Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Desert
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
Half Day
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Sarfaranga Cold Desert is a sandy desert located in Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan. It is known as one of the highest cold deserts in the world. The desert features wide sand dunes set against a backdrop of tall mountains, some with snow on top. In winter, the desert itself can be covered in snow. This place offers a surprising and unique landscape in a mountainous area of Pakistan.
What To Do
- Walk on the soft, white sand dunes.
- Take many photos of the desert and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
- Enjoy a thrilling jeep safari ride across the sandy terrain.
- Watch the beautiful sunset or sunrise over the vast desert.
- Try camping under the clear, star-filled sky (with proper arrangements).
What To Buy
- Local Handicrafts: Hand-woven rugs, wooden items, and pottery from the Shigar Bazaar. Get Directions
- Dry Fruits: Fresh apricots, almonds, and walnuts, which are grown in the region. Find them at Shigar Bazaar. Get Directions
- Gilgit-Baltistan Caps: Traditional woolen caps (often called 'Pattu Cap') that locals wear. Available at local shops in Shigar Bazaar. Get Directions
- Gemstones: Locally found stones like peridot and aquamarine, sold by local sellers. Look for them in Shigar Bazaar. Get Directions
- Herbal Teas & Spices: Unique herbs and spices collected from the mountain valleys. You can find these at small stores in Shigar Bazaar. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Always respect the local customs and traditions of the people in Shigar.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages or public places.
- Do not leave any trash or litter in the desert or surrounding areas. Keep the environment clean.
- If you want to take photos of local people, always ask for their permission first.
Health & Safety
- The altitude is high, so take your time to adjust when you arrive to avoid altitude sickness.
- Carry plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated in the dry desert air.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that are suitable for walking on sand.
- If you are doing a jeep safari, make sure you go with a reliable driver and follow their safety instructions.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: (March-May): Weather is cool and comfortable. Snow melts from mountains, and valleys start to turn green. Good for comfortable walks.
Summer: (June-August): Days are mild and pleasant, nights are cool. This is the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the desert.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy (July-September): Gilgit-Baltistan gets less monsoon rain than other parts of Pakistan. Mostly clear weather, with a chance of light rain.
Autumn: (September-November): Cool and dry weather. The trees in the valleys change colors to golden and red, offering beautiful views. Fewer visitors during this time.
Winter: (December-February): Very cold, and the desert can be covered in snow. Some roads might be closed, making travel difficult.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Skardu Airport (KDU), located in Skardu city. It is about 30 kilometers from Shigar. There are daily flights from Islamabad to Skardu.
- By Road: You can reach Shigar from Skardu city using the Skardu-Shigar Road. To get to Skardu, you can travel from Islamabad or Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway.
- By Train: There are no train services in Gilgit-Baltistan. The nearest major active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station, which is over 600 kilometers away. A train journey from other big cities can take more than 15 hours.
- By Public Transport: Shared jeeps and vans are available from Skardu city to Shigar town. From Shigar town, you can hire a local taxi or another jeep to reach the Sarfaranga Cold Desert.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Shigar Fort Restaurant: Located inside Shigar Fort, CP9X+22V, Shigar. Phone: +92 5816 450410. Get Directions
- Fresco Hotel & Restaurant: Near Shigar Fort, Shigar. Phone: +92 344 5777770. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Serena Hotel Shigar Fort: Located inside Shigar Fort, CP9X+22V, Shigar. Phone: +92 5816 450410. Website: Serena Hotels. Get Directions
- K2 Motel & Guest House: On Shigar Road, near Shigar Fort, Shigar. Phone: +92 345 5900000. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- District Headquarter Hospital Shigar: CP5R+X8G, Shigar. Phone: +92 5816 920002. Get Directions
- Ambulances:
- Rescue 1122 Pakistan: Dial 1122 for emergency ambulance services.
- Police Station:
- Police Station Shigar: CP6R+7W7, Shigar. Phone: +92 5816 920000. Get Directions
