Katpana Cold Desert

One of the world's highest cold deserts, with sand dunes at 2,400 m

The Katpana Desert spreads across the upper Skardu valley near the airport, an unexpected expanse of sand dunes set against the snowy Karakoram. It is one of the highest cold deserts in the world and a much-photographed Skardu sight, particularly in winter when the dunes catch a dusting of snow.

There are no facilities — bring water and a hat — but the dunes are easily walked and the views back toward Skardu and the Karakoram peaks are striking. Sunrise and sunset are best. Easy to combine with a visit to Shangri-La and the Kachura lakes on a longer day-trip loop.

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A story
The Katpana Desert is one of the world's highest cold deserts, with sand dunes rising to over fifty metres at an altitude of 2,400 m. In winter it is covered in snow; in summer, the dunes sit in surreal contrast to the snow peaks rising behind them. The local Balti name, Biang-a Naqpo, means "black sands."