need a permit to see Sheosar Lake at Deosai National Park?
Yes, Sheosar Lake is in Deosai National Park, and permission to enter the park is required. They were being distributed at the park’s entrance. It’s always a better idea to recheck the latest rules and/or associated costs before going there.
How far is Skardu from Islamabad, and what is the best way to travel there?
It is about 630 kilometres away from Islamabad. If you want to go by air, then Skardu Airport is easily accessible from Islamabad. Otherwise, one can drive to it, and the time it takes is about 16–18 hours, depending upon the condition of the roads.
What to carry along while visiting Skardu Lakes?
This is mainly very warm clothing one may need to visit Skardu Lakes, especially when they want to go in the early or late months of the tourist season. More details required include sunscreen, cameras, hiking shoes with good fittings, and personal medicine.
Skardu Lakes visited during winter?
Although the roads leading to the lakes have been closed and receive plenty of snowfall, Skardu is accessible during winter. In addition, it can be much more dramatic and spectacular with the landscape since the lakes freeze for some months in the winter. Visitors who go there during winter should be prepared for very cold temperatures and not-so-ideal driving conditions.
