Katpana Desert Skardu - World Highest Cold Desert
Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo' as called by local people is a cold desert with white sand situated at Skardu. It is known by a few different names by local people yet one can observe this spot close to Skardu Airport. This aid by Lovin Pakistan will unveil intriguing data about this Cold Desert.
Katpana desert is spread widely from Khaplu depression to Nubra, Ladakh, Shikar, Skardu, and Zanskar in occupied Kashmir. Its biggest region is located in Skardu and Shigar also famous as Biana Naqpo and katpana Biana according to locals.
The dunes keep on shifting due to strong winds. This place has a strong and strange fascination among people due to the unique weather and high altitude.
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World’s Highest Desert
Katpana Desert is the world’s highest desert in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. The high dunes of Katpana have given it the name of the cold desert. As you move from West Pakistan to North the topography is very pleasing with the colors of the lush plantation, giant mountains, rocky plains, flowing, curvy streams, waterfalls, cloudy skies, and picturesque landscapes.
Surprising Dunes
The North of Pakistan is full of surprises but the Katpana desert has stunned the visitors with its high altitude and strong winds hitting the dunes hard. The granules of sand in the Katpana desert are white, which has marked this desert as a wonder on Earth.
When the sun shines on these granules, they seem like pearls. People who see this desert once are mesmerized by its beauty and wish to see it again and again. Don’t trust it? Visit it yourself and get hypnotized by its beauty.
Katpana Desert Surroundings
Katpana is surrounded by several scenic surroundings. The visitors can have a surreal experience among the beautiful meadows, freshwater streams, and gigantic mountains. The snow-covered white dunes and the white sand of this desert equally contribute to its beauty.
The wonderful feeling of walking in the soft sand underneath the bluest sky and cool breeze that one can have in Katpana Desert Skardu.
Weather Conditions
Just like this unique desert, its weather is also very unique. This stunning cold desert has mesmerizingly cold nights and sandy views that insist travelers all around for visiting. It is marked as the best desert in the world to visit.
It also has lush plantations and vegetation. Its temperature is on average 8 degrees Celsius to 26 degree Celsius in October which falls to -10 degrees Celsius from December to January.
Its temperature can sometimes decrease to extremely low as -25 degrees Celsius making it colder than any hill station.
Things to do in Katpana Desert
- Cherry Picking
- Camping
- Star Gazing
- Sightseeing
1) Cherry Picking
On the way towards the Katpana Desert, the tourists pass through the cherry trees. If the cherries are ready to harvest when you visit, you can enjoy picking them.
Most people spend their time picking these cherries and letting them enjoy fresh ones before reaching Katpana. If you are traveling with a local, they will also help you get as many cherries as you want.
2) Camping
People love setting up camps in the Katpana Desert when the weather is suitable. Many tourists visit there to experience staying beneath the starry sky, the same as in the Fairy Meadows.
Places near this cold desert such as the Blind Lake are also preferred by tourists for camping.
3) Star Gazing
During summer or when the weather is clear, the sky at night glitters with the stars in the Katpana Desert. People visit here to feel great charm in looking up at the star-studded sky, especially during summer nights in this desert.
Tourists prefer to stay in Katpana or nearby areas to enjoy this view at night.
4) Sightseeing
Apart from the magical view of the starry nights, the Katpana Desert delights visitors more with other scenic sights. The tour to Skardu itself is incomparable in terms of picturesque views.
The tall gray mountains, lush green meadows, and glassy lakes. The blue sky in summer makes the place look more calm and attractive.
Read and download Travelpakistani's Best Skardu Travel Magazine which will provide you with all the information on the Katpana desert.
Katpana Desert is a truly fantastic place to visit and enjoy the serenity of this breathtaking spot. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip by clicking on the following button and fill the form.
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