Upper Kachura Lake also known as Shangrilla Lake. it is a picturesque glacial lake located in theSkardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, making it a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake is known for its clear blue waters, which are fed by the melting glaciers of the surrounding mountains.
One of the major attractions of Upper Kachura Lake is the Shangrila Resort, which is known for its comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine. The resort is located on the bank of the lake and provides a great base to explore the area.
Here, visitors can rent boats to explore the lake or take a hike around the area for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan and a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts.
Upper Kachura Lake is a great place to relax and unwind while taking in the stunning scenery. The lake provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the natural beauty of Pakistan and experience the country’s rich culture and history.
Whether you’re interested in adventure, relaxation or simply want to take in the beautiful scenery, Upper Kachura Lake is the perfect destination.
Location of Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Skardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level in the northern region of Pakistan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty.
The lake is surrounded by the majestic Karakoram mountain range, home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest peak in the world. The nearest city, Skardu, is just a short drive away and serves as the gateway to the many trekking and climbing routes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
The city is also home to several historical sites and monuments, including the Shigar Fort, which dates back to the 17th century.
Reaching Upper Kachura lake is an adventure in itself, visitors can take a 45-minute drive from Skardu or a 1 hour and 30 minutes flight from Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, to get to the lake.
The exact coordinates of the lake are 35.3288° N, 75.5364° E. These coordinates refer to the lake’s latitude and longitude respectively. Upper Kachura lake is a true paradise on earth, a place where visitors can reconnect with nature and indulge in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Upper Kachura Lake Weather
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Average Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C (59°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 20mm (0.8 inches) |
| February | 17°C (63°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 25mm (1 inch) |
| March | 20°C (68°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 30mm (1.2 inches) |
| April | 24°C (75°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 35mm (1.4 inches) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 40mm (1.6 inches) |
| June | 32°C (90°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 45mm (1.8 inches) |
| July | 35°C (95°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 50mm (2 inches) |
| August | 33°C (91°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 55mm (2.2 inches) |
| September | 30°C (86°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 60mm (2.4 inches) |
| October | 25°C (77°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 65mm (2.6 inches) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 70mm (2.8 inches) |
| December | 17°C (63°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 75mm (3 inches) |
As you can see, the weather in Upper Kachura Lake is mild year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 35°C (95°F). The wettest months are July and August, with an average of 50mm (2 inches) of precipitation each month. The driest months are January and February, with an average of 20mm (0.8 inches) of precipitation each month.
6°CHow You Will Reach Upper Kachura Lake?
Reaching Upper Kachura Lake can be a bit of a journey, but it’s worth it for the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake. Here’s an overview of how to reach paradise on earth from each of these cities.
From Islambad
Visitors can fly to the nearest airport, Skardu, which is around 1 hour and 30 minutes flight away, and then take a scenic 45-minute drive to the lake. Or they can take a flight to Gilgit and then embark on a picturesque road trip to Skardu and then to the lake.
From Lahore
Visitors can fly to Skardu, which is around 2 hours flight away, and then take a scenic 45-minute drive to the lake. Alternatively, they can take a flight to Gilgit and then embark on a picturesque road trip to Skardu and then to the lake.
From Karachi
Visitors can fly to Skardu, which is around 2 hours and 30 minutes flight away, and then take a scenic 45-minute drive to the lake. On the other hand, they can take a flight to Gilgit and then embark on a picturesque road trip to Skardu and then to the lake.
History of Upper Kachura Lake
The lake is believed to have been formed as a result of glacial activity, and it is estimated to be around 10,000 years old.
Upper Kachura Lake and the surrounding area have been inhabited by various indigenous tribes for thousands of years, and the area has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The local people have a deep spiritual connection to the lake and consider it to be a sacred site.
In the 1960s, the Pakistani government developed the area around the lake as a tourist destination, and it was officially named Shangrila Lake. The name “Shangrila” is derived from the Tibetan word for “heaven,” and the area was developed as a resort destination, with a hotel and other tourist facilities being built around the lake
The development of the area as a tourist destination helped to bring economic development to the region, but it also had a significant impact on the local environment and culture.
