Kachura, Shangrila and Satpara: Lakes near Skardu
Around Skardu, the itineraries visit the Kachura lakes and Shangrila to the west, and Satpara Lake and the Manthal Buddha Rock to the south.
About Lakes around Skardu
Lower Kachura is better known as Shangrila; Upper Kachura is a short walk above it. Satpara Lake lies on the road from Skardu to the Deosai Plains, and the Manthal Buddha Rock is a carved Buddhist relief on the edge of the town.
These are half-day and day excursions, built into the autumn and cherry blossom tours and passed on the jeep, horse and bike routes to Deosai.
Trips that include Lakes around Skardu
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Horse Safari | 11 | Mid-June to End-September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Plains Jeep Safari | 10 | Mid July to Mid September. | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Hushe valley Biking Tour | 14 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Lakes around Skardu
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Day 13
Deosai Top – Satpara Lake. Our longing for the superb downhill to an end. Downhill for the next 20 km! The road is narrow, rough, and demands a lot of concentration. The difficult ride is pure enjoyment! Overnight at Satpara Lake.
Day 14
Satpara – Skardu. Today, we reach again—shower and washing day. We can visit the amazing bazaar or relax in the hotel garden.
Day 11: Saling – Skardu
Cycle and drive along the Shyok Valley back to Skardu. Afternoon visit to the cold desert of Katpana or Sadpara Lake. Overnight in hotel.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
09: Explore Kachora Valley
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Kachora. We will visit Shangarilla, lower Kachora Lake, and Upper Kachora Lake. Lunch at Upar Kachora Lake. After lunch, drive back to Skardu to visit Manthal Boda Rock and Sadpar Lake. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
09: Explore Kachora Valley
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Kachora. We will visit Shangarilla, lower Kachora Lake, and Upar Kachora Lake. After lunch, have lunch at Upar Kachora Lake and drive back to Skardu to visit Manthal Boda Rock and Sadpar Lake. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
04: Skardu to Ali Malik Pass
After breakfast, drive to Ali Malik Pass. En route, stop for half an hour at Sadpara Lake, eight kilometers south of Skardu. This is a virgin lake. Its source is the mountains. There is a stunning view north and south from the top of the ride before the lake. Overnight at Ali Malik Pass. (Tent)
08: Sheosar Lake to Skardu
After breakfast, we will drive back to Skardu en route stopping at Sadpara Lake. After lunch, continue the drive to Skardu. Upon Arrival, I transferred to the Hotel. Overnight at Skardu
03: Chilas to Skardu (Overland) or Skardu Local Excursion
In case the flight operated on Day 2, take a relaxed day excursion to Sadpara Lake and the cold desert of Katpana. In case of no flight, complete the scenic overland journey from Chilas along the Indus River gorge to Skardu (total drive 22–24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
Planning notes
- The autumn and cherry blossom tours spend a day on the Kachura lakes and return via Manthal and Satpara.
- Satpara is on the Deosai road, so safaris and the Deosai bike tour pass it.
- No trekking is needed for any of these sights.