The northern region of Pakistan is filled with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the world. In addition to beautiful valleys, Skardu is also home to many beautiful lakes. Some of them are famous all over the world.
Let’s look at this list of the 12 most magnificent lakes in Skardu that make this valley even more beautiful!
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan, with an area of 2.5 square kilometers. In the center of it, there is a beautiful, picturesque island. The entire area around this lake is eye-catching.
The turquoise blue water of Satpara lake is very alluring. The images of mountains in the water make it listed among the most scenic lakes in Skardu.
Things to do at Satpara Lake
Motor Boating
Fishing
Rowing
Best time to visit Satpara Lake
The best time to visit Satpara Lake is in summer, between June and September. The winter season offers the same enjoyable experience, but the roads are closed due to snowfall.
Lower Kachura Lake
Lower Kachura Lake, also known as Shangrila Lake, is at an altitude of 2,500 meters. It is a popular tourist destination, and from here, visitors can see the entire Skardu at a glance.
Lower Kachura Lake has a heart-shaped shape that looks majestic, and it is so pristine that it will leave an imprint in your memory forever. This lake is a portion of the famous Shangri-La Resort.
Things to do at Lower Kachura Lake
Boating
Sightseeing
Best time to visit Lower Kachura Lake
The best time to visit this place is during the daytime, and visitors usually come here in the summer. In autumn, Shangrila Lake offers spectacular views of the leaves shimmering in the water.
Upper Kachura Lake
Apricot trees and conifer forests surround this 70-meter-long fresh-water lake. The lake offers unique views that are highly attractive.
The beauty of Upper Kachura Lake remains untouched due to the lack of necessary infrastructure.
Things to do at Upper Kachura Lake
Trout Fishing
Hiking
Boating
Best time to visit Upper Kachura Lake
The Upper Kachura lake freezes in winter, so it is mainly visited in summer from May to September. The best time to visit this lake is during the daytime because you have to hike a steep and rugged trek.
Sheosar Lake
At an elevation of 4,142 meters, Sheosar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located in Deosai National Park. This lake is home to alpine flora, birds, and wild animals such as ibex, deer, and markhor.
The views at dawn and dusk are a must-see at least once in a lifetime. With its striking and breathtaking beauty, this alpine lake is considered one of the most attractive lakes in Skardu.
Things to do at Sheosar Lake
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Boating
Best time to visit Sheosar Lake
From November to May, the Deosai area is covered with snow. So, the best time to visit the lake is in the summer, from June to early September. In spring, the surroundings are wrapped with beautiful flowers and butterflies.
Katpana Lake
Katpana lake is located on the bank of the Indus River in a wonderland, the cold desert. This lake is known for its enchanting beauty, yet it is still one of the relatively untouched places in Skardu.
The wide variety of trees near the lake makes the scenery even more spectacular. If you are planning a tour to Gilgit-Baltistan, you must visit this place as it is one of the fascinating lakes in Skardu.
Things to do at Katpana Lake
Swimming
Photography
Hiking
Sight View
Best time to visit Katpana Lake
Tourists usually visit Katpana Lake from July to September. If you want to see the mesmerizing beauty of blue skies and shining stars, then call it at night time.
Blind Lake
Blind Lake, also called Jarba Zhou, is a picturesque lake and a hidden pearl between the mountains and the famous Katpana desert. This lake receives its water from the Indus River.
The road towards Blind Lake is bumpy but still worth visiting. The natural beauty reflected on the lake’s surface is a popular attraction for visitors in Skardu.
Things to do at Blind Lake
Fishing
Horse Riding
Camping
Best time to visit Blind Lake
The beauty of this lake is at its best at the time of sunset. So, visiting this lake at night is way better. Spring is the ideal time to visit Blind lake, as you can see the surroundings full of flowers and lush green meadows.
Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is a paradise on earth and the best place to visit. Freshwater flowing from the streams and surrounding peaks adds to the beauty of this lake.
Rainbow lake’s clear water changes color and shade from green to blue at different times. Don’t forget to visit this place, as it is one of the most captivating lakes in Skardu.
Things to do at Rainbow Lake
Camping
Photography
Trekking
Best time to visit Rainbow Lake
The perfect time to visit Rainbow lake is during the daytime, from June to August.
Rama Lake
Rama Lake is easily accessible from Rama Meadows. The surrounding scenery of the lake is fantastic, as it is covered with a vast forest of cedar, juniper, and fir trees.
The primary source of the lake’s water is nearby glaciers and snow-covered mountains. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings make it one of the most famous lakes in Skardu.
Things to do at Rama Lake
Trekking
Trout Fishing
Camping
Best time to visit Rama Lake
People usually come here in summer, but July and August are the ideal months to visit Rama Lake. Early morning is the best time to see this place and capture pictures.
Snow Lake
Snow Lake is not a natural lake but a glacial basin from which the Biafo Glacier and the Hispar Glacier flow. It is also known as Lukpe Lawo and is located in the Karakoram at an altitude of 4877m.
The hike from Askole first leads to K2, then northwest to Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake. One can reach there after trekking for 10-13 days. There you can truly appreciate the vast expanse of snow and ice.
Things to do at Snow Lake
Hiking
Milky way view
Snow Camping
Best time to visit Snow Lake
Summer is the perfect time to visit Snow Lake.
Kutwal Lake
Kutwal Lake is surrounded by a beautiful peak, Rakaposhi-Haramosh, part of the Karakoram Range, and thousands of pine trees.
This beautiful lake is located at 9,000 feet above sea level.
Things to do at Kutwal Lake
Camping
Hiking
Best time to visit Kutwal Lake
You can visit this lake both day and night. Summer is the ideal time for visitors to see this fantastic place.
Kharfaq Lake
The stunning Kharfaq lake is a drive of 1.5 hours from Skardu. The color of the water is the lake’s most striking feature, especially in the evening when it turns all blue.
The water of this lake is not salty but cold as ice. Kharfaq lake is famous for its trout fishing.
Things to do at Kharfaq Lake
Trout Fishing
Camping
Best time to visit Kharfaq Lake
The true beauty of this lake is reflected in July and August. In winter, Kharfaq lake is covered with white snow.
Sogha Lake
This peaceful lake is located in Sogha Village. The wind gently ripped the lake’s surface, giving it a bluish tint, and soft reflections from surrounding mountains make it one of the most beautiful lakes in Skardu.
The water source of Sogha Lake is natural and is free of impurities like salt and other minerals. The temperature of the water is below 10 degrees Celsius even in summer.
Things to do at Sogha Lake
Sightseeing
Photography
Best time to visit Sogha Lake
If you want to enjoy the pure water of this lake, then daytime is the best option. Tourists usually visit Sogha Lake in July and August.
Precautions
- Bring warm clothes such as jackets and an extra pair of socks.
- Do not walk on frozen lakes.
- Wear a life jacket at the time of boating.
- Take the right gears with you.
- Check weather conditions before going.
- You must bring camping supplies.
- Bring a First aid kit.
The Bottom Line!
You want to refresh yourself, why not visit Skardu? Check out this guide; we’ve covered details of 12 most magnificent lakes in Skardu. Plan a trip!
