Blind Lake, more accurately known as Jarbazho, where “Jarba” means “Blind” and “Zho” means “Lake.” It is a tranquil freshwater lake in the Shigar Valley and is one of Skardu’s unexplored spots. So far, no one has captured the natural beauty of this lake. But it has spectacular and exotic views.
Let’s enjoy this article and plan your trip to Blind Lake, A scenic lake near Shigar valley Skardu it will amaze you with its natural beauty.
Location Of Blind Lake
Blind Lake is on the way from Skardu to Shigar District and is located 28km away from the central city. It is about a 45-minute drive from the town of Skardu. The road is trek-shaped, bumpy, and dusty, but well worth a visit.
Blind Lake is a hidden gem between the mountains and the famous Sarafaranga desert. The Indus River bounds it on one side and the Shigar River on the other. The path of the lake is unique; you will have to cross greenery, deserts, and small rocky hills.
How to reach Blind Lake?
Islamabad to Skardu
Skardu is about 291 km from Islamabad, and it takes almost 20 hours to reach there by road, but tourists can also travel by air. Traveling by road from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the most adventurous and enjoyable journeys because you’ve got to pass through picturesque wonderlands and open valleys.
There are two routes from Islamabad; one goes straight through the Karakoram Highway called N35, whereas the other route from Islamabad to Mansehra follows National Highway N15.
Skardu to Blind Lake
Once you reach Skardu, your destination is about 45km away from you. It is only accessible by 4-wheel vehicle, and you can reach Blind Lake by jeep in an hour and a half.
This complete trip of 1 hour and 40 minutes includes 35 minutes of driving on the paved road, 35 minutes of driving on the rough dirt road, and then there’s a 30-minute walk, and you’ll get the first glimpse of Blind Lake.
The temperature at Blind Lake
The beauty of the lake is enchanting at any time of the year. But the area is full of natural beauty, and the whole place is covered with various colorful flowers and butterflies, especially in spring, so it’s the best time to visit Blind Lake.
Temperature in Winter
The temperature of Blind Lake in winter varies from 8 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius. The snowfall is expected from January to March.
In winter, this frozen lake attracts tourists with its incredible beauty. But the coldest month is January, with a temperature of -25 degrees Celsius at night.
Temperature in Summer
The temperature at Blind Lake in the summer varies from 24 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. In summer, the crystal clear water reflects different colors and attracts visitors.
From June to September is the best time period to visit Blind Lake. But still, if you’re traveling during the summer, be prepared for unprecedented rain.
Blind Lake Surroundings
The hike up to the lake is a little tricky, but the surroundings are so strikingly beautiful that the feeling of exhaustion and body aches can never stand in your way. Everywhere, different landscapes and vistas will nourish and soothe your tired nerves.
The lush green trees around the lake enhance the beauty of the surroundings and the lake. The serene atmosphere, enchanting stillness, and beautiful scenery never tire the eyes of the beholder.
Why this Lake is called Blind Lake?
Blind Lake generally doesn’t have any water supply or discharge source.
The water in the lake doesn’t flow and remains stagnant; that’s why people named this lake blind lake.
Things to do at Blind Lake
Camping
Camping in this area is a great experience. An ideal camping site is next to the blind lake to watch the stars go out after a spectacular sunset.
You can have a great time at the campsite with a barbecue, bonfire, and tea. However, keep an eye on the weather forecasts because it can change quickly. And we also recommend packing light but warm clothing for the camping trip.
Swimming
Swimming in the clear waters of Blind Lake is a pleasure for tourists. Here you can swim in the freshwater of this beautiful lake and can also take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.
Some parts of the lake are shallow, some are surprisingly warm, and they will offer excellent opportunities to explore the beauty of the lake by swimming.
Boating
Daytime activities at the lake include boating in the calm, cool water, and it excites visitors enough to explore the lake closely.
Closer to water makes you happier and calmer. So, whenever you visit Blind Lake, get on the boat and breathe life.
