Photo: GB TourismField guides / Baltistan Division / Skardu & Baltistan / Katpana Cold Desert
Field guide · Nature
Baltistan Division
Skardu District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Katpana Cold Desert
High sand dunes at 2,226 m beside Skardu airport, snow-covered in winter.
The Katpana Desert, also called Biang-a Naqpo or the Skardu Cold Desert, is a field of sand dunes at about 2,226 m in the Skardu valley, among the highest deserts in the world. In winter the dunes are covered in snow.
Why go
- ✦Sand dunes at about 2,226 m
- ✦Snow on the dunes in winter
- ✦Katpana Lake beside the desert
- ✦Next to Skardu airport
About
The desert runs from the Indus south of Skardu north to New Ranga village, but the part most people visit is by Katpana Lake, close to Skardu airport. Summer days reach around 27 °C; in December and January the temperature drops below −17 °C and can fall to −25 °C. Across the Indus lies the Sarfaranga desert.
How to Reach
Beside Katpana Lake, close to Skardu airport, a short drive from Skardu town.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April to October for walking; December to February for snow on the dunes, with very cold nights.
Getting there, Beside Katpana Lake, close to Skardu airport, a short drive from Skardu town.
Allow, Two to three hours.
What to Do
Make Katpana Cold Desert Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts and journeys within 5 km of Katpana Cold Desert.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Katpana Cold Desert, within 5 km.
