Katpana Desert

Quick facts

• Height above sea level: 7,300 ft (about 2,230 m)
• Nearest city: Skardu — About 8 km (about 15 minutes by road, near Skardu Airport)
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 13°C to 30°C
• Winter (Dec–Feb): -10°C to 5°C

Famous for: One of the highest cold deserts in the world, at 2,226 m, with sand dunes beside the Indus that are often covered in snow in winter; popular for jeep and ATV rides.

Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert of Skardu, is one of the highest deserts in the world, sitting at an elevation of roughly 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). Located near Katpana Lake near Skardu city in Gilgit-Baltistan, this natural wonder features vast sweeping sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan and Karakoram mountains. During the winter months, the sand dunes are frequently blanketed in snow, creating a rare and visually striking landscape contrast. Katpana Desert is a popular spot for quad biking, sandboarding, glamping, and capturing spectacular sunset photography over the dunes.