Katpana Cold Desert

Why it is called a cold desert

Katpana, also known as the Skardu Cold Desert, lies at about 2,226 m. Summer days can reach the high twenties Celsius, but winter nights fall far below freezing, occasionally as low as −25 °C. That combination of desert sand and alpine cold is what makes it a cold desert, and the reason winter visitors can walk over dunes with snow on them.

What to do there

Most visitors walk up the dunes for the view, which takes in the Skardu valley, the Indus and the surrounding peaks, and stay for sunset when the sand and mountains change colour. Photographs work best in the low light of late afternoon. Small Katpana Lake sits near the visitor area, and the airport is close enough that you may see a flight coming in.

The sand is soft and walking uphill in it is tiring, especially at altitude, so take it slowly and carry water. Sunglasses and sun protection matter here: the light is strong and it reflects off the sand, and in winter off the snow as well.

Visitors arriving on a morning flight often come here in the afternoon: it is close to the airport, involves only as much walking as you want, and is a gentle way to spend a first day at altitude before bigger excursions.

When to go

Katpana can be visited all year. From May to October it is the easy, sunny stop most visitors know. From December to February the chance of snow on the dunes is what draws photographers. Winter trips to Skardu need warm clothing and some flexibility for flight delays; our guide to Skardu in winter covers what to expect.

How it fits into a Skardu trip

Because it is close to Skardu town and the airport, Katpana often fills the afternoon of an arrival day on by-air trips, or pairs with the Kachura lakes. Shigar Fort and the Shigar valley make a good next day, and in summer the Deosai plains are the big excursion above Skardu.