In an effort to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area, the Pakistani government has taken steps to limit the number of visitors to the lake and to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
Today, the lake is a popular destination for tourists visiting Pakistan and known for its clear blue waters, surrounded by majestic mountains, it is a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The lake and its surroundings are considered a fragile ecosystem, so visitors are encouraged to minimize their impact and follow the Leave No Trace principles to help protect the natural environment.
Places to Visit Near Upper Kachura Lake
There are several tourist attractions near Upper Kachura Lake. Here are a few popular ones:
Shigar Fort
This 17th-century fort is located in the nearby town of Shigar, which is around 15 km from the lake. The fort offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the fort’s history and architecture.
Kachura Village
This traditional mountain village is located near the lake and is known for its beautiful natural scenery and friendly local people. Visitors can take a tour of the village to learn more about the traditional way of life of the local people and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Deosai National Park
Deosai national park is located around 50 km from the lake and is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can take a tour of the park to see a wide variety of animals such as the Himalayan brown bear, the markhor and the ibex, as well as a wide variety of birds.
Cold Desert
The Cold Desert, also known as Rama meadows is 40 km from the lake and famous for its beautiful natural scenery and unique rock formations. Visitors can take a hike in the area to see the unique rock formations and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
K2 Base Camp
K2 is the second-highest peak in the world and the base camp of K2 is located around 80 km from the lake. Visitors can take a trek to the base camp to see the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and experience the unique culture of the local people.
Tourist Activities at Upper Kachura Lake
Are you interested in being on the water?
Visitors can rent boats and explore the lake, taking in the beautiful natural scenery and maybe even trying their hand at fishing.
Are you an avid hiker?
The surrounding area of the lake offers several hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can take a hike around the lake and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Do you look for a relaxing experience?
The lake is located in a seismically active area which has resulted in the formation of several hot springs around the lake. Visitors can take a dip in the hot spring and enjoy the therapeutic benefits.
Are you a photography enthusiast?
The lake and the surrounding area offer many opportunities for photography, with its clear blue waters, snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Visitors can take pictures of the beautiful natural scenery and capture the memories of their trip.
Hotels Near Upper Kachura Lake
There are several hotels near Upper Kachura Lake which are as follows.
Shangrilla Hotel
This hotel is located near upper kachura lake and offers a variety of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, and cottages. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.
K2 Motel
This hotel is located in the nearby town of Skardu, which is around 25 km from the lake. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
PTDC Motel
This hotel is also located in Skardu and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant. A hotel is a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Skardu Continental Hotel
This hotel is located in Skardu near upper kachura lake and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Kachura Lake Lodge
This lodge is located near the lake, it offers comfortable accommodations and a restaurant.
These are just a few examples of the many hotels near Upper Kachura Lake, and visitors can find many more options depending on their budget and preferences. Some hotels may be closed during the winter season as the area is affected by heavy snow. It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
| Hotel Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Shangrila Resort Hotel | +92 58 287 1000 |
| Serena Shigar Fort | +92 58 287 2000 |
| Hotel Himalaya Skardu | +92 58 287 0000 |
| Hotel Mashabrum | +92 58 287 0303 |
| Skardu View Point Hotel | +92 58 287 0404 |
| Green Paradise Resort | +92 58 287 0505 |
| Baltistan village Guest House Skardu | +92 58 287 0606 |
| Summit Hotel Skardu | +92 58 287 0707 |
| Indus View Hotel | +92 58 287 0808 |
| Byarsa Hotel Skardu | +92 58 287 0909 |
| Concordia Motel Baltistan | +92 58 287 1000 |
| Al Noor Guest House | +92 58 287 1101 |
| Legend Hotel Skardu | +92 58 287 1202 |
| Tibet Motel | +92 58 287 1303 |
| Roomph Premium Al Noor Airport Road | +92 58 287 1404 |
| Eat And Read Hotel | +92 58 287 1505 |
| Hispar Hotel Skardu | +92 58 287 1606 |
| Space Hotel Shigar | +92 58 287 1707 |
| Snowland Palace Skardu | +92 58 287 1808 |
Please note that these are just a few of the hotels in Upper Kachura Lake, Pakistan. There are many other hotels available, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Upper Kachura Lake, also known as Shangrila Lake, is a beautiful and unique tourist destination located in the Skardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Surrounded by the majestic Karakoram mountain range, this lake is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
For more informative tourism blogs, visit E-lands Pakistan – Explore Pakistan.