Fishing
Blind Lake offers different recreational activities, and fishing is one of the most enjoyable activities one can do here.
The Pakistani government has set up a small fish farm here. The lake offers tremendous opportunities for trout fishing.
Sightseeing
The crystal clear blue water of the blind lake and the surrounding lush greenery make its scenery more alluring. The sparkling, shimmering water of the lake and the circular waves created by the wind are a part of a treasured memory that will soothe and rejuvenate your senses in moments of solitude.
And the sky at night is apparent, and even the most minor star can be seen with the naked eye.
Tourists Attractions Near Blind Lake
Deosai Plains
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the Deosai plains is 25km away from Skardu valley. It is the second highest plateau in the world.
It is the most visited tourist attraction in Skardu, home to the Himalayan brown bear. Tourists can also see Himalayan ibex, red fox, grey wolf, and the snow leopard. But you can only visit this place in summer and get breathtaking views of flowers and butterflies.
Masrur Rock Hussainabad Skardu
The recently famous Hussainabad rock, also known as Masrur Rock, is located at the top of Hussainabad valley in Skardu. This valley is 20 minutes from Skardu, and drive another 20 minutes, and you’ll reach the beautiful Masrur Rock.
Masrur Rock is similar to Trolltunga rock in Norway. A visit to this place offers a unique experience of a 4-hour high altitude hike and the most beautiful views of Skardu town from a bird’s eye view.
Kharpocho Fort
Kharpocho Fort, called the king of forts, towers over the Indus River and is a lookout point of Skardu city. This fort is an excellent example of ancient engineering craftsmanship. The old mosque inside the fort attracts visitors.
It is located at the height of 40 meters from the city. However, the road to this fort is still tricky to walk. But Kharpocho Fort is a true gem of the city, and is an attractive destination for tourists.
Katpana Desert
Another beautiful place in Skardu is the Katpana Desert. Between the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, there are breathtaking dunes. These beautiful dunes are also known as Cold deserts, due to cold climate and desert surroundings.
In cold region, and at high altitudes, dunes are nothing more than a miracle.
Katpana Lake
In addition to the desert, there is also a small picturesque lake called Katpana Lake, which is popular with tourists for its tranquility and elegance. A desert and a lush lake in the same frame are like a myth to many people.
Katpana lake has crystal clear water, rich green meadows, and the Karakoram mountains in the background that add to the charm of this enchanting place.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is a natural lake at an altitude of 2636 meters (8650 feet) above sea level. It is one of Baltistan’s hidden gems with excellent verdant blue water. A scenic island in the middle of the lake completes this fantastic place’s splendor.
Besides its beauty, the Satpara Lake has one of the largest freshwater reserves in Pakistan. This lake is the primary source of drinking water in Skardu. Hundreds of tourists visit this charming turquoise lake for boating, rafting, and fishing in the lake’s quaint fresh water.
Nansoq Organic Village Skardu
Skardu has a very serene and peaceful place that many people don’t know, a unique village known as Nansoq Organic Village. 70 to 80 families live in this village and follow old organic lifestyle trends. It is the first settlement in the region to be purposely developed as an organic village to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The hike to this beautiful village begins in the area around Kharpocho Fort. To get to the Nansoq village, you must walk for about an hour along a gentle slope. Along the way, you will also come across several wooden bridges.
Places to Stay in Blind Lake
There are only a few huts and tuck shops around the area for snacks. But there are no hotels and guest houses for staying near the blind lake, and many prefer camping near the lake or other locations.
But if someone is interested in staying at a hotel, they must travel to Shigar valley or visit the Blind Lake directly from Shigar Town.
Conclusion
Skardu is famous as the “Queen of the Alps,” and it’s easy to see why because its snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers, and lush forests create some of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Skardu, don’t miss out on the Blind Lake; A Scenic Lake Near Shigar Valley Skardu!
