In Gilgit Baltistan, the Katpana Desert is part of the district of Skardu which is part of the village of Katpana. Besides the Sarfaranga Cold Desert, it’s the second-largest cold desert in Pakistan. Winters are cold here and snow covers the white dunes. In addition to being among the world’s highest deserts, the desert is 2226 meters (7303 ft) above sea level. It is 20 minutes away from Skardu International Airport and 10 minutes away from the city center of Skardu.
In the north of the Katpana Desert, there is the New Ranga Village, and in the south, there is the Indus River. Nestled near the captivating Katpana Lake, this desert draws in visitors with its stunning beauty and unique allure. It’s the perfect spot for tourists seeking adventure and unforgettable experiences!
The cold desert is called Katpana Cold Desert and is located in the Skardu Valley, northwest of Pakistan. The Gilgit Baltistan region is home to many beautiful and must-see tourist attractions. Skardu International Airport is ten minutes away by car, and there is a lovely desert in the mountains a few miles away.
A drive of 5-10 minutes is required to reach this desert from the Skardu bus stop. In addition to Natco and Geo Tours, Mashabrum Travels and K-2 Himalaya are all local bus operators that provide daily services in this area. Pirwidhai Rawalpindi and Skardu Bus Station are where tourists can purchase tickets.
The whole Baltistan region experiences cold summer weather. In summer, the temperature normally ranges from 25 to 20 degrees during the day and at night. During winter, however, the desert gets to -20 degrees Celsius and is covered in snow.
If you plan to visit this incredible place, it would be best to pack some extra warm clothing and buy a few dry fruits to help you adjust to the cold temperatures.